What you need to do to get your teenager a Texas driver's license
Texas issues driver's licenses to teenagers in two stages: a learner permit first, then a full license after supervised driving time. Your teenager must be at least 14 years old to get a learner permit and at least 16 years old to get a full driver's license. The process takes several months from start to finish because Texas requires a waiting period between the permit and the license, plus documented hours behind the wheel.
You will need to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person. Your teenager cannot get a license by mail or online. The DPS office will check documents, take a photo, and administer a written test and a driving test. Bring original documents — photocopies and digital images are not accepted.
Key Takeaways
- Your teenager must pass a written knowledge test and a driving test at a DPS office; there is no way to complete this by mail or online.
- A learner permit requires proof of identity, Social Security number, residency, and parental consent; it costs $16 and lasts two years.
- After holding a learner permit for at least 6 months and completing 40 hours of supervised driving (10 at night), your teenager can test for a full license.
- A full driver's license costs $32 and is valid for 8 years; you will need the same documents as the permit, plus proof of the supervised driving hours.
- Bring originals of all documents to the DPS office — no photocopies or digital images are accepted.
Getting a learner permit: documents and the written test
Start by taking your teenager to any DPS office with an original birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in a parent's name dated within the last 60 days). You will also need to show your own ID. Your teenager will fill out an process (Form DL-44), and you will sign it as the parent or guardian.
The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Your teenager can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which the DPS provides free online and in print at any DPS office. The test has 30 questions; your teenager must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. If they fail, they can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra cost.
The permit costs $16 and is valid for two years. With a learner permit, your teenager can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. They cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and they cannot use a cell phone while driving — even hands-free.
Supervised driving hours and the waiting period
Texas requires your teenager to hold a learner permit for at least 6 months before they can test for a full license. During that time, they must complete 40 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night (between sunset and sunrise). You or another licensed adult must be in the front passenger seat for all of these hours.
Keep a written log of the driving hours. The DPS does not require a specific form, but you should record the date, time of day, location, and miles driven for each session. When your teenager is ready to test for the full license, bring this log to the DPS office. Some driving schools will maintain the log for you if you use their instruction, though this is not required.
If your teenager completes a driver education course through a school or private instructor, the waiting period may be reduced to 30 days instead of 6 months. The course must be approved by the Texas Education Agency. Ask the school or instructor whether they provide a certificate that qualifies for the shortened waiting period.
The driving test and full license
When your teenager has completed the 40 supervised hours and waited the required time, return to a DPS office to schedule the driving test. Bring the learner permit, your proof of identity, and the written log of supervised driving hours. The DPS examiner will review the log before the test begins.
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask your teenager to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. They will also drive on city streets or highways to demonstrate safe speed control, lane changes, and responses to traffic. Your teenager must follow all traffic laws during the test. If they fail, they can retake it after waiting a few days; there is no additional fee.
Once your teenager passes the driving test, the DPS will issue a full driver's license on the spot. The license costs $32 and is valid for 8 years. Your teenager can now drive unsupervised during daylight hours, though Texas law still restricts nighttime driving for drivers under 18 until they have held the license for 6 months.
Restrictions for drivers under 18
Even after your teenager gets a full license, Texas law places limits on when and how they can drive. For the first 6 months after getting the license, they cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent, guardian, or licensed adult 21 or older is in the vehicle. After 6 months, this restriction lifts.
Your teenager also cannot use a cell phone while driving — not even hands-free — until they turn 18. This includes texting, calling, and using GPS or music apps. The only exception is calling 911 in an emergency. Violations can result in a fine and points on their driving record.
If your teenager receives a traffic ticket or is involved in an accident, their license can be suspended. Texas has a points system: certain violations add points to the record, and accumulating too many points triggers a suspension. A parent or guardian can request a hearing to contest the suspension.
Renewing or replacing a learner permit or license
A learner permit is valid for 2 years. If your teenager does not pass the driving test before the permit expires, they will need to renew it. Return to a DPS office with the expired permit and pay $16 for a new one. They can keep the same permit number and do not need to retake the written test unless more than 5 years have passed since they first took it.
A full driver's license is valid for 8 years. When it expires, your teenager can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. Renewal by mail or online costs $32 and takes about two weeks. Renewal in person is when ready but requires a new photo and costs the same amount.
If your teenager loses their license or permit, or if it is damaged, they can get a replacement at any DPS office. Bring proof of identity and pay a replacement fee (usually $11 for a permit or $16 for a license). The replacement will have the same expiration date as the original.
Finding a DPS office and scheduling an appointment
Texas has DPS offices in every county. Find the nearest one using the DPS office locator on the Texas Department of Public Safety website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require an appointment. Check the office's hours and appointment availability before you go.
To schedule an appointment, visit the DPS website or call the office directly. Appointments often fill up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas, so plan ahead. If you cannot get an appointment at your nearest office, try offices in neighboring counties — you can test at any DPS office in Texas, not just the one in your county.
Bring all required documents in originals, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, and bring your teenager's Social Security card and birth certificate even if you have already submitted them for the learner permit. The DPS verifies documents at each stage of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my teenager get a license if they were born outside the United States?
Yes. Your teenager will need a birth certificate, passport, or visa along with proof of Social Security number and Texas residency. If they do not have a Social Security number, they can still get a license but will need to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a document from the Department of Homeland Security instead. Bring originals to the DPS office.
What if my teenager fails the driving test?
They can retake it at no extra cost after waiting a few days. There is no limit to how many times they can test. If they fail multiple times, consider having them practice more with a licensed adult or take a few lessons with a professional driving instructor before trying again.
Do I have to use a driving school, or can I teach my teenager myself?
You can teach your teenager yourself. A driving school is not required. However, if you complete an approved driver education course, the 6-month waiting period between the learner permit and the full license test is reduced to 30 days. This can save time if you want your teenager to get their license faster.
What happens if my teenager gets a ticket while they have a learner permit?
Traffic violations go on their driving record and add points to it. Too many points can result in a license suspension. If your teenager receives a ticket, you can request a hearing to contest it. Consult a traffic attorney if you believe the ticket was issued unfairly.
Can my teenager drive to school with a learner permit?
No. With a learner permit, your teenager can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. They cannot drive alone to school or anywhere else. Once they pass the driving test and get a full license, they can drive to school during daylight hours (and at night after 6 months with the license).