What you need to bring to the Texas DPS office

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires six documents before you can test for your license. You need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID card), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), proof of legal presence (passport, visa, or I-94), a completed DL-44 process form, and proof of a name change if applicable (marriage certificate or court order). Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

If you are under 18, you also need a completed DL-44 form signed by a parent or guardian, plus their ID. Minors must complete a driver education course and a behind-the-wheel training course before they can test. The DPS website lists approved providers in your county.

Bring all documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost in the stack. The DPS staff will not search for missing papers once you are in line. If you show up without everything, you will be turned away and must reschedule.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring original or certified copies of six documents: identity, Social Security proof, Texas residency, legal presence, the DL-44 form, and any name-change paperwork.
  • Minors need a parent or guardian signature on the DL-44, plus completion of a driver education course and behind-the-wheel training before they can test.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • The road test lasts about 20 minutes and tests basic vehicle control, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws in real conditions.
  • You can schedule your appointment online through the DPS website or by phone; walk-ins are accepted but waits can exceed two hours.

How to schedule your DPS appointment

Visit the Texas DPS website and select "Schedule an Appointment" under the Driver License section. You will enter your zip code to find the nearest office, then choose a date and time. The system shows you available slots up to 30 days ahead. If no slots appear, the office is booked; check back the next day or try a different location.

You can also call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to book over the phone. Have your zip code and a list of dates that work for you ready before you call. Wait times on the phone are often 30 minutes or longer during peak hours (mornings and early afternoons on weekdays).

Walk-ins are permitted at all DPS offices, but you will take a number and wait your turn. Typical wait times range from 30 minutes to over two hours depending on the office and time of day. Scheduling ahead saves time and guarantees you a spot.

The written test: what to expect and how to study

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You get one attempt per visit; if you fail, you can reschedule and try again.

Study material is free on the DPS website: the Texas Driver Handbook covers everything on the test. The handbook is available in PDF, as an interactive online version, and in print at any DPS office. Many people study for one to two weeks before testing. Focus on right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, and what each road sign means.

You will sit at a computer terminal in the DPS office and answer questions on screen. You cannot bring notes, phones, or study materials into the testing area. If you fail, ask the staff which topics you missed so you can focus your next study session.

The road test: vehicle requirements and what the examiner checks

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current and in the car. The examiner will check that the vehicle has working brakes, steering, windshield wipers, lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals), and a horn. If any of these fail, the test is cancelled and you must reschedule with a different vehicle.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and directs you through a route that includes city streets, turns, parking, and sometimes highway driving. You will be tested on smooth acceleration and braking, proper signaling, lane changes, parking (both parallel and perpendicular), and following traffic laws. Minor mistakes like hesitating at a stop sign cost points; major mistakes like running a red light or hitting a curb result in failure.

Bring your written test passing certificate and your learner's permit (if you have one) to the road test. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that let you work the pedals easily. Arrive 10 minutes early so the examiner can inspect the vehicle before the test begins.

Getting your license after you pass

Once you pass both the written and road tests, the DPS staff will take your photo and print your license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to your address. The plastic license arrives within two to three weeks in most cases.

Your Texas driver's license is valid for six years if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, it is valid until your 18th birthday, then you must renew it. The cost is $33 for a six-year license (as of 2024, though fees can change). You pay at the DPS office before you leave.

If your license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS to report it. You can use your temporary paper license to drive legally until the plastic card shows up. If you move, you must update your address with the DPS within 30 days; you can do this online or at any DPS office.

What to do if you fail the written or road test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or reschedule for another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. You pay the test fee again (currently $16 for the written test). Most people pass on the second try after studying the topics they missed.

If you fail the road test, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it. You pay the road test fee again (currently $17). Common reasons for failure include hitting a curb during parking, failing to signal a turn, or not coming to a complete stop. Ask the examiner which maneuver caused the failure so you can practice it before your next appointment.

You can schedule your retest online or by phone using the same process as your first appointment. Some people book their retest before they leave the DPS office to find a time slot quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. The DPS requires proof of a Social Security number as one of the six mandatory documents. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a standard driver's license. You may be able to get an ID card instead, which requires different documentation; contact your local DPS office to learn what documents you would need.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver's license from start to finish?

If you schedule an appointment and pass both tests on your first try, you can have your temporary license the same day. The plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you need to retake a test, add one to two weeks. The entire process from your first DPS visit to receiving your plastic card typically takes three to four weeks.

What if I move to Texas from another state?

You must get a Texas license within 60 days of moving. You will need to pass the written test and road test just like a new driver. Your out-of-state license does not transfer. Bring your out-of-state license as proof of identity along with the other five required documents.

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

The DPS offers the written test in English and Spanish only. If you need an interpreter for the road test, you can bring one, but the examiner will still give instructions in English or Spanish. Contact your local DPS office ahead of time if you need an interpreter so staff can plan for it.

What happens if I fail the road test three times?

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the road test in Texas. You can keep scheduling appointments and trying again. Each attempt costs the road test fee. Many people pass on the third or fourth try after additional practice.