Texas driver license requirements depend on your age and whether you already hold a valid license

To get a driver license in Texas, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and provide proof of identity and residency. If you are under 18, you will also need to complete a driver education course and hold a learner permit for a waiting period before you can test for a full license. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver licenses, and you explore in person at a DPS office.

The specific documents you need and the steps you follow depend on whether you are a first-time applicant, renewing an expired license, or transferring a license from another state. Texas also offers different license types — a standard Class C license for regular driving, a commercial license if you drive for work, and a motorcycle endorsement if you ride a motorcycle.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old and pass both a written test and a driving test to get a Texas driver license.
  • Applicants under 18 must complete a driver education course and hold a learner permit for at least 30 days before taking the driving test.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to your DPS appointment.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and safe driving practices; the driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner at a local DPS office.
  • A standard Class C driver license is valid for five years if you are under 85 years old.

Documents you must bring to explore

Texas requires specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. Bring an original or certified copy of one of these identity documents: a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a consular report of birth abroad, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of secondary documents — ask the DPS office which secondary documents they accept, as the list is long.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you cannot provide a recent document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name (such as a parent or spouse) plus a document showing your relationship to that person, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can explore for a driver license without it, but you will need to sign a form stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number or that you do not have one.

The learner permit requirement for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, you cannot go straight to the driving test. You must first complete a driver education course — either a classroom course or an online course — and then obtain a learner permit from the DPS. The learner permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car.

After you receive your learner permit, you must wait at least 30 days before you can take the driving test. During this time, you should practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front seat next to you. Some DPS offices recommend 40 to 60 hours of practice, though this is not a legal requirement.

Once the 30-day waiting period has passed, you can schedule your driving test at a DPS office. If you pass, you will receive your Class C driver license. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.

The written knowledge test

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

The DPS provides a free study guide called the Texas Driver Handbook, which you can read from the DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. The handbook covers everything on the test. You can also take practice tests online through the DPS website to prepare.

You will take the written test at a DPS office on the same day as your appointment, or at a separate appointment if you prefer. If you fail, you can retake the test after one day has passed. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

The driving test and what to expect

The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You will drive a vehicle on public roads while the examiner watches and scores your performance. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks such as starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping at traffic lights and stop signs.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. You can use your own vehicle, borrow a family member's vehicle, or use a vehicle from a driving school. The person who owns the vehicle does not need to be present, but the vehicle must be insured.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after one day has passed. Most DPS offices allow you to schedule your next test when ready after you fail, or you can call to schedule it later. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

Fees and how to schedule your appointment

The fee for a Class C driver license is $33 if you are 18 or older, or $16 if you are under 18. The fee for a learner permit is $16. These fees are paid at the DPS office when you explore. The DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

To schedule your appointment, visit the DPS website and use the online appointment system, or call the DPS at 1-888-589-6900. You can also walk in to a DPS office without an appointment, but wait times are often longer. Some DPS offices are busier than others, so calling ahead or checking the website for wait times can help you choose the best time to go.

Bring all your documents and arrive at least 15 minutes early. The entire process — written test, driving test, and photo — usually takes one to two hours if you pass everything on your first try.

Renewing or transferring a license from another state

If your Texas driver license has expired, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office, depending on how long it has been expired and whether you need a new photo. If your license expired fewer than two years ago and you do not need a new photo, you can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than two years ago or you need a new photo, you must renew in person.

If you are moving to Texas from another state and have a valid driver license from that state, you can transfer it to a Texas license. You will need to pass the written test and the driving test, just as a first-time applicant would. You do not need to complete a driver education course or hold a learner permit, even if you are under 18. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

Yes. Most DPS offices allow you to take both tests on the same day if you pass the written test first. If you fail the written test, you can retake it after one day, and then take the driving test once you pass. Some offices may have different procedures, so call ahead to confirm.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after one day has passed. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most DPS offices let you schedule your next test right away, or you can call later to book another appointment. Each retake costs the same fee as the original test.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a driver license in Texas?

No. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a driver license. You will need to sign a form at the DPS office stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number or that you do not have one. You will still need to bring proof of identity and residency.

How long is a Texas driver license valid?

A standard Class C driver license is valid for five years if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation.

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

Yes. Texas issues driver licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens, including people with work visas, student visas, and temporary protected status. You will need to bring proof of your immigration status along with proof of identity and residency. The DPS website lists which immigration documents are accepted.