What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license
To get a Texas driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test, a driving test, and a vision screening at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You'll also need to bring specific documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process typically takes several weeks from the time you submit your documents to the time you receive your license in the mail.
Texas issues driver's licenses to people age 16 and older. If you're under 18, you'll need to complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for a waiting period before you can take the driving test. If you're 18 or older and have never held a license, you can move directly to the written test after submitting your documents.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your Texas address to a DPS office.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook available free on the DPS website.
- You must pass a vision screening and the written test before you can schedule a driving test with a DPS examiner.
- If you're under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before taking the driving test.
- Your license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass both tests; you'll receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Texas requires you to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a document showing your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and two documents that prove you live in Texas. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the residency documents must match the name on your birth certificate.
You'll also need to bring a completed process for a Texas Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43), which you can print from the DPS website or fill out at the office. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one. If you're under 18, you must also bring a completed Parental Consent form (Form DL-43A) signed by a parent or guardian.
If your birth certificate is not in English, bring an official English translation along with the original document. If you've changed your name through marriage or court order, bring the marriage certificate or court order as proof.
The written knowledge test and what it covers
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 you can request a reader or other accommodations if you need them.
The Texas Driver Handbook, available free as a PDF on the DPS website, covers all the material on the test. Topics include speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies on the road. Most people study the handbook for a few days before taking the test.
You can take the written test on the same day you submit your documents, as long as you bring all required paperwork. If you fail, you can retake it the next business day. There is no fee for the written test.
Vision screening and the driving test
After you pass the written test, you'll have a vision screening at the DPS office. The screener will check whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you may be required to get a vision correction from an eye doctor before you can take the driving test.
The driving test takes about 25 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. A DPS examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you arrange) and score you on how well you handle turns, stops, parking, and responses to traffic situations. You must pass this test to receive your license.
You can schedule your driving test at the DPS office after you pass the written test. Wait times vary by location; some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
Requirements if you're under 18
If you're under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can take the written test. This course can be taken online or in person through a school or private driving school. The course covers traffic laws, vehicle operation, and hazard awareness. After you finish the course, you'll receive a certificate of completion that you must bring to the DPS office.
You must also obtain a learner's permit before you take the driving test. To get a learner's permit, you submit your documents and pass the written test at a DPS office. You then must hold the permit for at least 30 days and practice driving with a licensed adult (age 21 or older) in the vehicle before you can take the driving test.
During the 30-day waiting period, you can only drive with a licensed adult present. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. These restrictions end once you pass the driving test and receive your license.
Fees and how long the process takes
The fee for a Texas driver's license is $16 for a license valid for two years, or $32 for a license valid for five years. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you submit your documents. There are no additional fees for the written test or driving test.
The timeline depends on whether you're under 18. If you're 18 or older with no prior license, you can complete the written test and vision screening on your first visit, then schedule the driving test for a later date. The entire process from submitting documents to receiving your license in the mail usually takes three to six weeks.
If you're under 18, you must first complete driver education (which can take one to two weeks) and then hold a learner's permit for 30 days before you can take the driving test. After that, add another two to three weeks for your permanent license to arrive by mail. The total time is typically two to three months.
What to do if you fail the driving test
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least one business day. You don't need to retake the written test or vision screening. You can schedule your next driving test at the DPS office or online through the DPS website. There is no additional fee to retake the test.
Most people pass the driving test on their second or third attempt. If you fail multiple times, consider taking additional practice drives with a licensed adult or enrolling in a professional driving lesson program. These programs can help you identify specific skills that need improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or at home?
No. You must take the written test in person at a Texas DPS office. You cannot take it online or by mail. You can study the Texas Driver Handbook online to prepare, but the actual test must be completed at an office location.
What if I don't have a birth certificate?
You can request a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or the vital records office in the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks. If you cannot obtain a birth certificate, contact your local DPS office to ask about alternative documents that may be accepted.
Do I need to bring my own vehicle for the driving test?
Yes, you must provide a vehicle for the driving test. It can be your own car, a family member's car, or a vehicle from a driving school. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The DPS examiner will inspect it before the test begins.
How long is a Texas driver's license valid?
A Texas driver's license is valid for either two or five years, depending on which option you choose when you pay the fee. 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?
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Texas license without retaking the written or driving tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to a DPS office. You'll pay the license fee and receive your Texas license.