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

To get a 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 the day you pass your driving test, though the office visit itself usually takes one to three hours. You cannot complete this online — Texas requires you to appear at a DPS office, take the tests there, and have your photo taken.

The fastest path is to gather your documents before you go, schedule an appointment online if your county offers it, and take the written test on your first visit. Many people make a second trip for the driving test a few days or weeks later. If you are under 18, the timeline is longer because Texas requires a waiting period and a driver education course.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, a Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency — no online option exists.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving; you can study using the free DPS manual or take a practice test on the DPS website.
  • You must pass the written test before you can schedule a driving test, and you cannot take the driving test the same day.
  • After you pass both tests, DPS mails your license to you within two to four weeks; you will receive a temporary paper license at the office.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and wait 14 days after passing the written test before taking the driving test.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a visa, or a foreign national ID. A school ID, library card, or expired license does not count. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that together establish your identity — for example, a Social Security card plus a school transcript or utility bill.

You also need proof that you live in Texas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill, insurance statement, or government mail also counts. Bring the original or a copy.

Finally, you need your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or be prepared to state the number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring additional documents — ask the DPS office which ones before you go.

Taking the Written Test at the DPS Office

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 also in other languages at some offices — call ahead if you need a language other than English or Spanish.

Study using the free Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes online and distributes at every DPS office. The handbook covers everything on the test. You can also take a free practice test on the DPS website to see which topics you need to review. Many people study for a few hours to a few days before taking the test.

You take the test on a computer at the DPS office. You will sit in a testing booth, and a DPS employee will monitor you. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will know your score when ready. If you pass, you can schedule a driving test. If you fail, you can retake the written test the same day, though you may have to wait a few hours and pay the fee again.

Scheduling and Taking the Driving Test

After you pass the written test, you can schedule a driving test. In many Texas counties, you can book an appointment online through the DPS website. In others, you must call the local DPS office or go in person. The driving test is not available the same day you pass the written test — you must wait at least one day, and in practice most offices have openings one to four weeks out.

For the driving test, bring your temporary paper license (which you received after passing the written test), proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will drive. The vehicle must be registered, have working brakes and lights, and be in safe condition. A DPS examiner will ride with you for about 20 to 30 minutes while you drive on city streets and highways. You will be tested on lane changes, parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws.

You pass the driving test if you make no major errors and only a few minor ones. Major errors include hitting something, failing to obey a traffic signal, or driving too fast. Minor errors include hesitating too long or not checking your mirror. You will know whether you passed before you leave the office. If you fail, you can retake it, though you will have to pay the fee again and wait for another appointment.

What Happens After You Pass Both Tests

Once you pass the driving test, DPS will mail your license to the address you provided. This takes two to four weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive legally until your permanent license arrives. Keep this paper license in your vehicle.

Your Texas driver's license is valid for six years if you are 18 or older, or until your 18th birthday if you are under 18. After that, you will need to renew it. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, depending on your age and how much time is left on your license.

Special Rules if You Are Under 18

If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can take the written test. This course is offered by high schools, private driving schools, and online providers. It typically takes 30 hours of classroom instruction and covers the same material as the written test, plus more detail on safe driving. After you finish the course, you will receive a certificate that you must bring to the DPS office.

You must also wait 14 days after passing the written test before you can take the driving test. This waiting period is required by Texas law and cannot be waived. If you pass the written test on a Monday, the earliest you can take the driving test is the Monday two weeks later.

Your first license as a minor is valid only until your 18th birthday. When you turn 18, you can renew it in person at a DPS office, and it will then be valid for six years.

Fees and Payment

The written test costs $16. The driving test costs $16. Your license itself costs $25 if you are 18 or older, or $13 if you are under 18. You pay each fee when you take each test or receive your license. DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices, though a few accept only cash — call ahead to confirm.

If you fail the written test or driving test, you pay the fee again to retake it. There is no charge to retake the test the same day if you fail, but you will pay again if you come back on a different day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test the same day as the written test?

No. Texas law requires at least one day between passing the written test and taking the driving test. In practice, most DPS offices have driving test appointments weeks in advance, so you will likely wait much longer.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it. You will pay the $16 fee again and wait for the next available appointment, which may be weeks away. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it. Many people pass on the second or third attempt.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a license?

Yes, unless you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number. If you do not have one, bring your visa or immigration documents and ask the DPS office which additional documents you need. Texas can issue a license to non-citizens in certain situations.

Can I get a license if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. A birth certificate is one option, but you can use a passport, military ID, visa, or other identity document instead. If you have none of these, bring two documents that together prove your identity, such as a Social Security card and a school transcript.

How long does it take to receive my license in the mail?

Two to four weeks is typical. Your temporary paper license is valid to drive during this time. If you do not receive your license after five weeks, contact the DPS office where you took your test.