Getting a Texas driver's license in Houston
To get a Texas driver's license in Houston, you will visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process takes multiple visits — one to explore and take the written test, and a second (usually weeks later) to take the driving test and receive your license. You cannot complete everything in a single day.
Houston has several DPS driver license offices. The main locations are on Bellaire Boulevard, Telephone Road, and in the Greens area, but wait times and hours vary by location. You should check the Texas DPS website or call ahead before going, because some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax document, and proof of a current Houston address such as a utility bill or lease.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website.
- You must pass the written test before you can schedule a driving test, which typically happens two to eight weeks after your first visit.
- The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner in your own vehicle or a rental, and you must bring proof of vehicle insurance.
- If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for a waiting period before taking the driving test.
Documents you need to bring on your first visit
Bring an original or certified birth certificate. A photocopy will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or visa along with your birth certificate. You will also need your Social Security card or a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form that shows your Social Security number.
Bring proof that you live in Houston. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address will work. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state counts as proof of identity but not proof of residency.
Bring your completed DL-44 form, which is the Texas process for a driver's license. You can fill it out at home before you go, or you can fill it out at the DPS office. Filling it out ahead of time speeds up the process.
The written 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 request a reader if you need one.
Study using the free Texas Driver Handbook, available as a PDF on the Texas DPS website. The handbook covers everything on the test. You can also take practice tests on the DPS website to see what kinds of questions appear. Most people spend a few hours studying before taking the test.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most Houston DPS offices, though you may have to pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
After you pass the written test, you will receive a receipt. You use this receipt to schedule your driving test online through the Texas DPS website, or you can call the DPS office where you took the written test. The driving test is usually scheduled two to eight weeks after you pass the written test, depending on how busy the office is.
On the day of your driving test, bring your receipt from the written test, your Social Security card or ID, and proof of vehicle insurance. You will drive your own vehicle or a rental car with a DPS examiner. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping, plus driving on city streets or highways.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least 10 days before scheduling another attempt. You do not have to retake the written test.
Requirements if you are under 18
If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can get your license. This course can be taken online or in person through a Texas-approved provider. The course covers classroom instruction and, in most cases, behind-the-wheel training with a professional instructor.
After you complete driver education, you will receive a certificate. You bring this certificate to the DPS office when you explore for your learner's permit. With a learner's permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting next to you.
You must hold your learner's permit for at least six months (or until you turn 18, whichever comes first) before you can take the driving test for your full license. During this time, you cannot drive alone.
What happens after you pass the driving test
If you pass the driving test, the DPS examiner will tell you that day. Your license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
Your Texas driver's license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. It costs $33 for a six-year license. If you are renewing an existing license, the cost may be different.
If you already have a license from another state
If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Texas, you can exchange it for a Texas license without retaking the written or driving test. You will still need to visit a DPS office and bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Houston, and your Social Security card or tax document.
The exchange process is faster than getting a license from scratch. You will receive your Texas license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The fee is the same as a new license.
Finding a DPS office in Houston and checking wait times
The Texas DPS website has a list of all driver license offices in the Houston area with their addresses and hours. You can also call the DPS at 1-800-252-8371 to ask about wait times at specific locations. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can be an hour or more during peak times.
Most DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Many offices close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday morning usually means shorter waits than going in the afternoon or on Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online?
No. You must go to a DPS office in person to take the written test. However, you can study online using the free Texas Driver Handbook and practice tests on the DPS website before you go.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after waiting at least 10 days. You do not have to retake the written test. You schedule the retake through the same process as your first driving test.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
You can use your own car, a rental car, or a friend's car for the driving test. Whatever vehicle you use must have valid insurance, working brakes and lights, and a valid registration. The DPS examiner will inspect the vehicle before the test begins.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the driving test?
You will receive a temporary paper license the day you pass the driving test. Your plastic license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the temporary license to drive legally until the card arrives.
What if I lose my Social Security card?
You can bring a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form instead of your Social Security card. These documents must show your Social Security number and your name. You can also bring a bank statement or other official document that shows your Social Security number.