Where to go for your driver's license in Waxahachie
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license office in Waxahachie. You'll go to the DPS Driver License Division office located at 1500 North Grand Avenue, Waxahachie, TX 75165. This is the only place in Waxahachie where you can take the written test, the driving test, and get your license issued on the same day.
The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day, so call ahead at (972) 937-7234 to confirm when they're open before you go. Some DPS offices have reduced hours on certain days, and wait times can be long during lunch hours and late afternoon.
You can also renew an existing license by mail or online if you're not getting a new license for the first time, but a new license requires an in-person visit to this office.
Key Takeaways
- The DPS Driver License Division office at 1500 North Grand Avenue is where you take your tests and receive your license in Waxahachie.
- You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States.
- Texas requires you to pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test before you receive your license.
- The entire process typically takes several hours on the day of your visit, so plan to arrive early and bring all required documents.
- You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit and at least 18 to get an unrestricted driver's license without a permit first.
Documents you need to bring
Texas requires four categories of documents before you can get a driver's license. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted. The DPS office will not issue a license if you're missing any of these categories.
Proof of identity: A U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a permanent resident card all work. A school ID or library card does not.
Proof of residency: Bring a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement showing your current Waxahachie address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A phone bill or credit card statement with your address also works.
Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form all count. You can also bring a document from an employer or a government agency that shows your number.
Proof of lawful presence: A U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a permanent resident card, or an employment authorization document (EAD) satisfies this requirement. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your visa and passport.
The written test and what it covers
The written knowledge test has 30 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 official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the DPS website or in print at the Waxahachie office. Many people study the handbook for a few days before taking the test.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts at the Waxahachie office, though you will pay the test fee again.
The driving test and behind-the-wheel requirements
After you pass the written test, you will take a driving test with an examiner in your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the DPS office. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills like starting the car, turning, parking, stopping, and following 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. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you may need to wait a few days or schedule another appointment. The DPS office will tell you when you can come back.
Getting a learner's permit first
If you are under 18, Texas requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license. A learner's permit lets you drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the passenger seat.
To get a learner's permit, you bring the same four categories of documents to the Waxahachie DPS office and pass the written test. You do not take a driving test for the permit. The permit costs less than a full license and is valid for two years.
During the six-month waiting period, you can practice driving with a parent, guardian, or other licensed adult. This practice time helps you prepare for the driving test and builds your confidence behind the wheel.
Fees and payment methods
The cost of a driver's license in Texas depends on how long you want it to be valid. A license valid for four years costs less than one valid for six or eight years. As of 2024, fees range from around $16 to $32 for a standard license, though prices may change. A learner's permit costs less—typically around $16.
The DPS office in Waxahachie accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Call the office to confirm current fees before you go, since prices can vary and may have been updated since this article was written.
If you lose your license or need a replacement, the fee is different from the fee for a new license. Bring your old license if you have it, or bring an ID number if you remember it.
What to expect on the day of your visit
Arrive at least 15 to 30 minutes before the office opens, especially if you're going on a weekday morning. Bring all four categories of documents, your vehicle if you're taking the driving test, and proof of insurance for that vehicle. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for driving.
The process usually takes two to four hours from start to finish. You will check in at the front desk, wait to be called for the written test, wait again for the vision screening, and then wait for the driving test. Bring something to read or do while you wait.
If you pass both tests, you will receive your temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving until the permanent one arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?
You can renew an existing license online or by mail if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must be a U.S. citizen, and you must not need to update your address or other information. A new license for the first time requires an in-person visit to the Waxahachie office.
What if I don't have a vehicle to use for the driving test?
The DPS office in Waxahachie may have a vehicle available for testing, though availability varies. Call (972) 937-7234 to ask whether you can use a DPS vehicle and whether there is an extra fee. Some offices charge an additional fee for this service.
How long is a Texas driver's license valid?
A standard driver's license is valid for four, six, or eight years depending on which option you choose when you explore. You can pick the length of validity based on your needs and budget. Licenses for people over 85 are valid for two years.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test at the Waxahachie office. There is usually no waiting period, though you may need to schedule another appointment. You will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after more practice.
Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a permit?
No. If you already hold a valid learner's permit, you do not retake the written test when you come back for the driving test. Bring your permit with you, and you will go straight to the vision screening and driving test.