What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license
To get a Texas driver's license, you 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, residency, and Social Security number. The process takes one visit for the written test and a separate visit for the driving test, though some offices let you do both on the same day if you pass the written exam first. You cannot complete this entirely online or by mail — Texas requires in-person testing and document verification.
The entire process from first visit to receiving your license in the mail typically takes two to four weeks after you pass both tests. Your temporary paper license is valid when ready after you pass the driving test, so you can drive legally while waiting for the plastic card to arrive.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with original documents proving identity, Texas residency, and your Social Security number before you can test.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website.
- After passing the written test, you schedule a separate driving test where a DPS examiner rides with you in your own vehicle or a rental.
- Your temporary license is valid for 45 days after you pass the driving test, giving you time to receive your permanent license by mail.
- DPS offices have different hours and may require you to arrive early or book an appointment; check your local office's website before you go.
Documents you must bring to a DPS office
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Texas. For identity, the DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current Texas address — it must be dated within the last 30 days.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card works, but so does a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person at the DPS office. Bring their ID as well. If you are renewing a license you already have, bring the old license too — the DPS will take it and issue you a new one.
The written test: what it covers and how to study
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and some DPS offices offer it in other languages — call ahead to confirm.
The Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov, contains all the material covered on the test. You can read it online, read it as a PDF, or request a printed copy at a DPS office. Many people study the handbook for a few hours and take practice tests online before their test date. The DPS website also links to free practice tests that mimic the real exam.
You have 30 minutes to complete the written test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some charge a small fee for a retest. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test.
The driving test: scheduling and what happens during it
After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. Some DPS offices let you book this on the same day you pass the written exam; others require you to schedule it for a later date. The wait time for a driving test appointment varies by location — some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks during busy seasons.
During the driving test, a DPS examiner sits in your vehicle while you drive a route they select. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic skills like starting the car, turning, parking, backing up, and following traffic laws. You must use your own vehicle or a rental; the DPS does not provide test vehicles. Your vehicle must be in safe working condition with functioning brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it. The wait for a retest varies by office. You do not have to retake the written test unless your temporary license expires before you pass the driving test.
Finding a DPS office and checking wait times
Texas has DPS offices in most cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov by entering your city or zip code. The website shows each office's address, phone number, and hours of operation. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. A few offices are open on Sunday.
Many DPS offices now use an online appointment system. You can book a time slot on the website, which reduces wait times on the day of your visit. If your local office does not offer online appointments, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times. Some offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and recommend arriving early in the morning.
During peak times — typically mid-morning and early afternoon — wait times can be an hour or longer. Arriving right when the office opens or visiting on a weekday morning often means shorter waits. If you cannot get an appointment at your nearest office, check offices in neighboring cities; you can test at any DPS office in Texas, not just the one closest to your home.
Cost and what happens after you pass both tests
The fee for a Texas driver's license is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you pass your driving test. Some offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards; a few accept only cash. Call your local office to confirm what payment methods they take.
After you pass the driving test, the examiner gives you a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent plastic license to arrive by mail. Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provided on your process and usually arrives within two to four weeks.
If your permanent license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS office where you tested. They can check the status of your license and reissue it if there was a problem with the mailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. Texas requires you to take both the written and driving tests in person at a DPS office. You cannot complete either test remotely or by mail.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test. The wait time for a retest depends on your local DPS office; some allow you to reschedule when ready, while others have a waiting period. You do not have to retake the written test unless your temporary license expires before you pass the driving test.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else?
You can bring your Social Security card, but the DPS also accepts a W-2, a tax return, or a 1099 form as proof of your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one.
Can I test at a DPS office in a different city than where I live?
Yes. You can take your written and driving tests at any DPS office in Texas, not just the one in your city or county. This is useful if your local office has long wait times or limited appointment availability.
How long is my temporary license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days after you pass the driving test. This gives you time to receive your permanent license by mail. If your permanent license does not arrive within 45 days, contact the DPS office where you tested.