Texas driver license requirements depend on your age and citizenship status

To get a driver license in Texas, you must be at least 16 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and a Texas resident. You will need to pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver licenses, and you explore in person at a DPS office.

The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes at the office if you have all your documents ready. Your license will be valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years and you must renew it in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and have lived in Texas for at least 30 days before you can get a driver license.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number to your DPS office appointment.
  • You will take a written test on traffic rules, a vision screening, and a road test with a DPS examiner before you receive your license.
  • Your Texas driver license costs $16 for a six-year license, or $12 for a two-year license if you are 85 or older.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring one document that proves your identity. This can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a visa. If you use a foreign passport, it must have your visa or I-94 stamp showing you are lawfully in the United States.

Bring one document that proves you live in Texas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days will work. Your name must be on the document. A phone bill or credit card statement will not work.

Bring proof of your Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean.

You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. Many DPS offices also have printed copies you can pick up. The handbook is available in English and Spanish. You take the test on a computer at the DPS office, and you get your score when ready.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test. Most people pass on their first try if they study the handbook.

The vision test and road test requirements

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You will read letters and numbers on a chart from about 20 feet away. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, you must wear them during the test and your license will show that you must wear them while driving.

The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner will sit in the car with you and watch you drive on regular streets and possibly a highway. You will be tested on starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner is looking for safe driving, not perfect driving. Common reasons people fail are running a stop sign, speeding, or hitting a curb while parking.

You must bring your own car for the road test, and it must be in safe working condition. The car must have working brakes, headlights, turn signals, and wipers. The examiner will check these before you drive.

Fees and how long your license lasts

A six-year driver license costs $16. If you are 85 years old or older, a two-year license costs $12. You pay at the DPS office when you receive your license. DPS does not take payment online or by mail for new licenses.

Your license is valid for six years from the date it is issued, unless you are 85 or older. When your license is about to expire, DPS will send you a notice in the mail. You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your age and whether your address has changed.

Special rules for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, you must have a learner permit before you can take the road test. A learner permit costs $11 and is valid for two years. You must hold the permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test for a full license.

With a learner permit, you can only drive when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must follow all traffic laws and cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

After you pass the road test, you will get a provisional license if you are under 18. A provisional license has the same restrictions as a learner permit for the first six months. After six months, the restrictions are lifted and your license becomes a regular driver license.

How to schedule your DPS appointment

You can schedule an appointment online at the DPS website or by calling 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935). Walk-ins are accepted at most DPS offices, but wait times can be long, especially in the afternoon and on Fridays. Scheduling an appointment usually gets you in and out faster.

When you schedule online, you choose your DPS office location and the date and time that work for you. You will get a confirmation number. Bring this confirmation number with you to your appointment. If you need to cancel or reschedule, you can do that online or by phone.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations are open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location, so check the DPS website for your nearest office. Bring all your documents and arrive 10 minutes early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you are a lawful permanent resident or have a valid visa. You must bring your passport with your visa or I-94 stamp. If you have a temporary visa, your license will expire when your visa expires. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a regular driver license in Texas.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test as soon as the next day. There is no extra fee. You must bring your car again and pass the vision and written tests are not required again. Most people pass on their second or third try.

Do I need to take the written test if I already have a license from another state?

No. If you move to Texas and already have a valid driver license from another state, you can transfer it to a Texas license without taking the written or road test. You still need to bring proof of identity, Texas residency, and your Social Security number. The transfer fee is $16.

Can I renew my license online?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. You can renew online at the DPS website. If your license is expired or you moved, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

What if I lose my driver license?

Go to a DPS office and ask for a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of Texas residency. A replacement license costs $11. You can also order a replacement online if your license is not expired, and it will be mailed to you in about two weeks.