What you need to do to get a Texas driver license
To get a driver license in Texas, you will visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test about traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity and residency. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your license to arrive in the mail.
Texas issues two types of licenses: a Class C license for regular passenger vehicles, and a Class M license if you also want to ride motorcycles. Most people get a Class C. You must be at least 16 years old, and if you are under 18, you must first hold a learner permit for a waiting period before you can test for the full license.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency to your DPS office visit — a utility bill or lease counts as residency proof.
- If you are under 18, you must hold a learner permit for at least 6 months and 14 days before you can take the driving test for a full license.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official DPS manual available free online.
- The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner and takes about 30 minutes; you bring your own vehicle or use one provided by the DPS office.
- After you pass both tests, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic license arrives by mail within two weeks.
Documents you need to bring to the DPS office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card to prove your identity. You will also need to provide your Social Security number — bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it, such as a W-2 form or tax return.
For proof that you live in Texas, bring one 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 work. A driver license from another state does not count as residency proof. If you do not have any of these documents, you can bring two documents that show your name and address but are older than 30 days, such as an old utility bill plus a school enrollment letter.
Bring your learner permit if you have one. If you are under 18, you will also need a form signed by a parent or guardian — the DPS office can provide this form, or you can read it from the Texas DPS website before you go.
The learner permit waiting period if you are under 18
If you are under 18, Texas law requires you to hold a learner permit for at least 6 months and 14 days before you can take the driving test. During this time, you can drive only with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat.
To get a learner permit, you visit a DPS office, pass the written test about traffic laws, and pay a fee (the amount varies by county but is typically under $30). You do not take a driving test to get the permit. Once you pass the written test, you receive your permit on the spot.
The 6 months and 14 days starts from the date you receive your permit, not the date you explore. After that waiting period is over, you can schedule a driving test appointment. If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner permit and can go straight to the driving test after passing the written test.
Preparing for and taking the written test
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 large-print or audio versions if you need them.
Study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website. The handbook covers everything the test covers. Many people also study using online practice tests, which are not official but follow the same format. You can take the written test at any DPS office during their business hours — no appointment is needed for the written test.
Bring your learner permit (if you have one) and your documents when you arrive. The test is administered on a computer at the DPS office. You will receive your score when ready after you finish.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
After you pass the written test, you schedule an appointment for the driving test. You can book online through the Texas DPS website, by phone at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935), or in person at a DPS office. The wait time for a driving test appointment varies by location and season — in busy areas it can be several weeks, while in less busy areas you might get an appointment within days.
For the driving test, bring your learner permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with functioning brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. If you do not have a vehicle, some DPS offices allow you to use a vehicle they provide, though you should call ahead to confirm this is available at your location.
The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks such as starting the car, backing up, turning, parking, and stopping. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers city and highway driving if possible. You must follow all traffic laws during the test. If you do not pass, you can retake the test — there is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay the test fee again.
After you pass the driving test
When you pass the driving test, the examiner gives you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your plastic license to arrive. Your plastic license is mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office and usually arrives within two weeks.
If your plastic license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS to check the status. You can call 1-844-DPS-TXDL or visit a DPS office in person. Keep your temporary paper license until your plastic license arrives — you need one or the other to drive legally.
Your Texas driver license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. You will need to renew it before the expiration date shown on your license. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your situation.
Fees and payment
The cost of a Texas driver license varies slightly by county but is typically around $30 to $35 for a six-year license. The written test and driving test are included in this fee — you do not pay separately for each test. Payment methods vary by DPS office; most accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards, but you should confirm what your local office accepts before you go.
If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, the fee is usually lower than the cost of a new license. If you need to change your name or address on your license, you may need to visit a DPS office in person, though some changes can be made online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?
No. You must pass the written test first, then schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. If you are under 18, you must also wait the 6 months and 14 days after getting your learner permit before you can take the driving test. If you are 18 or older, you can take the driving test as soon as you pass the written test, though you may need to wait for an appointment slot to open up.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test when ready — there is no waiting period. You pay the test fee again each time you retake it. Most DPS offices allow you to schedule another appointment right away, though availability depends on how busy your local office is. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.
Do I need to take a driver education course?
No, a driver education course is not required in Texas. However, if you are under 18, completing an approved driver education course can reduce your insurance costs and may help you feel more confident before the driving test. The course is optional.
What if I move to a different Texas county after I get my license?
You do not need to get a new license. Your Texas driver license is valid statewide regardless of which county you live in. You only need to update your address if you want your license to show your new address, which you can do online or at a DPS office.
Can I get a Real ID compliant license in Texas?
Yes. A Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. You get a Real ID license by bringing the same documents you would bring for a regular license, plus additional proof of your Social Security number and residency. Ask the DPS office which documents they accept for Real ID when you visit.