What You Need to Know Before You Start

In Texas, you can get a driver license before you turn 18, but the process depends on your age and whether you have a learner permit first. If you are 16 or 17, you can move straight to a license without holding a permit — but you will need to pass a written test, a driving test, and meet vision and document requirements. If you are 15, you must get a learner permit first and hold it for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a license.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver licenses. You cannot get one by mail or online — you must visit a DPS office in person with the right documents and pass both tests on the same day or on separate visits, depending on the office.

Key Takeaways

  • Applicants aged 16 and 17 can get a license without a learner permit, but applicants aged 15 must hold a learner permit for at least six months first.
  • You will need an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Texas residency, a Social Security number, and a completed DL 44 form signed by a parent or guardian.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test at a DPS office; the written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving.
  • Bring your learner permit (if you have one) and proof of driver education completion to the DPS office, as some offices require it before the driving test.

Age 15: Getting a Learner Permit First

If you are 15, Texas law requires you to hold a learner permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a license. To get the learner permit, visit a DPS office with your parent or guardian and bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease in your name or your parent's name), your Social Security number, and a completed DL 44 form signed by your parent or guardian.

At the DPS office, you will take a written test covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules. You do not take a driving test for the learner permit. Once you pass the written test, you receive the permit on the spot. You must then wait six months before you can return to take the driving test for your license.

While you hold the learner permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

Age 16 and 17: Getting a License Without a Permit

If you are 16 or 17, you do not need a learner permit. You can go straight to a DPS office and take both the written test and the driving test to get your license. Bring the same documents as a 15-year-old: an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Texas residency, your Social Security number, and a completed DL 44 form signed by your parent or guardian.

Some DPS offices require proof that you have completed a driver education course before they will let you take the driving test. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to ask whether this is required. If it is, bring a certificate or completion letter from the course.

You will take the written test first. If you pass, you can schedule the driving test for the same day or a later date, depending on the office's schedule. The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe decision-making on the road.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You need an original or certified birth certificate, a document proving you live in Texas (a utility bill, lease, or school enrollment letter works), and your Social Security number written down or your Social Security card itself. You also need a completed DL 44 form, which you can fill out at home or at the DPS office; your parent or guardian must sign it.

If you are 16 or 17 and your DPS office requires driver education proof, bring your certificate or completion letter. If you are 15 and already have a learner permit, bring it with you when you return to take the driving test.

Bring your parent or guardian with you if you are under 18. They must be present and may need to sign additional forms at the office.

The Written Test and What It Covers

The written test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle bad weather, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs.

You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare. The test is given on a computer at the DPS office, and you get your score when ready.

The Driving Test and What the Examiner Watches For

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DPS office. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers and road conditions. You will be tested on basic skills like starting the car, steering, braking, parking, turning, and merging. The examiner also watches whether you check your mirrors, use your turn signals, and obey speed limits.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you may have to pay a retest fee and wait a few days before your next attempt.

What Happens After You Pass

Once you pass both the written test and the driving test, the DPS office will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the office. Your license will be valid until your 18th birthday, at which point you will need to renew it.

Your license will have restrictions if you are under 18. You cannot drive alone between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or until you have held your license for a certain period, depending on your age when you got it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license at 15 without waiting six months for a learner permit?

No. Texas law requires anyone under 16 to hold a learner permit for at least six months before taking the driving test. If you are 16 or 17, you can skip the permit and go straight to the license.

What if I fail the written test or the driving test?

You can retake either test. There is usually a waiting period of a few days before you can retake the driving test, and you may have to pay a retest fee. You can retake the written test the same day in some offices.

Do I have to take driver education before I get my license?

It depends on your DPS office. Some offices require proof of driver education completion before the driving test; others do not. Call your local DPS office to ask. Driver education courses are offered by schools and private companies and usually take a few weeks.

What are the restrictions on my license if I am under 18?

You cannot drive alone between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to work, school, or a medical appointment. You cannot use your cell phone while driving except in an emergency. These rules explore until you turn 18.

How much does a driver license cost for someone under 18?

The fee varies depending on how long your license is valid. A license valid until your 18th birthday costs less than a license valid for longer. Check the DPS website or call your local office for the current fee.