What Texas requires to get a driver license
Texas requires you to pass a written test, a driving test, and a vision test before you receive a driver license. You also need to bring specific documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues all driver licenses in the state, and you must explore in person at a DPS office — you cannot complete this by mail or online.
The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes at the office if you have all your documents ready. If you are missing anything, the staff will tell you what to bring back, and you will need to return for another appointment. Most DPS offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a document proving your current Texas address, and proof of your Social Security number to explore.
- Texas requires you to pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a behind-the-wheel driving test before you receive your license.
- You must be at least 16 years old to get a driver license, though 16- and 17-year-olds follow different rules than adults.
- The fee for a driver license is $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, and you pay at the DPS office when you explore.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate as proof of identity and age. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can use a passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. The document must be unexpired or issued within the last year.
You also need one document that proves you live in Texas right now. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days all work. A government-issued ID with your current address also counts. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the legal change.
Finally, bring proof of your Social Security number. You can show 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 will need to explore for one first through the Social Security Administration before you can get a driver license.
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 take it on a computer at the DPS office.
The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies on the road. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the DPS website or in print at any DPS office. Most people spend a few hours reviewing the handbook before taking the test.
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or come back another time. There is no extra fee to retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment or wait in line again.
The vision screening and driving test requirements
The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You must be able to read letters and numbers from a certain distance, and your vision must meet Texas standards. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you can take the test while wearing them. If your vision does not meet the standard even with correction, you will not receive a license.
The driving test is a 10- to 15-minute test with an examiner in a vehicle. You will demonstrate basic skills like starting the car, steering, braking, turning, parking, and backing up. The examiner watches how you handle the vehicle and whether you follow traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. You will need to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again.
Age requirements and rules for teenagers
You must be at least 16 years old to get a driver license in Texas. Teenagers aged 16 and 17 follow different rules than adults and must first get a learner permit, which allows them to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car.
To get a learner permit, a 16- or 17-year-old must pass the written test and vision screening, but not the driving test. The permit is valid for one year. During that year, the teenager must log at least 10 hours of supervised driving, with at least 7 of those hours at night. After holding the permit for at least 6 months, the teenager can take the driving test to get a full driver license.
Adults aged 18 and older can skip the learner permit step and go straight to the full driver license test if they have never held a license before.
Fees and how long your license lasts
A five-year driver license costs $33, and an eight-year driver license costs $66. You pay the fee at the DPS office when you explore. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are 85 years old or older, your license is free and valid for one year.
Your license will expire on your birthday in the year it is set to expire. For example, if you get a five-year license on March 15, 2024, it will expire on your birthday in 2029. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation.
Where to find a DPS office and how to prepare
The Texas Department of Public Safety has driver license offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer limited Saturday hours. You can schedule an appointment online to skip the walk-in line, though walk-ins are still accepted.
Before you go, gather all your documents and make copies of them. Review the Texas Driver Handbook so you feel ready for the written test. Bring the vehicle you plan to use for the driving test and make sure it is clean, safe, and has working brakes, lights, and wipers. Arrive early so you have time to check in and complete the written test before the driving test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Texas law requires a Social Security number to get a driver license. If you do not have one, you must first explore for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.
What if my birth certificate is from another country?
A foreign birth certificate is accepted if it is an original or certified copy and has been in the United States for at least one year. If your birth certificate is in another language, bring it along with an English translation certified by a translator. The DPS office staff can tell you if your specific document meets their requirements.
Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?
If you are moving to Texas and already have a valid driver license from another state, you can transfer it without retaking the written or driving test. You still need to bring your documents proving identity, residency, and Social Security number. You will receive a new Texas license with a new expiration date.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after waiting at least one day. You will need to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, so you can keep trying until you pass.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No. You must be present in person to explore for and receive your driver license. The DPS office will not issue a license to anyone else on your behalf, even with written permission.