Texas issues driver's licenses at different ages depending on what you want to do

You can get a learner permit in Texas at age 14, a restricted license at 16, and an unrestricted license at 18. The age you can start depends on whether you want to learn to drive, drive with limits, or drive without restrictions. Each step has its own requirements and waiting periods.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) sets these ages by state law. You cannot get a license before the minimum age for that license type, and some routes require you to hold a learner permit for a set time before moving to the next level.

Key Takeaways

  • A learner permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, and you can get one at 14 with parental consent and a passing written test.
  • A restricted license (Class D) lets you drive alone during daylight hours at 16, but requires you to hold a learner permit for at least six months first.
  • An unrestricted license removes all age-based driving limits and is available at 18 without a waiting period if you already hold a restricted license.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test, a driving skills test, and a vision screening for any license type; the written test can be taken at 14 even if you do not yet have a permit.
  • If you are under 18, you need parental or guardian consent and a certified birth certificate or passport to start the process.

Learner permit: age 14 with parental consent

You can get a learner permit at 14 if a parent or legal guardian signs the process. The permit lets you drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you. There is no waiting period before you can explore — you can get a learner permit the day you turn 14.

To get a learner permit, you must pass the written knowledge test at a DPS office. The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You do not need to pass a driving skills test yet. You will also need to bring a certified birth certificate or passport, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

A learner permit is valid for two years. While you hold it, you must follow all traffic laws and cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent or guardian is in the car. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

Restricted license: age 16 after six months with a learner permit

You can get a restricted license (also called a Class D license) at 16, but only if you have held a learner permit for at least six months. This means the earliest you can get a restricted license is six months after your 14th birthday, which would be when you are still 14. If you turn 14 and get a learner permit when ready, you can explore for a restricted license six months later, even if you have not yet turned 16.

A restricted license lets you drive alone during daylight hours — from sunrise to sunset — without an adult in the car. You still cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. You must also follow all other traffic laws and cannot use a cell phone while driving.

To get a restricted license, you must pass a driving skills test at a DPS office. An examiner will watch you drive and score you on vehicle control, safety, and following instructions. You must also pass a vision screening. If you have held your learner permit for at least six months and are at least 16 years old, you meet the age and waiting-period requirements.

Unrestricted license: age 18 or after holding a restricted license

You can get an unrestricted license at 18 with no waiting period. An unrestricted license removes all age-based driving limits — you can drive at any time of day or night. If you already hold a restricted license, you do not need to take another driving skills test; you only need to renew your license at a DPS office and pay the renewal fee.

If you are 18 and do not yet hold a restricted license, you can still get an unrestricted license by passing both the written knowledge test and the driving skills test. You do not have to hold a learner permit first if you are 18 or older.

An unrestricted license is valid for eight years if you are under 85 years old. You will need to renew it before it expires to keep driving legally.

What documents you need to bring

For any license type, bring a certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a passport card. You will also need proof of residency, such as a current utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement in your name. Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you to sign the process in person. Some DPS offices allow you to bring a notarized consent form if a parent cannot be present, but calling ahead to confirm is wise.

Bring any documents related to name changes, such as a marriage certificate or court order, if your current name differs from your birth certificate. Bring your current license or learner permit if you are renewing or upgrading.

How to schedule a test and what to expect

You can schedule a written knowledge test or driving skills test online through the Texas DPS website, by phone, or by visiting a DPS office in person. Online scheduling is usually faster and lets you pick a specific date and time. Phone lines can have long wait times, especially near the end of the month.

For the written test, you will answer multiple-choice questions about traffic laws and road signs on a computer at a DPS office. The test takes about 30 minutes. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

For the driving skills test, an examiner will meet you at a DPS office and ride in your vehicle while you drive a set route. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check your mirrors, lights, and brakes before the test begins.

Restrictions that explore at different ages

Learner permit holders (age 14 and up) cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent or guardian is in the front seat. They cannot use a cell phone while driving, even with a hands-free device. They must follow all other traffic laws.

Restricted license holders (age 16 and up) cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. They also cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift at age 18 or when you upgrade to an unrestricted license.

Drivers under 18 with any license type are subject to Texas's teen driving law, which limits passengers and phone use. Specifically, a driver under 18 cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car unless a parent or guardian is present, and cannot text or use a phone while driving under any circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner permit before I turn 14?

No. Texas law sets 14 as the minimum age for a learner permit. You cannot get one earlier, even with parental consent or if you have taken a driver education course.

Do I have to take driver education classes before getting a license?

No, driver education is not required by law. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, and some schools offer it as an elective. Taking a course can help you prepare for the written and driving tests.

What happens if I fail the driving skills test?

You can retake the test the same day if time allows, or schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.

Can I drive out of state with a Texas learner permit or restricted license?

A learner permit is valid only in Texas. A restricted license is valid in other states, but you must follow that state's laws about when you can drive. Some states do not recognize age-based restrictions, while others have their own rules.

What if I move to Texas from another state?

If you hold a valid license from another state, you can exchange it for a Texas license without retaking the driving skills test. You will need to pass the written knowledge test and bring your out-of-state license and proof of residency. If your out-of-state license is expired, you may need to retake both tests.