What you need to do to get a new Texas driver's license
To get your first Texas driver's license, you will visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes multiple visits — one to explore and take the written test, and a second (usually weeks later) to take the driving test once you have logged enough supervised driving hours. You cannot complete this entirely online or by mail.
Texas does not issue a learner's permit as a separate step the way some states do. Instead, once you pass your written test at the DPS office, you receive a temporary driving permit that lets you practice with a licensed adult in the car. You must hold this permit for a minimum of 6 months and 14 days before you can take the driving test, or 30 days if you are 18 or older. During this time, you are building the supervised driving hours that the examiner will ask about when you return for your road test.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office twice: once to explore and take the written test, and again after your waiting period to take the driving test.
- You need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
- After passing the written test, you receive a temporary permit that requires you to wait at least 6 months and 14 days (or 30 days if you are 18 or older) before taking the road test.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
- Bring your completed DL 44 form to your first DPS visit; you can fill it out at home or at the office.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need proof of identity (your birth certificate is the most common choice for first-time applicants, though a valid passport works too), proof of Texas residency (a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form). If your name has changed due to marriage or court order, bring the document that shows the change.
If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead. If you are under 18, at least one parent or legal guardian must sign your DL 44 process form and may need to be present at the DPS office — check your local office's rules, as they vary slightly.
The written test: what to expect and how to prepare
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request a reader if you have a documented disability. You have 30 minutes to complete it.
Study material is free: the Texas Driver Handbook is available on the DPS website and in print at any DPS office. It covers everything on the test. Many people also use online practice tests — search "Texas DPS practice test" — though these are not official and vary in quality. The real test is straightforward if you have read the handbook and understand basic traffic rules. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra cost.
The waiting period and supervised driving practice
After you pass the written test, you receive a temporary driving permit valid for 12 months. You must wait at least 6 months and 14 days before taking the road test if you are under 18, or 30 days if you are 18 or older. During this time, you must practice driving with a licensed adult (at least 21 years old) in the front passenger seat. There is no official minimum number of hours required, but the examiner will ask how many hours you have practiced, and examiners expect to see evidence of real experience — typically at least 40 to 50 hours for younger drivers.
Keep a straightforward log of your practice drives if you can: date, location, weather, and how long you drove. This helps you remember when you talk to the examiner, and it shows you have taken the practice seriously. Practice in different conditions — daytime and night, highway and city streets, light traffic and heavier traffic — so you are ready for whatever the examiner asks you to do.
The driving test: what the examiner will ask you to do
The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, turning, stopping, backing up, and parking (usually parallel parking). You will drive on city streets and possibly a highway, depending on the test route. The examiner is watching for smooth control, awareness of other traffic, correct use of signals and mirrors, and obedience to traffic laws. Common reasons people fail are hitting the curb while parking, failing to come to a complete stop, not checking mirrors before changing lanes, or hitting the examiner's brake pedal (which they can operate if they feel unsafe).
Bring your temporary permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you are using, and the vehicle's registration. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — working brakes, lights, wipers, and steering. If the examiner finds a safety problem with the car, you will not be able to test that day. You can retake the test, but you will have to pay the fee again and schedule another appointment, which can take weeks.
Fees and how long the process takes
The fee for a first-time driver's license is set by Texas and does not vary by location. As of 2024, the fee is $16 for a license valid for 4 years, or $32 for an 8-year license. You pay this fee at your first visit when you take the written test. If you fail the road test, you pay again to retake it. Some DPS offices accept cash, check, and card; a few accept cash only, so call ahead.
The entire process from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail typically takes 8 to 12 weeks. The written test appointment can usually be scheduled within a few days to a few weeks depending on how busy your local DPS office is. After you pass the written test, you must wait your minimum time (6 months 14 days, or 30 days if 18+) before you can schedule the road test. Once you pass the road test, your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, the temporary permit you received is valid to drive.
What happens if you fail the written test or road test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts. You do not pay again; the fee covers multiple attempts within a certain timeframe. Most offices let you retake it the same day if you want to, though you may need to wait a few hours.
If you fail the road test, you must schedule another appointment and pay the fee again. There is no waiting period, so you can retake it as soon as the next available appointment, which might be days or weeks away depending on how busy the office is. You can take the road test up to 5 times within a 12-month period. If you do not pass within that time, you have to start over: retake the written test and begin the waiting period again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online?
No. You must take the written test in person at a DPS office. You cannot do it from home or at a school. However, you can study the Texas Driver Handbook online and use practice tests to prepare before you go.
What if I am 18 or older — do I still need to wait 6 months?
No. If you are 18 or older, you only have to wait 30 days after passing the written test before you can take the road test. You still need to practice driving during that time, and the examiner will still ask about your experience.
Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?
Yes. You must provide a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and steering. If you do not own a car, you can borrow one from a family member or friend as long as it meets these requirements.
What if I move to a different county or city before I finish?
You can take both the written test and road test at any DPS office in Texas, even if it is not in your home county. Your temporary permit is valid statewide. However, you still need to provide proof of Texas residency, so if you move, bring updated residency documents to your road test appointment.
How much does the whole process cost?
The license fee is $16 for a 4-year license or $32 for an 8-year license, paid at your first visit. If you fail the road test and retake it, you pay the fee again. There are no other official fees, though you will spend money on gas and time for practice driving.