What Texas requires before your teen can drive alone
Texas issues a Graduated Driver License (GDL) to drivers under 18, which comes with restrictions that lift as your teen gains experience. Your teen cannot drive alone until they hold this license — a learner permit is not enough. The GDL has three stages: a learner permit (age 14), a restricted license (age 16), and an unrestricted license (age 18). Each stage requires passing a test and waiting a set amount of time before moving to the next one.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues all driver licenses and permits. You will need to visit a DPS office in person — there is no online path to getting the actual license, though you can check office wait times and locations on the DPS website before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Your teen must be at least 14 years old to get a learner permit and at least 16 to get a restricted license that allows solo driving.
- The learner permit requires passing a written test about traffic laws and road signs; the restricted license requires passing both a written test and a driving test.
- Your teen must hold a learner permit for at least 6 months before taking the driving test for a restricted license.
- A restricted license comes with nighttime and passenger limits that stay in place until your teen turns 18 or holds the license for 12 months, whichever comes first.
- You will need documents proving your teen's identity, residency in Texas, and Social Security number when you visit the DPS office.
Getting a learner permit at age 14
Your teen can get a learner permit once they turn 14. To explore, bring your teen and the required documents to any DPS office. You will need proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or consulate ID), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in your name), and your teen's Social Security number or a letter from Social Security if they do not have one yet.
Your teen will take a written test covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions, and your teen must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which the DPS provides free online and in print at any DPS office. Many teens also use the DPS practice test tool on their website to prepare.
Once your teen passes the written test, they receive the learner permit when ready. With this permit, your teen can drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front seat next to them. The permit is valid for two years.
Holding the learner permit for 6 months before the driving test
Your teen must hold the learner permit for at least 6 months before they can take the driving test for a restricted license. This waiting period is a legal requirement in Texas and cannot be waived. During this time, your teen should practice driving with a supervising adult as much as possible — there is no minimum number of hours required by law, but the DPS recommends at least 30 to 40 hours of practice, including at least 10 hours at night.
Keep the learner permit with you when your teen drives. If a police officer stops you, your teen must show the permit along with proof that a licensed adult is supervising. Driving without a supervising adult while holding a learner permit is a violation and can result in a fine.
Taking the driving test for a restricted license at age 16
Once your teen has held the learner permit for at least 6 months, they can schedule a driving test at a DPS office. You will need to bring your teen, the learner permit, proof of identity, and proof of Texas residency again. Your teen will take a written test (the same rules as the learner permit test) and then a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DPS examiner.
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask your teen to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and merging. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, proper use of signals, and awareness of other vehicles and pedestrians. Your teen must pass both the written and driving portions to receive the restricted license.
If your teen does not pass the driving test, they can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will need to pay the test fee each time. Most DPS offices allow you to schedule the next test before you leave.
Understanding the restrictions on a GDL restricted license
A restricted license allows your teen to drive alone, but with limits that stay in place until your teen turns 18 or has held the license for 12 months, whichever comes first. The main restrictions are: no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. (with some exceptions for school, work, or medical emergencies), and no more than one passenger under age 21 in the car (unless the passenger is a sibling or the supervising adult is present).
Your teen must also follow all standard traffic laws and cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency. Violating these restrictions can result in a fine, a ticket, or suspension of the license.
If your teen turns 18 while holding a restricted license, the restrictions end when ready and the license becomes unrestricted. If your teen has held the restricted license for 12 months before turning 18, the restrictions also end at that point.
Documents you need to bring to the DPS office
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Birth certificate, U.S. passport, consulate ID, or state ID from another state | Original or certified copy. A photocopy does not count. |
| Texas Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax statement in your name | Must be dated within the last 30 days. Can be in your name or your spouse's name if you live together. |
| Social Security | Social Security number or a letter from Social Security | If your teen does not have a number yet, bring the letter instead. You can request one from ssa.gov. |
| Learner Permit (for driving test only) | The physical permit card | Required to schedule and take the driving test. |
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your residency document is in your spouse's name, bring proof that you live together, such as a joint utility bill or mortgage statement.
Costs and office locations
The fee for a learner permit is $16. The fee for a restricted or unrestricted license is $32. These fees are set by the state and do not vary by location. You pay at the DPS office when you explore.
DPS offices are located in most Texas cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the DPS website. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer waits, especially on weekends and after school hours. Many offices allow you to check in online before you arrive, which can reduce your wait time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my teen get a learner permit before age 14?
No. Texas law requires your teen to be at least 14 years old. Your teen can explore on the day they turn 14.
What if my teen fails the written test or driving test?
Your teen can retake the test at any time — there is no waiting period. You will pay the test fee again. Most DPS offices let you schedule the next test before you leave, or you can schedule online on the DPS website.
Can my teen drive at night with a restricted license?
No, not during the restricted period. Your teen cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless driving to or from school, work, or a medical emergency. Once your teen turns 18 or has held the license for 12 months, the nighttime restriction ends.
Do I need to be present when my teen takes the tests?
You do not need to be in the testing room, but you must be present at the DPS office to sign consent forms and provide your teen's documents. Bring your ID as well.
What happens if my teen gets a ticket while driving with a restricted license?
A ticket for violating GDL restrictions (such as driving at night or carrying too many passengers) can result in a fine. Multiple violations can lead to license suspension. Your teen should follow all restrictions to avoid these penalties.