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 whole process takes multiple visits — one to explore and take the written test, and a second (usually weeks later) to take the driving test. You cannot do it all in one day.

Texas issues driver's licenses to people 16 and older. If you are under 18, the rules are stricter: you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months, pass a driver education course, and have a licensed adult in the car during your driving test. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit step and go straight to the written and driving tests.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office twice: once to explore and take the written test, and again to take the driving test after you have practiced.
  • Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), and proof of Texas residency (utility bill or lease).
  • The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS provides free online.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months and complete a driver education course before you can take the driving test.
  • Bring payment for the license fee, which is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license; DPS accepts cash, check, and card.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually will not work. You need three things: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a valid foreign passport with a visa. A school ID or library card does not count.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, or a document from the Social Security Administration, the IRS, or your employer that shows your number. A tax return counts. A bank statement with your number does not.

For proof of Texas residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and a Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A cell phone bill usually does not. If you live with someone else, you can bring their utility bill plus a signed letter from them saying you live there.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and also in other languages if you request it when you schedule your appointment.

You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes free online at their website. The handbook covers everything the test asks about: speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different signs mean, how to handle bad weather, and what to do if you are pulled over. Many people study the handbook for a few days and pass on their first try. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another time.

You do not need to bring anything special to take the written test — just your documents and yourself. The DPS office provides the test on a computer or on paper, depending on the location.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

After you pass the written test, you can schedule your driving test. Most DPS offices let you book it right there, or you can schedule online through the DPS website. The driving test usually happens two to four weeks after you explore, depending on how busy the office is.

For the driving test, bring your learner's permit (if you have one), your documents again, and a vehicle that is registered and insured. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and a horn. Bring proof of insurance — your insurance card or a letter from your insurance company. The examiner will check these things before you drive.

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner sits in the passenger seat while you drive on regular streets. They watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and how you respond to traffic. You must follow traffic laws exactly — even one serious mistake like running a red light will fail you. If you fail, you can retake it, usually within a few days or weeks.

Special rules if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must first get a learner's permit. The process is the same as above — bring your documents, pass the written test — but you receive a permit instead of a license. You must hold this permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test.

While you have a learner's permit, you can only drive if a licensed adult 21 or older is 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.

You must also complete a driver education course. This is usually a classroom or online course offered by a school or private company. It takes about 30 hours. After you finish, bring your completion certificate to the DPS office. Then you can schedule your driving test.

Renewing or replacing your license

Texas driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years, depending on which you choose when you explore. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office — you do not have to take the tests again. Renewal by mail or online costs less than getting a new license in person.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office. Bring your documents and pay the replacement fee. You do not need to retake the tests.

Finding a DPS office and making an appointment

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website, which also shows their hours and whether they are currently accepting walk-ins or only appointments. Many offices now require you to schedule an appointment online before you come in. Walk-ins are still accepted at some locations, but wait times can be long.

To schedule online, go to the DPS website and enter your zip code. You will see available times at nearby offices. Book the time that works for you. Bring your confirmation number when you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The written test is offered in English and Spanish at all DPS offices. Other languages are available at some locations if you request them when you schedule. Call the DPS office near you to ask which languages they offer.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it. Most offices let you schedule another test within a few days or weeks. You do not have to take the written test again. You pay the driving test fee each time you retake it.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured in Texas. It must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and a horn. Bring your proof of insurance. You cannot use a rental car or borrow someone else's car unless it meets these requirements.

Can I get a Texas license if I have a valid license from another state?

Yes, but you still must pass the written test and driving test. You do not need a learner's permit if you are 18 or older. Bring your out-of-state license along with your other documents.

How much does a Texas driver's license cost?

A four-year license costs $33. An eight-year license costs $66. You pay when you explore. DPS accepts cash, check, and card at most offices.