What you need to do to get your first Texas driver's license
Texas issues first-time driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The process has three main steps: pass a written knowledge test, pass a driving test, and submit required documents in person at a DPS office. You must be at least 16 years old, though Texas allows 15-year-olds to get a learner's permit first. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many attempts you need.
You cannot complete this process online or by mail. Every applicant must appear in person at a DPS driver's license office to submit documents and take the driving test. The written test can be taken on the same day as your in-person visit, or you can take it separately — DPS offices offer it daily during business hours.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver's license office in person to submit documents and take your driving test; no part of the process can be done remotely.
- Texas requires a learner's permit (valid for one year) before you can take the driving test, unless you are 18 or older.
- Bring an original birth certificate or passport, proof of Texas residency, a Social Security number, and proof of identity to your first DPS visit.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; the driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle.
- DPS offices accept appointments online through their website, which reduces wait times compared to walk-in visits.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Texas requires specific original documents before DPS will issue a license. Bring your original birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship. You also need one document proving your current Texas address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work, and the document must show your name and address.
You will need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or be prepared to state the number at the office. You also need a document showing your identity and date of birth — a school ID, passport, or state ID card from another state all satisfy this requirement. If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian to sign consent forms.
DPS does not accept photocopies or digital images of documents. Everything must be an original or certified copy. If your birth certificate is from outside Texas, it must be an official copy issued by the state or county where you were born.
The learner's permit requirement and how it works
If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the driving test. The learner's permit is issued the same day you pass the written knowledge test at a DPS office. It allows you to drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat.
The learner's permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you do not pass your driving test within that year, you will need to renew the permit and pay the renewal fee. Texas does not require a minimum number of supervised driving hours, but many driving schools recommend 30 to 50 hours before attempting the test.
If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit and go straight to the driving test after passing the written test. You still must pass both tests, but you do not have to wait 6 months between them.
The written knowledge test: what to expect
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 covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, following distance, and what different road signs mean. DPS provides a free study guide on its website that covers all the material on the test.
You can take the test in English or Spanish. The test takes about 30 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, though you pay the test fee each time.
DPS offices administer the written test during all business hours. You do not need an appointment for the written test alone, though scheduling one online will reduce your wait time. Bring your documents and be prepared to pay the test fee at the time you take it.
The driving test: scheduling and what happens during it
The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You can use your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle, though using your own car is more common. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks like starting the car, backing up, turning, parking, and stopping. You will also drive on streets and possibly highways to demonstrate your ability to handle different road conditions.
You must pass the written test before you can schedule the driving test. If you are under 18, you must also have held your learner's permit for at least 6 months. Schedule your driving test appointment online through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office. Wait times for driving test appointments vary by location; some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks.
If you use your own vehicle, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors all work. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after paying the test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts.
Fees and how to pay
Texas charges separate fees for the written test, the driving test, and the license itself. The written test fee is around $10, and the driving test fee is around $10. The license fee depends on how long you want the license to be valid — a 4-year license costs less than an 8-year license. Exact fees change periodically, so check the DPS website for current amounts.
DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. You pay each fee when you take each test or receive your license. If you fail a test, you pay the fee again when you retake it. There are no refunds if you fail.
Finding a DPS office and scheduling your visit
Texas has DPS driver's license offices in most cities and many smaller towns. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. The website shows hours of operation, which vary by location — some offices are open Monday through Friday, while others have Saturday hours.
You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website, which typically reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-in visits are allowed but may have longer waits, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents.
Some DPS offices are busier than others. If your local office has a long wait for driving test appointments, you may be able to schedule at an office in a nearby city. You do not have to use the office closest to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test before I get my learner's permit?
No. You must pass the written test to receive your learner's permit, and you must have the learner's permit before you can take the driving test. If you are 18 or older, you can take both tests on the same day, but the written test must come first.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it after paying the test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts. Many people pass on their second or third try. DPS does not limit how many times you can retake the test.
Do I need a parent or guardian at the DPS office if I am 17?
Yes. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present to sign consent forms. Bring their ID as well. If you are 18 or older, you do not need anyone with you.
Can I use an out-of-state ID as proof of identity?
Yes. An unexpired driver's license or ID card from another state works as proof of identity and date of birth. You will still need your original birth certificate or passport and proof of Texas residency.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the driving test?
DPS issues your license the same day you pass the driving test. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office, and your plastic license card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.