Where to go for your Lubbock driver's license

In Lubbock, you get your driver's license at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office. The main office is located at 5302 Avenue Q, Lubbock, TX 79412. This is the only place in Lubbock where you can take the written test, the driving test, and get your license issued on the same day.

You can also renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than two years, you cannot have any medical restrictions, and you must be between 18 and 84 years old. If you do not meet these conditions, you will need to visit the office in person.

The DPS office is open Monday through Friday. Hours change seasonally, so call ahead at (806) 747-2400 to confirm the current schedule before you go. Arriving early in the morning typically means shorter wait times.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS Driver License office at 5302 Avenue Q is the only location in Lubbock where you can take tests and receive your license the same day.
  • You will need to bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of identity — a passport, birth certificate, or military ID all work.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you must answer at least 70 out of 100 questions correctly to pass.
  • If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it the same day or return another day without paying the fee again.
  • Renewal by mail or online is only available if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical restrictions.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires you to bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Bringing the wrong documents will delay you or send you home to get them.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID. A school ID or work ID does not count. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form — a tax return is not enough.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement. The document must show your name and current Lubbock address and be dated within the last 30 days. A phone bill or credit card statement also works. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask the staff about alternatives when you arrive.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 100 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 70 correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DPS office, and you can take it in English or Spanish.

The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle a skid, and what to do at a red light or stop sign. You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the Texas DPS website. Many people also use practice tests online to get used to the format.

If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you will pay the license fee again if you wait more than a few days between attempts.

The driving test and what the examiner watches for

After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping smoothly. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes and takes place on streets near the DPS office.

The examiner is watching for safe habits: checking your mirrors, signaling before you turn, staying in your lane, obeying traffic signs, and responding correctly to other drivers. Common reasons people fail are rolling through stop signs, not signaling, hitting the curb while parking, or not checking blind spots before changing lanes.

You must bring the vehicle you will use for the test. It must be registered, insured, and in working condition — the examiner will check the lights, wipers, and horn before you start. If the car fails this check, you cannot take the test that day.

Fees and payment methods

A five-year driver's license costs $25. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and requires additional testing. You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card at the DPS office. They do not accept checks.

If you renew by mail, the fee is the same, but you will also pay a small mailing fee. If you renew online, you pay only the license fee with a credit or debit card.

What to expect on the day you visit

Arrive with all your documents and be prepared to wait. Even with an appointment, the DPS office can have a wait of 30 minutes to two hours depending on the day and time. Bring a book or something to do on your phone.

When you check in, staff will verify your documents and take your photo. You will then take the written test on a computer. If you pass, you will schedule your driving test for the same day or a future date. If you pass the driving test, you will receive your license before you leave — it is printed on the spot.

If you fail either test, staff will tell you what you missed and when you can retake it. You do not lose your fee if you fail and retake the test within a few days.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your license expired less than two years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and you are between 18 and 84, you can renew without visiting the office. To renew by mail, you send your expired license, a completed process form (DL-44), and a check or money order to the Texas DPS. The form is available on the Texas DPS website.

To renew online, visit the Texas DPS website and follow the renewal steps. You will need your license number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.

If you do not meet these conditions — for example, your license has been expired for more than two years or you have medical restrictions — you must visit the DPS office in person and take the written and driving tests again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the test if I do not have a Social Security card?

Yes. You can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return as proof of your Social Security number instead of the card itself. You still need the other two documents: proof of identity and proof of residency.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it the same day or return another day. If you retake it within a few days, you do not pay the fee again. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice before your next attempt.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?

Your license is printed at the DPS office while you wait. You will have it in your hands before you leave, usually within an hour of passing the driving test.

Can I renew my license online if it expired three years ago?

No. Online and mail renewal are only available if your license expired less than two years ago. If it has been longer, you must visit the DPS office and take both the written and driving tests again.

Do I need an appointment to visit the DPS office in Lubbock?

You can walk in without an appointment, but the office may have a long wait. Call (806) 747-2400 to ask about appointment availability. Having an appointment can reduce your wait time.