What You Need to Do to Get a Texas Driver License
To get a driver license in Texas, you must pass a written knowledge test, a driving test, and a vision screening at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You will also need to bring specific documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process takes about 30 to 45 minutes at the office, though you may wait in line depending on how busy the location is.
Texas does not require you to take a formal driver education course before testing, though some people choose to. You can study for the written test using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website. Most people pass the written test on their first attempt if they study the handbook beforehand.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or document showing your number, and proof of Texas residency such as a utility bill or lease.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices from the Texas Driver Handbook, which you can read online for free before you go.
- The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner at a DPS office and lasts about 10 to 15 minutes on public roads near the office.
- You must be at least 16 years old to take the test, and you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition for the driving portion.
- The fee for a driver license is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and you pay at the DPS office when you pass all tests.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Texas requires you to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy is not accepted. If you were born outside the United States, you will need your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization instead.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card itself is best, but you can also bring a W-2 form, a tax return, or a document from your employer or bank that shows your number. A document issued by a government agency that shows your number will work as well.
For proof of Texas residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all count. A government-issued ID from another state does not count as residency proof, even if it shows a Texas address.
You will also need to bring proof of your identity. A passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver license all work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a list that includes a school ID, a work ID, or a document from a government agency.
How the Written Test Works
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 covers material from the Texas Driver Handbook, which you can read free from the DPS website or pick up at any DPS office.
You take the test on a computer at the DPS office. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You have no time limit, though most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you must wait at least one hour before retaking it.
The handbook is about 50 pages long and covers everything the test asks about. Reading it once is usually enough to pass. Many people study it for a few hours the night before their test. The DPS also offers a free online practice test on its website that mimics the real test format.
What Happens During the Driving Test
The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner and lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. You drive on public roads near the DPS office while the examiner watches and scores you on basic skills like steering, braking, turning, and parking. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers such as backing up, parallel parking, or making a three-point turn.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered in Texas, has current insurance, and is in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, headlights, taillights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and a horn. The examiner will check these before you drive. If anything is broken or missing, you will not be allowed to take the test that day.
You must also bring a licensed driver with you to the DPS office if you are under 18. That driver will sit in the back seat during your test. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day and pay the test fee again.
Age Requirements and Restrictions for New Drivers
You must be at least 16 years old to take the driver license test in Texas. If you are 16 or 17, you will receive a license with restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even for hands-free calls.
These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18. At that point, you can go to any DPS office and request an unrestricted license at no cost. You do not need to retake the test.
If you are 18 or older, you can get an unrestricted license right away. There are no special rules or restrictions on your driving.
Where to Find a DPS Office and What to Expect
Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. The website also shows the hours each office is open. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some are open on Saturday mornings.
You do not need to make an appointment at most DPS offices. You can walk in during business hours. However, some offices in large cities do offer online scheduling, which lets you reserve a time slot ahead of time. Check the DPS website for your specific office to see if scheduling is available.
Expect to wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is. Offices are usually busier on Saturdays and right after school hours on weekdays. Going early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon often means a shorter wait.
Fees and How Long Your License Lasts
A Texas driver license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You pay the fee at the DPS office after you pass all tests. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. You cannot pay online or by mail.
A four-year license is a good choice if you are young and may move out of state or if you are not sure you will keep the same address. An eight-year license costs more but lasts longer and means you do not have to renew as often. The choice is yours.
Your license will have an expiration date printed on it. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Renewing online or by mail is faster and cheaper than renewing in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test if I have not read the Texas Driver Handbook?
You can take the test without reading it, but most people who do not study fail. The test covers only material from the handbook, so reading it beforehand makes passing much more likely. The handbook is free and takes a few hours to read.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it after waiting at least one day. You must pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after practicing more.
Do I need to take a driver education course?
No, Texas does not require it. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete a course, and some people find a course helpful for learning to drive safely. A course is optional, not required.
Can I get a license if I was born outside the United States?
Yes. You will need a passport or Certificate of Naturalization instead of a birth certificate. You must also have a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Bring the same residency and identity documents as anyone else.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?
You receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office the same day you pass. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving until the permanent one arrives.