What You Need to Do to Get a 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 and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity and Texas residency. The entire process takes multiple visits — you cannot complete it in one day. Most people spend two to four weeks from start to finish, though this depends on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many attempts you need.

You do not need to hold a learner's permit first if you are 18 or older, but if you are under 18, Texas requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. The written test and driving test are separate appointments, and you must pass the written test before you can schedule the driving test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with specific documents proving your identity and Texas residency before you can take any test.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before taking the driving test; if you are 18 or older, you can skip the permit and go straight to the driving test after passing the written exam.
  • The written test and driving test are scheduled separately, and you must pass the written test first.
  • You will pay a fee at your first DPS visit to take the written test, and another fee when you take the driving test; fees vary but typically total between $30 and $50.

Gather Your Documents Before You Visit DPS

The DPS will not let you take the written test without proof of identity and proof of Texas residency. Bring originals, not copies — the office will not accept photocopies. You need one document from the identity list and one from the residency list.

For identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Permanent Resident Card, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If you are under 18, you can also bring a school ID issued by a Texas school district plus a report card or transcript from that school.

For residency, bring one of these: a utility bill in your name dated within the last 60 days, a lease or mortgage statement in your name, a property tax bill, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, a bank statement, a paycheck stub, or a government document with your current Texas address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though the DPS can verify it without the card if you know your number.

Schedule and Take Your Written Test

Visit the DPS website at dps.texas.gov or call your local DPS office to schedule an appointment for the written test. You can walk in without an appointment at most offices, but wait times are often two to four hours. Scheduling ahead takes five minutes and guarantees you a specific time slot.

At your appointment, bring your documents, your Social Security number, and payment for the test fee. The fee is typically $16 for the written test, though some offices charge slightly different amounts. Pay by cash, check, or debit card — policies vary by office.

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer or paper form. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment; most offices allow you to try again when ready for no additional fee.

You will receive a score sheet on the spot. Keep this — you will need to show it when you schedule your driving test. If you passed, the DPS will issue you a learner's permit if you are under 18, or you can move straight to scheduling your driving test if you are 18 or older.

Wait Six Months if You Are Under 18

If you are under 18, Texas law requires you to hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. You cannot shorten this waiting period. During this time, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat.

Your learner's permit is valid for two years. If you do not take the driving test within two years, your permit expires and you will need to retake the written test to get a new one.

Schedule and Take Your Driving Test

Once you have passed the written test and (if you are under 18) waited six months, schedule your driving test appointment at a DPS office. You can schedule online, by phone, or in person. The wait for a driving test appointment is typically two to four weeks, depending on your location and the time of year.

Bring your learner's permit or your written test score sheet, a valid form of ID, and proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use during the test. Texas requires you to carry proof of liability insurance. If you do not have your own vehicle, you can use someone else's car as long as you have permission and the insurance covers you as a driver.

The driving test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner will sit in the passenger seat while you drive on public roads. You will be tested on basic skills: starting and stopping smoothly, turning, parking, merging, and following traffic laws. You must demonstrate that you can operate the vehicle safely and obey all traffic signs and signals.

If you pass, the examiner will tell you on the spot. You will return to the DPS office to pay the driving test fee (typically $16) and have your photo taken. Your new driver's license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting a few days; most offices allow you to schedule another attempt when ready.

What Happens After You Pass the Driving Test

After you pass the driving test and pay the fee, the DPS will take your photograph and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while your permanent license is being mailed. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

Your Texas driver's license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person before it expires. The DPS sends renewal reminders to your mailing address about 60 days before your license expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

No. You must pass the written test first, then schedule the driving test as a separate appointment. If you are under 18, you must also wait six months between passing the written test and taking the driving test. If you are 18 or older, you can schedule the driving test when ready after passing the written test, but the appointments are on different days.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can try, though you will pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. You do not need to retake the written test unless your learner's permit or test score expires.

Do I need a learner's permit if I am 18 or older?

No. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit and go straight from passing the written test to taking the driving test. You do not need to practice with a permit first. If you are under 18, a learner's permit is required and must be held for at least six months.

What if my documents are expired?

An expired passport, birth certificate, or other identity document is still acceptable as long as the document itself is genuine. However, your proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days — an expired utility bill or lease will not work. If you cannot find a recent residency document, contact your DPS office to ask what alternatives they accept.

How much does a Texas driver's license cost?

The written test fee is typically $16 and the driving test fee is typically $16, for a total of about $32. Some DPS offices charge slightly different amounts. You may also pay a license issuance fee when you receive your permanent license, though this is often included in the test fees. Call your local DPS office to confirm the exact fees in your area.