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

To get a Texas driver's license, you visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes several visits: one to explore and take the written test, and a second (usually weeks later) to take the driving test once you pass the written portion. You cannot complete this entirely online or by mail.

Texas issues a standard driver's license valid for five years if you are under 85, or two years if you are 85 or older. The fee is $33 for a five-year license as of 2024, though fees can change. You must be at least 16 years old and a Texas resident to hold one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office twice: once to explore and take the written test, and again to take the driving test after you pass the written portion.
  • Bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner in your own vehicle and typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Processing times vary, but you should expect to wait several weeks between passing the written test and being scheduled for the driving test.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Texas requires specific documents to prove who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate (not a photocopy from home). If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document. You also need a document showing your Social Security number—your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form all work.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your name and current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement will work. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, bring two documents showing your old address and one showing your new address, along with a signed statement explaining the move.

Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though other documents showing your number are acceptable. You will also need to bring the completed DL 43 form (process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card), which you can fill out at home before you go or at the DPS office.

The written test: what it covers and how to prepare

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, and you can request a reader or interpreter if you need one. The test takes about 30 minutes.

Texas provides a free study guide called the Texas Driver's Handbook, available online at the DPS website and in print at any DPS office. The handbook covers everything tested: right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, stopping distances, what different road signs mean, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. Most questions come directly from the handbook, so reading it thoroughly is the most effective way to prepare.

You can take the written test on the same day you explore, or you can explore first and schedule the test for another day. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some offices may require you to wait before retesting. There is no additional fee to retake the test.

The driving test: what the examiner watches for

The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner in your own vehicle and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner watches how you handle basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and merging. They are checking whether you can control the vehicle safely, follow traffic laws, and respond correctly to road signs and traffic signals.

Before the test begins, the examiner will ask you to show that your vehicle's lights, windshield wipers, horn, and brakes work. Bring a vehicle that is in safe working condition. The examiner will direct you through a route that includes residential streets, busier roads, and at least one left turn and one right turn. You must demonstrate that you can stop smoothly, maintain a safe speed, check your mirrors, and signal before turning.

Common reasons people fail the driving test include rolling through stop signs, failing to signal, speeding, hitting the curb during parking, or not checking mirrors before changing lanes. If you fail, you can schedule another test, usually within a few weeks. There is a fee to retake the test—check with your local DPS office for the current amount.

How to schedule your test and what happens after you pass

After you pass the written test, the DPS office will give you a receipt. You do not schedule the driving test on the spot; instead, the DPS office will contact you by phone or mail when a testing slot is available. Wait times vary by location and season—some offices have slots available within two weeks, while others may take six weeks or longer. You can call your local DPS office to ask about current wait times.

Once you pass the driving test, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for 45 days and counts as proof that you are licensed to drive. If your permanent card does not arrive within that window, contact the DPS office where you tested.

Your new license will be valid for five years from the date it is issued (or two years if you are 85 or older). You can renew it by mail, online, or in person before it expires.

Special situations: minors, name changes, and out-of-state moves

If you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian sign your process. You also must hold a learner's permit (called a Learner License in Texas) for at least six months before you can take the driving test. A Learner License costs $16 and requires the same documents as a driver's license. You can take the written test to get a Learner License at age 15, then take the driving test once you turn 16 and have held the permit for six months.

If you have changed your name since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change along with your other required documents. If you are moving to Texas from another state and already have a valid driver's license, you can exchange it for a Texas license without retaking the tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Texas, and your Social Security document to a DPS office.

Finding a DPS office near you and preparing for your visit

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your zip code. Some offices are busier than others—rural offices often have shorter wait times than urban ones. Call ahead or check online to see if your office requires an appointment or operates on a walk-in basis. Many offices now use an online appointment system where you can reserve a time slot.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Wear clothes that allow you to move freely for the driving test—avoid very loose clothing or anything that might get caught on the steering wheel or pedals. Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas and is in safe working order before you arrive for the driving test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

No. You must visit a DPS office in person to take the written test. However, you can study the Texas Driver's Handbook online before you go, and some DPS offices offer practice tests on their computers while you wait.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after a waiting period (usually a few days to a week, depending on the office). There is a fee to retake the test. You do not need to retake the written test unless your Learner License has expired.

How long does a Texas driver's license last?

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for five years if you are under 85, or two years if you are 85 or older. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person before it expires.

Do I need a Learner License before I can take the driving test?

Only if you are under 18. Adults 18 and older can take the written test and driving test without first holding a Learner License, though you still need to pass the written test before taking the driving test.

What if I move out of state after I get my Texas license?

Your Texas license remains valid until it expires. You are not required to exchange it for a license in your new state when ready, but most states require you to get a local license within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check your new state's requirements.