What you need to do to get your first Texas driver's license
To get your first Texas driver's license, you will visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide documents proving your identity and Texas residency. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish, though the office visit itself usually lasts one to three hours depending on how busy the location is.
You cannot get a Texas license by mail or online. You must show up with original documents, take both tests on the same day or different days (your choice), and pay a fee. Most people complete everything in one or two visits.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original birth certificate or passport, proof of Texas residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number to your DPS office visit.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website before you go.
- The driving test happens in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle, and you must show you can handle basic maneuvers, follow traffic laws, and park safely.
- Your license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass both tests and pay the fee, which varies by age and license type.
- If you fail either test, you can retake it after a waiting period; the DPS office will tell you when you can come back.
Documents to bring to the DPS office
Bring originals, not copies. The DPS will not accept photocopies or digital images for your first visit. You need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof that you live in Texas.
For identity, bring your birth certificate (long-form, not a short-form certificate) or a valid passport. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card itself, or a W-2, tax return, or pay stub showing your number. For Texas residency, bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a Texas address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They will need to sign forms and bring their own ID. If you are 18 or older, you do not need anyone with you.
How to study for the written test
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish.
read the free Texas Driver Handbook from the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Read through it at least once before your office visit. The handbook covers everything the test covers, and nothing on the test comes from outside the handbook. Many people spend two to four hours studying it over a few days.
You can also take practice tests online through the DPS website. These are free and show you the format and types of questions you will see. Taking a practice test once or twice usually shows you which topics you need to read more carefully in the handbook.
What happens during the driving test
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner sits in the passenger seat while you drive. You will be asked to perform basic maneuvers like parking, backing up, turning, and stopping. The examiner watches whether you follow traffic laws, check your mirrors, signal properly, and stay in control of the vehicle.
You can use your own vehicle or ask to use a DPS vehicle. If you use your own car, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you start. If anything is broken, you will not be allowed to test that day.
You do not need a special score on the driving test—you either pass or fail. The examiner is looking for safe, legal driving. Common reasons people fail are running a red light or stop sign, hitting a curb, speeding, or not signaling. If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period; the office will tell you how long.
Scheduling your DPS office visit
Find your nearest DPS office on the DPS website. Most large cities have multiple locations. You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website, or you can walk in without an appointment. Walk-in wait times vary widely—some offices have short waits, others have waits of several hours, especially on Saturdays.
Scheduling online usually means a shorter wait. You pick a date and time, and the office holds a slot for you. If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online so someone else can use that time slot.
Bring all your documents and be ready to wait. Bring water and something to read. The office will call you when it is your turn. You will first check in at the front desk, then go to a station where staff will verify your documents and take your photo. Then you will take the written test at a computer. If you pass, you can take the driving test the same day or schedule it for another day.
Fees and how long the license takes to arrive
The fee for a first-time driver's license depends on your age and how long you want the license to be valid. A license for someone 18 to 84 years old costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. If you are under 18, the fee is different and depends on when you turn 18.
You pay at the DPS office after you pass both tests. You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. The office will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while you wait for your plastic license to arrive in the mail.
Your plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks in most cases. It comes to the Texas address you provided. If it does not arrive within four weeks, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6884 to report it.
What to do if you fail a test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it after one business day has passed. If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least seven days before retaking it. You do not pay the full fee again—you only pay a retest fee, which is lower than the original fee.
When you fail, the examiner or test administrator will tell you what you did wrong and what to study or practice. For the written test, review the handbook sections you missed. For the driving test, practice the maneuvers that caused problems, or ask a friend or family member to ride along and give feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online from home?
No. Both the written test and the driving test must be taken in person at a DPS office. You cannot take either test remotely or by mail.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else with my number on it?
You can bring either your Social Security card or another document that shows your number, such as a W-2, tax return, or pay stub. The DPS accepts any of these as proof of your number.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
A valid passport works instead of a birth certificate for proving your identity. If you do not have either, contact the DPS office before your visit to ask what other documents they will accept.
Can someone else take the driving test for me?
No. You must take the driving test yourself. The examiner needs to see that you can drive safely and follow traffic laws. No one can do this for you.
How long is my license valid once I get it?
A standard Texas driver's license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which one you paid for. Your license will show the expiration date on the front. You can renew it by mail or online before it expires.