What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license

To get a driver's 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 typically takes a few weeks from the time you submit your documents to the time you receive your license in the mail.

Texas does not require you to hold a learner's permit first, though many people do. If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to the DPS office and take both tests on the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number to your DPS appointment.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free online at the DPS website.
  • The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and tests your ability to handle basic vehicle control, parking, and following traffic laws on public roads.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least six months before taking the driving test.
  • Your license will arrive by mail within two weeks of passing both tests; you will receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office that day.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

The DPS requires specific documents to verify your identity, residency, and Social Security number. You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a state or federal ID (such as a passport), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). If you do not have a birth certificate, you can request one from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or the state where you were born.

You also need proof that you live in Texas. The DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. If you have recently moved, bring two documents: one showing your old address and one showing your new address. Bring the originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted for most documents.

Bring your Social Security card if you have one. If you do not, bring a W-2, 1099, or other tax document that shows your full Social Security number. You can also bring a letter from your employer or a bank statement that shows your number.

How to study for the written knowledge 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 a reader or other accommodations if you need them.

The official Texas Driver Handbook is free and available on the DPS website. It covers everything the test covers: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, lane changes, and what different road signs mean. Read through the handbook at least once before your test. Many people also use online practice tests, which are not official but can help you get used to the format and types of questions.

You can take the test as many times as you need to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts.

What happens during the driving test

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner will sit in the passenger seat while you drive on public roads in your area. You will be tested on basic vehicle control (steering, braking, acceleration), parking (both parallel and perpendicular), lane changes, turns, and following traffic laws. The examiner will give you directions as you drive.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you start driving. If anything is not working, you will not be able to take the test that day.

You must pass the driving test to get your license. If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period. The waiting period varies by DPS office, but is usually a few days to a week. You can take the test as many times as you need.

If you are under 18: learner's permit and driver education

If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can take the driving test. The course is usually offered by your high school or by a private driving school. It covers traffic laws, vehicle maintenance, and defensive driving. Most courses are four to six hours long and can be completed in one day or spread over several days.

After you complete driver education, you can explore for a learner's permit at a DPS office. You will need to pass the written knowledge test to get the permit. Once you have the permit, you must hold it for at least six months before you can take the driving test. During this time, you must drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.

Some high schools offer behind-the-wheel training as part of their driver education program. If yours does, you can take that training instead of hiring a private instructor. Either way, you still need to hold the learner's permit for six months before taking the driving test.

Finding a DPS office and scheduling your appointment

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. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait time.

To schedule online, go to the DPS website and select your preferred office and date. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment time. Bring that confirmation to your appointment. If you prefer to call, the DPS phone line can connect you to your local office to schedule.

Appointment availability varies by office and season. Offices in large cities often have longer wait times, especially in summer. If your local office is fully booked, you may be able to get an earlier appointment at an office in a nearby town.

What happens after you pass both tests

When you pass the written test and the driving test, the DPS examiner will give you a temporary paper license that day. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks, though it sometimes takes longer.

Your Texas driver's license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. You will need to renew it before it expires. The DPS will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your age and whether your address has changed.

Keep your temporary paper license until your permanent license arrives. Once it arrives, destroy the paper license. Your permanent license is a plastic card that you should carry with you whenever you drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in a vehicle that is not registered in my name?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be registered to you. Many people borrow a parent's or friend's vehicle for the test. Make sure the registration and proof of insurance are in the vehicle and are current.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after a waiting period, which varies by DPS office but is usually a few days to a week. You do not need to retake the written test unless your knowledge test result has expired. You can take the driving test as many times as you need to pass.

Do I need to take driver education if I am 18 or older?

No. If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to a DPS office and take both the written test and the driving test without completing a driver education course first. You do not need a learner's permit.

How much does a Texas driver's license cost?

The fee varies depending on how long you want the license to be valid. A six-year license costs a certain amount, while a shorter-term license costs less. Check the DPS website for current fees, as they change periodically.

What if I lose my temporary paper license before my permanent license arrives?

Contact your local DPS office right away. They can issue you a replacement temporary license or, if your permanent license has already been mailed, they can tell you when to expect it. Bring your confirmation of passing the test if you have it.