What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license

To get your first Texas driver's license, you will visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process takes about four to six weeks from start to finish, though the office visit itself usually takes one to three hours. You cannot complete this online — Texas requires you to appear in person for the photo and the driving test.

The process has three main stages: gathering your documents before you go, passing the written knowledge test at the DPS office, and scheduling and passing the driving test at a separate appointment. Most people complete the written test on the same day they submit their paperwork, but the driving test happens later, usually within two to four weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring original documents proving your identity, Texas residency, and Social Security number to the DPS office — copies and digital photos do not work.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs and you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website.
  • You will take the driving test in your own vehicle or a rental, with a DPS examiner in the passenger seat, and it lasts about 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Bring cash or a debit card to pay the license fee, which is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring originals, not copies. The DPS will not accept photocopies, scans, or photos of documents on your phone. You need one document proving your identity (such as a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or consular report of birth), one document proving you live in Texas (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form).

If your name has changed since your identity document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your valid visa or immigration document.

Write down your Social Security number before you go, or bring the card itself. You will need it to fill out the process at the office. Bring your current address and phone number as well.

How to pass the written knowledge 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 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request a reader or interpreter if you need one — tell the DPS office staff when you arrive.

Study using the free Texas Driver Handbook, which the DPS publishes online at the Texas DPS website. The handbook covers everything the test covers. You can also find practice tests online through the DPS website. Most people spend two to four weeks studying before they take the test, though some study for only a few days and still pass.

You take the test on a computer at the DPS office on the same day you submit your documents. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

After you pass the written test, the DPS office will give you a temporary permit that lets you drive while you wait for your driving test appointment. You will receive a letter in the mail with your driving test date and time, usually within two to four weeks. You can also call the DPS office or check online to see your appointment date.

For the driving test, bring your temporary permit, a valid photo ID, and your own vehicle or a rental car. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the lights, wipers, horn, and brakes before you drive. Bring proof of insurance in the vehicle. If you use a rental car, make sure you are listed as an authorized driver on the rental agreement.

The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DPS office. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must follow all traffic signs and signals, stay within the speed limit, and demonstrate safe driving. If you fail, you can retake the test, usually within a few weeks, for the same fee.

What happens after you pass the driving test

Once you pass the driving test, the examiner will tell you that you have passed. You will receive your license in the mail within one to two weeks. The license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which one you paid for. Your temporary permit is valid until your license arrives, so you can continue to drive.

If you do not receive your license within three weeks, contact the DPS office where you took the test. Bring your temporary permit and a photo ID if you need to pick up your license in person.

Fees and payment

A four-year driver's license costs $16. An eight-year driver's license costs $32. You pay at the DPS office when you submit your documents. The DPS accepts cash and debit cards. Some offices may accept credit cards, but call ahead to confirm. You do not pay anything extra to retake the written test or the driving test on the same day you fail.

If you retake the driving test on a different day, you pay the test fee again, which varies by office but is usually $7 to $10. Ask the DPS office staff about the fee when you schedule your retake.

Finding a DPS office near you

Use the DPS office locator on the Texas DPS website to find the office closest to you. Enter your city or ZIP code and the website will show you the address, phone number, and hours. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm the hours before you go, because hours change seasonally.

You do not need an appointment to take the written test and submit your documents — you can walk in during office hours. However, arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait. If the office is very busy, you may wait one to three hours. Bring something to read or work on while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

No. You must take the written test in person at a DPS office. You cannot take it online or by mail. You must also appear in person for your photo, which is printed on your license.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it as many times as you need. You will pay the test fee each time you retake it. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. The DPS will schedule your next test within a few weeks of your failure.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You need to prove your Social Security number, but you do not have to bring the card itself. A W-2 form, 1099 form, or a letter from the Social Security Administration also works. However, bringing the card is the fastest way to prove it.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. Your license is mailed to the address you provide at the DPS office. If you move before it arrives, contact the DPS office to update your address. You cannot have someone else pick it up in person.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

A U.S. passport, consular report of birth, or other government-issued identity document works instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the DPS office to ask what documents you can bring. You may need to get a birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.