What You Need to Know Before You Start
If you're under 18 in Texas, you'll fill out Form DL-44 to get your first driver's license. This is the same form adults use, but you'll need extra documents because you're a minor — specifically, parental or guardian consent and proof that you've completed driver education. You cannot walk into a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office and hand in a form alone; a parent or legal guardian must be present with you, and they must sign the form in front of a DPS employee.
The process takes longer for minors than for adults because Texas requires you to hold a learner permit for a waiting period before you can test for a license. That waiting period is at least 14 days if you're 16 or older, or 6 months if you're under 16. You'll need to pass a written test to get the permit first, then pass a driving test later to get the license itself.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete a state-approved driver education course before you can get a learner permit, and your parent or guardian must sign Form DL-44 in person at a DPS office.
- You'll first get a learner permit by passing a written test, then wait at least 14 days (if you're 16 or older) or 6 months (if you're under 16) before you can test for your license.
- Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and your driver education completion certificate to your appointment.
- Your parent or guardian must bring their ID and proof of residency to the appointment as well, and they sign the consent section of Form DL-44.
Complete Driver Education First
Before you can get a learner permit, you must finish a driver education course approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This course teaches you traffic laws, hazard recognition, and safe driving practices. Most high schools offer driver education during the school year at no cost to students, but you can also take it through a private driving school if your school doesn't offer it or if you've already graduated.
The course includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. When you finish, you'll receive a certificate of completion — keep this document because you'll need to show it when you explore for your learner permit. If you take the course through your school, ask the driver education teacher or your school's records office how to get an official copy.
Get Your Learner Permit
Once you have your driver education certificate, you and your parent or guardian can go to a DPS office to explore for a learner permit. Bring Form DL-44 (filled out but not signed), your birth certificate or passport, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease in your parent's name), your Social Security number, and your driver education certificate. Your parent or guardian must bring their ID and proof of their own residency.
At the DPS office, you'll take a written test covering traffic signs, road rules, and safe driving. The test has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass. If you pass, you'll pay the permit fee (the amount varies but is typically under $30) and receive your learner permit on the spot. Your parent or guardian will sign Form DL-44 in front of the DPS employee at this time.
With a learner permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and there are restrictions on when you can drive (no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first 6 months, for example).
Wait the Required Time Before Testing for Your License
After you get your learner permit, you must wait before you can test for your full driver's license. If you're 16 or older, you wait at least 14 days. If you're under 16, you wait 6 months. During this time, you should practice driving with your parent or guardian or another licensed adult to build your skills.
Texas does not require a minimum number of practice hours, but many parents and driving instructors recommend at least 50 to 100 hours of supervised driving before you take the road test. The more you practice, the more confident and prepared you'll be.
Schedule and Take Your Driving Test
After the waiting period is over, you can schedule an appointment to take your driving test at a DPS office. You'll need to bring your learner permit, your ID, and proof of residency. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and includes driving on city streets, highways, and residential roads. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parking, turning, and stopping to check your control of the vehicle and your knowledge of traffic rules.
If you pass the driving test, you'll pay the license fee (typically under $50 for a minor's license) and receive your driver's license. If you don't pass, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on DPS office availability.
Documents Checklist for Your DPS Appointment
| Document | Who Brings It | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Form DL-44 (filled out, not signed) | You | Official process form; parent/guardian signs at office |
| Birth certificate or passport | You | Proof of identity and age |
| Proof of Texas residency | You | Utility bill, lease, or school enrollment letter in your name or parent's name |
| Social Security number | You | Required for all Texas driver's licenses |
| Driver education certificate | You | Proof you completed the required course |
| Parent/guardian ID | Parent or guardian | Proof of their identity |
| Parent/guardian proof of residency | Parent or guardian | Confirms they live in Texas |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my license without taking driver education?
No. Texas law requires all drivers under 18 to complete a state-approved driver education course before they can get a learner permit. There is no exception to this requirement, even if you've been driving with a permit for a long time.
What if my parent or guardian can't come to the DPS office with me?
Your parent or guardian must be present in person to sign Form DL-44. If they cannot go to the office, you cannot get your learner permit or license at that time. You'll need to reschedule your appointment for a time when they can attend.
Do I need to retake the written test if I fail it the first time?
Yes. If you don't pass the written test for your learner permit, you can retake it, usually within a few days. You'll pay the permit fee again each time you test. There's no limit on how many times you can retake it, but you must pass before you can get your permit.
Can I take my driving test at a different DPS office than where I got my permit?
Yes. Your learner permit is valid at any DPS office in Texas, so you can schedule your driving test at whichever office is most convenient for you. You don't have to return to the same location.
What happens if I turn 18 before I finish the process?
If you turn 18 while you have a learner permit, you can still use that permit to practice and take your driving test. However, once you turn 18, you no longer need a parent or guardian to sign your license process, and some of the restrictions on your permit (like the midnight-to-5-a.m. driving ban) may change or end.