How to Get a Driver's License in Texas

What You Need to Do to Get a Texas Driver's License

To get a Texas driver's license, you must pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide proof of identity and residency to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The process takes place at a DPS driver license office and typically takes several weeks from start to finish, though you can take the written and driving tests on the same day if you prepare in advance.

Texas issues driver's licenses to people 18 and older without restrictions. If you are 16 or 17, you must first hold a learner's permit for a waiting period before you can test for a license. The entire process — from getting your learner's permit to holding a full license — can take several months if you are under 18.

Key Takeaways

You must bring original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency to your DPS office visit.
The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website.
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and tests basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws.
If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 6 months and practice driving with a licensed adult before you can test for a full license.
Your Texas driver's license is valid for 8 years if you are 18 or older, or 4 years if you are under 18.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

The DPS requires you to bring an original or certified copy of documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and that you live in Texas. You cannot use photocopies or digital images on a phone — the documents must be physical originals.

For identity, bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For proof of Texas residency, bring a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement dated within the last 30 days. Your name on the residency document must match the name on your identity document, or you must bring a marriage certificate or court order showing the name change.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. Bring that letter along with your other documents.

Taking the Written Test on Texas Traffic Laws

The written test has 30 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 large-print version or other accommodations if you need them.

The DPS provides a free study guide called the Texas Driver Handbook, available as a PDF on the DPS website. The handbook covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. You can read it, read it online, or pick up a printed copy at any DPS office.

You take the written test at a DPS office on a computer. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

Scheduling and Taking the Driving Test

After you pass the written test, you can schedule your driving test at the same DPS office. The driving test lasts 20 to 30 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, and windshield wipers. A licensed adult must be present in the vehicle during the test, though they cannot help you or speak to the examiner.

During the test, the examiner watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, turning, changing lanes, parking, and stopping. The examiner also checks that you follow traffic laws, use your turn signals, and maintain safe speed. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting one day.

Wait times for driving tests vary by location and season. Some DPS offices have openings within a week; others have a wait of several weeks. You can check available times online through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office.

The Learner's Permit Requirement for Drivers Under 18

If you are 16 or 17, you must first hold a learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can test for a full driver's license. To get a learner's permit, you pass the written test and bring the same documents you would bring for a full license. You do not take a driving test to get the permit.

While you hold a learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. After 6 months, you can schedule your driving test for a full license.

The learner's permit is valid for 2 years. If you do not pass your driving test within that time, you must renew your permit before you can test again.

Costs and Timeline for Getting Your License

The DPS charges a fee for a driver's license. The cost depends on how long you want the license to be valid: an 8-year license costs more than a 4-year license. Fees also vary slightly by DPS office location. You pay the fee at the DPS office when you pass your driving test and receive your license.

The timeline depends on whether you are 18 or older and how quickly you can schedule your tests. If you are 18 or older and pass both the written and driving tests on the same day, you can receive your license the same day or within a few days. If you are under 18, you must wait at least 6 months from the date you get your learner's permit before you can test for a full license.

Your new license is typically ready to pick up within one business day of passing your driving test. Some DPS offices issue licenses on the spot; others mail them to you. Ask at your DPS office which applies to your location.

What Happens If You Fail Your Tests

If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready or return another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test. Most people pass on their first or second attempt if they study the Texas Driver Handbook.

If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it. You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. Common reasons people fail include not using turn signals, not stopping completely at stop signs, hitting the curb while parking, or not maintaining proper speed. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice before your next attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you pass the written test, you can schedule your driving test for the same day at most DPS offices, though availability depends on how busy the office is. Call ahead or check online to see if same-day testing is available at your location.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get a driver's license. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, along with your other identity and residency documents. The DPS will issue a license with an Individual Identification Number instead.

Do I need to bring my own vehicle to the driving test?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A licensed adult 21 or older must be in the vehicle with you, but they cannot help you during the test. If you do not have access to a vehicle, some DPS offices partner with driving schools that provide test vehicles for a fee.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid?

A Texas driver's license is valid for 8 years if you are 18 or older, or 4 years if you are under 18. You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office before it expires.

What if I move to Texas from another state?

You must get a Texas driver's license within 30 days of moving to the state. You can bring your out-of-state license along with your Texas residency documents to a DPS office. You will take the written test and driving test just as a new applicant would, though some states have reciprocal agreements that may waive the driving test — ask at your DPS office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.