The Texas driver's license process starts at your local DPS office

To get a Texas driver's license, you visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The entire process typically takes several visits: one to explore and take the written exam, and a second (usually scheduled weeks later) to take the driving test. You cannot complete this by mail or online.

Texas issues driver's licenses valid for six years for people under 85. The fee is $33 for a six-year license as of 2024, though fees can change. You must be at least 16 years old to hold a learner's permit or license, and at least 18 to hold a license without parental consent.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing you don't have one.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Texas Driver's Handbook available on the DPS website.
  • After passing the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test, which usually occurs weeks later depending on office availability.
  • Bring your learner's permit to the driving test, along with a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
  • If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you must wait a set period and pay the test fee again.

What documents you need to bring to a DPS office

Texas requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or a statement that you don't have one.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a permanent resident card, or a visa with an I-94 form. A school ID or expired driver's license does not count as primary identity proof.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your name and current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax receipt, or a government check. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full number. 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.

How to pass the written knowledge test

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions covering 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 some DPS offices offer it in other languages; call ahead to confirm.

The Texas Driver's Handbook, available free on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov, covers all material on the test. Many people study it for a few hours before their test appointment. You cannot bring notes or study materials into the testing room, and you cannot use your phone or any electronic device during the test.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. You pay the test fee again each time you retake it. Most people pass on their first or second attempt.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

After you pass the written test, the DPS office will give you information about scheduling your driving test. You typically cannot take the driving test on the same day as the written test. Depending on how busy your local DPS office is, the driving test appointment may be scheduled weeks or even months ahead.

For the driving test, bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, and a vehicle that is currently registered in Texas, has valid liability insurance, and is in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and mirrors. Bring proof of insurance and registration with you.

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks such as starting the vehicle, backing up, turning, parking, and stopping. The examiner will also observe how you handle traffic and follow road signs. You must follow all traffic laws during the test; running a red light or stop sign is an automatic failure.

If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another appointment and retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you pay the test fee each time.

Costs and payment methods at DPS offices

The standard fee for a six-year driver's license is $33. This fee covers both the written test and the driving test. If you retake either test, you pay an additional fee for each retake; as of 2024, retake fees are $7 for the written test and $7 for the driving test, though these amounts can change.

DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices may have restrictions on which payment methods they accept, so call ahead if you want to confirm. If you pay by check, bring a valid ID.

If you are a Texas resident over 60, you may be charged a reduced fee; ask at your local DPS office. Military members and veterans may also have fee reductions in some cases.

Finding your nearest DPS office and making an appointment

You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. The site has a location finder that shows office hours, phone numbers, and which services each office offers. Some DPS offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours.

You can walk into most DPS offices without an appointment, but wait times vary widely. During peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays), you may wait one to three hours. Some DPS offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the website, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.

Call your local DPS office if you have questions about which documents to bring or if you need to know whether a specific document will be accepted. Staff can often answer questions faster than the website.

Special situations: learner's permits, renewals, and out-of-state transfers

If you are under 18 and getting your first license, you must first obtain a learner's permit. The process is similar: you bring documents, pass the written test, and pay a fee. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat. A learner's permit is valid for two years.

If you already have a driver's license from another state, you can transfer it to a Texas license. You still need to pass the written test and bring proof of identity and residency, but you do not need to take the driving test. Bring your out-of-state license with you.

If your Texas license is expiring, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal. Visit the DPS website to see which renewal method applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English or Spanish?

Most DPS offices offer the test in English and Spanish only. Some larger offices in cities with significant immigrant populations may offer additional languages, but you need to call your local office to confirm. If your local office does not offer your language, you may need to travel to a different office or arrange for an interpreter, though DPS does not provide interpreters.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. You must wait at least one day before retaking it, and you pay the test fee each time. Schedule your next appointment through your local DPS office or online if appointments are available. There is no limit to the number of attempts.

Do I need to bring the vehicle I will be driving to my written test?

No. You only need to bring a vehicle to the driving test. For the written test, bring only your documents and proof of Social Security number. The vehicle you use for the driving test must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition, but it does not have to be your own vehicle.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid?

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for six years. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation.

What if I lose my documents before my appointment?

Contact the agency that issued the document. For a birth certificate, contact the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born. For a Social Security card, visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. For a passport, contact the U.S. State Department. Getting replacement documents can take weeks, so start the process as soon as possible if you need them for your DPS appointment.