What you need to do to get a new Texas driver license
To get a new Texas driver license, you visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. You cannot do this entirely online or by mail — Texas requires you to show up, prove your identity, and demonstrate you can drive safely. The whole process takes one visit if you pass both tests, though you may need to return for a second appointment if the office is busy or if you fail a test.
The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle, depending on the office. Most people complete both tests on the same day they visit, though some offices schedule the driving test for a later appointment.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you need to pass with a score of at least 70 percent.
- The driving test requires you to demonstrate basic vehicle control and safe driving in real traffic; you can use your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle.
- The total cost is $16 for a Class C license valid for five years, or $32 for an eight-year license if you are 18 or older.
- Processing times vary by office location; some offices have same-day appointments available, while others may have a wait of several weeks.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other document that proves your identity and citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. A driver license from another state counts as proof of identity. You also need one document that proves you live in Texas — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address will work. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 90 days.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you cannot provide either, you can request a waiver from DPS, though this may delay your license. Bring your original documents, not photocopies, unless the document is certified. DPS will not accept a photocopy of a birth certificate unless it is certified by the vital records office that issued it.
How to schedule an appointment at a DPS office
Go to the DPS website at dps.texas.gov and select "Driver License" from the main menu. Click on "Schedule an Appointment" and enter your zip code to find the nearest office. You will see available appointment times for the next several weeks. Some offices fill up quickly, especially in urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, so check multiple nearby locations if your first choice is full.
You can also walk in without an appointment at most DPS offices, but you may wait several hours. If you walk in, arrive early in the morning — most offices stop accepting walk-ins by mid-afternoon. Appointment slots are typically released online at 8 a.m. on the first day they become available, usually about four weeks in advance. If you need a license quickly and your nearest office is booked, try offices in smaller towns nearby; they often have shorter wait times.
What to expect during the written test
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You have 30 minutes to complete it. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and also in other languages at some offices — call ahead to confirm if you need a language other than English or Spanish. You need to score at least 70 percent, which means you can miss no more than 9 questions.
The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, following distance, and what different road signs mean. If you fail, you can retake the test at your next appointment, usually within a few days. DPS provides a free study guide on its website that covers all the material on the test. Many people study this guide for a few hours the night before and pass on their first try.
What to expect during the driving test
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and is conducted by a DPS examiner. You will demonstrate basic vehicle control — starting, stopping, turning, backing up, and parking — and drive in real traffic to show you can follow road signs, obey speed limits, and react safely to other vehicles. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches your driving. You do not need to perform complex maneuvers; the test is designed to confirm you can operate a vehicle safely, not to assess advanced driving skills.
You can use your own vehicle, a vehicle borrowed from a friend or family member, or a DPS vehicle if the office offers one. If you use your own vehicle or a borrowed one, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins. If anything is not working, you will not be able to take the test that day. If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another appointment and retake it; most people pass on their second attempt.
Fees and how long your license is valid
A Class C driver license costs $16 and is valid for five years. If you are 18 or older, you can pay $32 for an eight-year license instead. You pay the fee at the DPS office when you pass both tests. DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you fail either test, you do not pay the fee until you pass and are ready to receive your license.
Your license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. Standard mail delivery takes about 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited mail at the DPS office for an additional fee, though this is not always available at every location. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
What happens if you fail a test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it at your next appointment. You do not have to wait a specific amount of time between attempts. If you fail the driving test, you can also retake it at your next appointment. Most DPS offices allow you to schedule a new appointment when ready after you fail, sometimes for just a few days later.
There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test. Each time you retake a test, you pay the same fee again only when you pass and receive your license. If you fail multiple times, consider spending more time studying the written test guide or practicing your driving skills with a friend or family member before your next attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English or Spanish?
Some DPS offices offer the written test in languages including Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and Tagalog. Call the office where you plan to take your test to confirm which languages are available. You may need to schedule your appointment in advance if you need a language other than English or Spanish.
What if I fail the driving test because the examiner says I made a mistake I disagree with?
You cannot appeal a failed driving test to DPS. Your only option is to retake the test with a different examiner at your next appointment. If you believe the examiner made an error, you can file a complaint with DPS after you retake the test, but this will not change your current test result.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or just know my number?
You do not need to bring your Social Security card. You only need to know your Social Security number and provide it verbally or on the process form. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your ITIN instead.
Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot go to the DPS office?
No. You must be present at the DPS office to take the written and driving tests. Another person cannot take the tests for you. However, once your license is mailed to your address, someone else can pick it up from your mailbox or home.
What if I move to a different Texas city after I pass my tests but before my license arrives?
Contact DPS before you move and provide your new address. Your license will be mailed to your new address instead. You can update your address online at dps.texas.gov or by calling the DPS office where you took your test.