What you need to do to get a Texas driver license for the first time

To get your first Texas driver license, you will visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes about two visits — one to explore and take the written test, and a second to take the driving test after you pass the written portion. You cannot do this entirely online or by mail.

Texas does not issue a learner's permit as a separate step for adults. If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to the DPS office and begin the process. If you are under 18, you will need to complete a driver education course first, which is offered by high schools and private driving schools.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with original documents proving your identity, Texas residency, and Social Security number.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs at your first visit, and a driving test at a second visit after you pass the written test.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can begin the licensing process.
  • The written test costs $16.50 and the driving test costs $16.50; the license itself costs between $27 and $48 depending on how long you want it to be valid.
  • You can schedule your driving test appointment online through the DPS website, but you must pass the written test first.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Texas. For identity, the DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or a state ID from another state. For residency, bring a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current Texas address on it. The document must be dated within the last 90 days.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or be prepared to sign a statement under penalty of perjury that you do not have one. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy, along with your immigration documents.

Bring your completed DL 44 form, which is the Texas process for a driver license. You can fill it out at home and bring it with you, or fill it out at the DPS office. The form is available on the DPS website.

The written test: what to study and how it works

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DPS office. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and also in other languages depending on the office.

Study the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website. The handbook covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle bad weather, and what to do if you are pulled over. Most people spend a few hours reading the handbook before taking the test.

You do not need to schedule the written test in advance. Walk into any DPS office during business hours, bring your documents, and ask to take the test. You will pay the $16.50 test fee at that time. The test takes about 20 minutes.

The driving test: scheduling and what the examiner checks

After you pass the written test, you can schedule your driving test online through the DPS website or by calling the DPS office where you want to take the test. You will need your confirmation number from your written test to schedule. The driving test usually happens within one to four weeks, depending on how busy the office is.

On the day of your driving test, bring your documents again, your confirmation number, and proof that you have passed the written test. You will also need to bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle can belong to someone else, but the owner must give you permission to use it for the test.

The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. The examiner will also watch how you handle traffic, whether you use your turn signals, and whether you follow speed limits and traffic signs. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers both city streets and highway driving. You must pass this test to receive your license. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test.

How long the license is valid and what it costs

A Texas driver license is valid for either 5 years or 8 years, depending on which you choose. The 5-year license costs $27. The 8-year license costs $48. You pay these fees when you pass your driving test and receive your license.

Your license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. It usually arrives within two weeks. You can drive with a temporary paper license that the DPS office gives you on the day you pass your driving test, and that temporary license is valid until your permanent license arrives.

Special rules if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can take the written test. Driver education is taught by high schools and private driving schools. The course includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor. Most courses take four to six weeks to complete.

After you finish driver education, you will receive a certificate of completion. Bring this certificate to the DPS office when you explore for your license. You will still take the written test and the driving test, but the driver education requirement must be completed first.

Once you receive your license, if you are under 18, you will have restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to work or school, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18.

What happens if you fail the driving test

If you do not pass the driving test, you can schedule another test. There is no waiting period — you can take the test again as soon as the next available appointment. You will pay the $16.50 test fee each time you take it. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those skills before your next test. Common reasons for failing include hitting the curb while parking, not using turn signals, speeding, or not stopping completely at a stop sign.

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. You cannot take it at home or at a testing center. However, you can study for it online using the Texas Driver Handbook and practice tests on the DPS website.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the driving test?

No, not in Texas. If you are 18 or older, you go straight from the written test to the driving test. If you are under 18, you must complete driver education first, but you do not get a separate learner's permit document.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get a driver license. At the DPS office, you will sign a statement under penalty of perjury saying you do not have a Social Security number. The DPS will issue you a license with a different identification number instead.

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

Your permanent license is mailed to you and usually arrives within two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass your driving test, and you can drive with that temporary license until your permanent one arrives.

Can someone else take the driving test for me?

No. You must take both the written test and the driving test yourself. The examiner will verify your identity before the test begins.