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 and a driving test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes about 45 minutes to an hour at the office, though you should schedule an appointment online first because walk-ins face long waits. You must be at least 16 years old, and if you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian to sign your process.

Texas does not issue licenses by mail or online. You cannot complete this process remotely. The state also does not recognize digital-only IDs yet, so you will receive a physical card in the mail about two weeks after you pass your tests.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule your appointment at a DPS office through the Texas DPS website before you go, because most offices do not accept walk-ins or have very long waits.
  • Bring original documents proving your identity, Texas residency, and Social Security number — copies and digital photos do not work.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving test with an examiner in a DPS vehicle.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and sign your process in person.
  • Your license arrives by mail in about two weeks; you can drive with your receipt until it arrives.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring one document proving your identity — a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. The document must be an original, not a photocopy or digital image. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, you can use a military ID or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

You also need proof that you live in Texas. A utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter with your current address works. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number — a W-2 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own ID. They will sign your process at the office.

The written test and what it covers

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

You can study for free using the Texas DPS Driver's Handbook, which is available on the DPS website as a PDF. The handbook contains all the information the test covers. Many people also study using free online practice tests, which let you take sample questions and see which topics you need to review more.

The test is given on a computer at the DPS office. You have no time limit, though most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you will need to schedule another appointment.

The driving test: what the examiner looks for

The driving test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You drive a DPS vehicle with an examiner in the passenger seat. The examiner watches how you handle basic driving tasks: starting the car, using turn signals, stopping at stop signs, turning left and right, parking, and backing up. You will drive on city streets and possibly on a highway.

The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, not perfect driving. Common reasons people fail include not coming to a complete stop at stop signs, not using turn signals, hitting the curb while parking, speeding, or not checking mirrors and blind spots. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will need to schedule another appointment and may have to wait several days or weeks depending on how busy the office is.

You must bring your own vehicle or have someone else bring you in their vehicle. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn all work before you start driving.

Age requirements and restrictions for drivers under 18

You must be at least 16 years old to get a driver's license in Texas. If you are 16 or 17, you will receive a Graduated Driver License (GDL), which has restrictions that last until you turn 18.

With a GDL, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical emergency. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to report an emergency. If you have passengers under 21, you can have no more than one unless a parent or guardian is in the car. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 and renew your license.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign your process at the DPS office. They do not have to take the test with you, but they must be present to sign.

How to schedule your appointment and what to expect on the day

Go to the Texas DPS website and click on "Driver License" in the main menu. Select "Schedule an Appointment" and choose your county and the DPS office nearest you. Pick a date and time that works for you. Most offices have appointments available within one to three weeks, though busy urban offices may have longer waits.

You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details. Bring this email or your confirmation number to the office. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost.

At the office, you will check in at the front desk. A staff member will review your documents and take your photo for your license. Then you will take the written test on a computer. If you pass, you will schedule your driving test, which usually happens the same day or within a few days. After you pass the driving test, you are done. Your license will arrive by mail in about two weeks. You can drive legally using your receipt until your card arrives.

Cost and how long it takes

A Texas driver's license costs $33 and is valid for six years. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you explore. If you fail the written test and retake it the same day, there is no extra charge. If you fail the driving test and retake it later, you pay $7 for each additional driving test attempt.

The entire process — from scheduling your appointment to receiving your license in the mail — takes about three to four weeks. The appointment itself takes 45 minutes to an hour. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost. If you fail the driving test, you will need to schedule another appointment, which may take several days or weeks depending on office availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. You must take the written test in person at a DPS office. Texas does not offer online or mail-in testing for driver's licenses.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it, but you will need to schedule a new appointment. There is a $7 fee for each additional driving test. Most people who fail can schedule another test within a few days to a week, depending on how busy the office is.

Can I use a digital copy of my birth certificate or passport?

No. You must bring the original document. Photocopies, scanned images, and photos on your phone are not accepted.

What if I am 18 or older — do I still need a parent to sign?

No. If you are 18 or older, you do not need a parent or guardian present. You can explore on your own with your documents and identification.

Can I drive with my receipt before my license card arrives?

Yes. After you pass your driving test, you receive a receipt that works as a temporary license. You can drive legally with this receipt for about two weeks until your physical license card arrives by mail.