What a Texas learner's permit lets you do and what it doesn't

A Texas learner's permit (also called a learner license) is a document that lets you practice driving before you take the road test for a full driver's license. It is not a license to drive alone. You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat at all times, and that person must be physically able to exercise control over the vehicle if needed.

The permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. During that time, you can drive during daylight hours and some evening hours, depending on your age. If you are under 18, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving — not even hands-free. You also cannot drive with more than one passenger under 21 years old in the car, unless that person is a family member.

The permit does not let you drive for work, carry passengers for money, or operate a commercial vehicle. It is strictly for supervised practice on public roads.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 14 years old to get a Texas learner's permit, and you need a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs and costs $16; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • A licensed driver at least 21 years old must sit in the front seat next to you every time you drive with a learner's permit.
  • You must hold the permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for a full driver's license, or three months if you complete a driver education course.
  • Violations while driving on a learner's permit — such as speeding or driving without a supervising driver — can result in fines and may delay your ability to get a full license.

Age requirements and how long you can hold a permit

You must be at least 14 years old to get a learner's permit in Texas. There is no upper age limit — adults can also get a learner's permit if they never had a license before or if their license has been expired for more than two years.

Once you receive the permit, it is valid for two years. However, you cannot take the road test for a full driver's license until you have held the permit for a minimum waiting period. If you are under 18, you must hold the permit for at least six months before you can test for a license. If you complete a driver education course (classroom and behind-the-wheel), you can reduce that waiting period to three months. If you are 18 or older, there is no waiting period — you can take the road test as soon as you pass the written test.

If your permit expires before you take the road test, you will need to renew it or start over with a new process.

Documents you need to bring to the Texas Department of Public Safety

You will explore for your learner's permit at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Bring originals or certified copies of the following documents:

  • Proof of identity: a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or state ID card.
  • Proof of Texas residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 90 days, or a government-issued ID with your current Texas address.
  • Proof of Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a letter from the Social Security Administration.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the process in person at the DPS office.

If any of your documents are not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, you can still get a permit, but you will need to fill out an additional form and provide an alternative document.

The written test: what it covers and how to prepare

The written test for a learner's permit covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly (70 percent) to pass. You have up to one hour to complete it.

The test is based on the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free and available online at the DPS website or in print at any DPS office. The handbook covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, traffic signals, pedestrian safety, and what to do if you are pulled over. It also explains the rules for learner's permit holders specifically.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts. Each test attempt costs $16. Some DPS offices allow you to schedule your test online in advance, which can reduce wait times.

how the process works at a Texas DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas Department of Public Safety website. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary. Some offices allow you to check wait times online or schedule an appointment, which is faster.

Bring all required documents and the $16 test fee in cash or card. A DPS employee will verify your documents, take your photo, and have you sign the process. Then you will take the written test on a computer at the office. If you pass, you will receive your learner's permit when ready — usually a plastic card that looks like a driver's license.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day if you pay the $16 fee again. You do not need to bring your documents a second time that same day.

The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how busy the office is and whether you need to retake the test.

Restrictions and rules while you hold a learner's permit

Texas has strict rules for learner's permit holders under 18. A licensed driver at least 21 years old must be in the front seat next to you at all times. That driver must be physically able to exercise control of the vehicle — they cannot be impaired, asleep, or distracted.

You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even if it is hands-free or for navigation. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You cannot drive with more than one passenger under 21 years old in the car, unless that passenger is your spouse or a family member. You cannot drive on a highway with a speed limit higher than 65 miles per hour unless a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is in the front seat — which is already required anyway.

If you are 18 or older when you get your learner's permit, some of these restrictions do not explore. You can drive at any time of day, and you can have passengers of any age. However, you still must have a supervising driver in the front seat, and you still cannot use a cell phone while driving.

Violations of these rules can result in fines, points on your driving record, and delays in getting your full license. If you are cited for a violation while on a learner's permit, you may be required to hold the permit longer before you can test for a license.

Moving to Texas or renewing an out-of-state permit

If you already have a learner's permit from another state and you move to Texas, you will need to get a Texas learner's permit. You cannot drive on an out-of-state permit in Texas. Bring your out-of-state permit, proof of residency in Texas, and your identity documents to a DPS office. You will take the Texas written test, and if you pass, you will receive a Texas permit. The $16 test fee applies.

If you have a valid out-of-state driver's license (not a learner's permit), you can drive in Texas without getting a Texas license, but only for a limited time. Check the DPS website for the current rules on how long you can drive on an out-of-state license before you must get a Texas license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive alone with a learner's permit?

No. You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat next to you at all times. If you are caught driving alone, you can be cited and fined, and your permit may be suspended or revoked.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period. You will pay the $16 fee each time you take the test. Most people pass on the second or third attempt if they study the Texas Driver's Handbook.

Can I drive on the highway with a learner's permit?

Yes, but only on highways with a speed limit of 65 miles per hour or lower if you are under 18. You must have a supervising driver in the front seat. If you are 18 or older, you can drive on any highway as long as a supervising driver is present.

How long do I have to wait before I can take the road test?

If you are under 18, you must hold the permit for at least six months, or three months if you complete a driver education course. If you are 18 or older, you can take the road test as soon as you pass the written test — there is no waiting period.

What if my learner's permit expires before I take the road test?

You will need to renew it or explore for a new one. Bring your expired permit and your documents to a DPS office, pay the $16 fee, and retake the written test. If you pass, you will receive a new permit valid for two years.