What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license

To get a Texas driver's license, you visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and pay the fee. The whole process takes one visit if you pass both tests, though you may need to return for the driving test on a separate day depending on the office's schedule. You'll need to bring specific documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number.

Texas does not issue licenses by mail or online. Every applicant must appear in person at a DPS office to have their photo taken and to take the written exam. The driving test happens either the same day or within a few weeks, depending on how busy your local office is.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with documents proving your identity, Texas residency, and Social Security number before you can take either test.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official DPS handbook available free online or in print at any DPS office.
  • The driving test includes a pre-drive vehicle inspection, basic maneuvers, and on-road driving; you bring your own vehicle or use one provided by the DPS office.
  • A standard five-year license costs $25 for applicants 18 and older; the fee varies slightly if you are under 18 or renewing early.
  • Processing times vary by office location; some offices book driving tests weeks in advance, so plan ahead if you have a important date.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

You need one document proving your identity, one proving Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number. A valid passport works for identity. A birth certificate also works, but only if paired with a second form of ID like a school ID or employee badge. A state ID card counts as identity proof if you already have one.

For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance policy also works. Your name must appear on the document. A piece of mail addressed to you at your Texas address is not enough by itself.

For Social Security proof, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number. If you do not have your card, a tax return or bank statement showing your number works. You do not need to bring the original; a copy is acceptable.

The written test: what to study and how to pass

The written test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test covers topics like right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs.

The official study material is the Texas Driver's Handbook, published by DPS. You can read it free from the DPS website (dps.texas.gov), or pick up a printed copy at any DPS office. The handbook is organized by topic and includes sample questions. Many people study it for a few hours and pass on their first try; others study for several days. There is no time limit on how long you can study before taking the test.

You take the test on a computer at the DPS office. The questions appear one at a time. You can go back and change your answers before you submit. If you fail, you can take the test again the same day at most offices, though you may have to pay the fee again.

The driving test: vehicle requirements and what the examiner checks

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and includes three parts: a vehicle safety inspection, basic maneuvers in a parking lot or quiet street, and driving on regular roads. You bring your own vehicle, or some DPS offices have vehicles you can use for a small additional fee (usually $10 to $15). If you use your own car, it must have valid registration, a current inspection sticker, and working brakes, lights, horn, and wipers.

The examiner checks that your vehicle has these working parts before you drive: headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, horn, steering, brakes, and seat belts. Bring your vehicle's registration and proof of insurance. The vehicle does not need to be registered in your name, but the registration must be current.

During the maneuvers portion, you demonstrate that you can start the vehicle, back up in a straight line, turn corners, and park. On the road, you drive in normal traffic, following the examiner's directions. The examiner watches for safe speed, proper lane changes, correct use of turn signals, and how you handle intersections and pedestrians. Common reasons people fail include hitting the curb while parking, failing to signal, speeding, or not stopping completely at stop signs.

Scheduling your tests and office locations

You can schedule your written test and driving test online through the DPS website, by phone at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935), or in person at a DPS office. Online scheduling is fastest; you choose your preferred office and date from available slots. Phone scheduling has longer wait times during busy hours. Walk-ins are accepted at most offices but may wait several hours.

DPS has offices in every Texas county. To find the office nearest you, use the office locator on dps.texas.gov. Each office has different hours and different wait times. Rural offices often have shorter waits than urban ones. Some offices are open only certain days of the week, so check before you go.

The written test and driving test do not have to happen on the same day. Many people take the written test, pass it, and then schedule the driving test for a week or two later. Some offices offer both on the same day if you pass the written test in the morning and the driving test slot is available that afternoon.

Fees and what happens after you pass

A standard five-year driver's license costs $25 for applicants 18 and older. If you are under 18, the fee is $15 for a four-year license (valid until age 21). If you renew before your license expires, the fee is $16. These fees are current as of 2024 and may change; check the DPS website for the most recent amounts.

You pay the fee at the DPS office after you pass both tests. Payment is by cash, check, or card, depending on the office. Some offices accept all three; others accept only cash and card. Ask when you arrive.

After you pass, the DPS office takes your photo and prints your license on the spot. You receive it when ready and can drive legally that day. Your license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it; most offices let you schedule another test within a few weeks.

Special situations: under 18, military, or changing your name

If you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian sign a consent form at the DPS office. Bring the form with you or fill it out there. You also need an additional document proving your age, such as a birth certificate or school ID. The written and driving tests are the same as for adults.

If you are active military or a military dependent, you may be able to use a military ID as proof of identity instead of a birth certificate or passport. Bring your military ID and ask the DPS office staff whether it meets their requirements, since some offices have different rules.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DPS office will issue a license in your new name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DPS offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages at most offices. When you schedule your test online or by phone, you can select your preferred language. If your local office does not offer your language, you may need to travel to a larger office or request an interpreter; call 1-844-377-8935 to ask about options.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can take it again. Most offices let you schedule another test within two to four weeks. You pay the license fee again only if you pass the second time. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, though some people benefit from taking a professional driving lesson between attempts.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the driving test?

No. You can go straight to the full license test without a learner's permit. However, a learner's permit is useful if you want to practice driving with a licensed adult before taking the test. To get a learner's permit, you pass the written test and pay a small fee; the permit is valid for one year.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass both tests?

You receive your license when ready after you pass the driving test and pay the fee. The DPS office prints it on the spot. You can drive legally that same day. There is no waiting period.

What if I move to a different county in Texas?

You do not need to retake the tests. You can renew your license at any DPS office in Texas, even if it is in a different county. When your license expires, visit any DPS office with your current license and the renewal fee.