A provisional license is a restricted driver's license for teenagers that limits when and how they can drive

In Texas, a provisional license is a stepping stone between a learner permit and a full driver's license. It's issued to drivers aged 16 or 17 who have held a learner permit for at least six months and passed their driving test. The license comes with restrictions on who can ride with you, what hours you can drive, and how you use your phone — rules that phase out once you turn 18 or meet other conditions.

The restrictions exist because teenage drivers have higher crash rates than older drivers. Texas uses the provisional system to give new drivers real-world driving experience under controlled conditions. Once you understand what you can and cannot do on a provisional license, you can plan your driving and avoid unintended violations.

Key Takeaways

  • A provisional license is issued to drivers aged 16 or 17 who have held a learner permit for at least six months and passed the driving test.
  • The main restrictions are: no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., no more than one passenger under 21 (with exceptions for family), and no handheld phone use.
  • You must maintain a clean driving record during the provisional period — any traffic conviction or crash can extend the restrictions or result in license suspension.
  • The provisional restrictions end when you turn 18, or earlier if you hold the license for 12 months without a conviction or crash.

The three main restrictions on a provisional license

Texas law places three categories of limits on provisional drivers. First, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., with narrow exceptions for school, work, or medical emergencies. This curfew applies even if a parent or guardian is in the car.

Second, you can have no more than one passenger under age 21 in the vehicle at any time. Family members do not count toward this limit, so you can drive with siblings or parents. This rule prevents the distraction and peer pressure that comes with multiple teenage passengers.

Third, you cannot use a handheld mobile device while driving — not for calls, texts, or navigation. You can use a hands-free device for calls only. This restriction is stricter than the rules for adult drivers in Texas, which allow limited phone use.

How violations affect your provisional license

A traffic conviction or at-fault crash while you hold a provisional license has real consequences. If you receive a traffic conviction or are found at fault in a crash, your provisional period restarts. This means the clock resets, and you must go another 12 months without a conviction or crash before the restrictions lift.

A second conviction or crash during the provisional period can result in license suspension for up to six months. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will notify you by mail if your license is suspended. You cannot drive during a suspension, even with a parent in the car.

Minor violations — like speeding 10 miles over the limit — still count as traffic convictions for this purpose. Even a single violation extends your provisional period, so the stakes are higher than they are for adult drivers.

When the provisional restrictions end

Your provisional license restrictions automatically end on your 18th birthday, regardless of how long you have held the license. At that point, you become a regular licensed driver with no curfew, passenger limits, or phone restrictions (beyond the handheld device ban that applies to all drivers).

You can also exit the provisional period early if you hold the license for 12 consecutive months without a traffic conviction or at-fault crash. If you meet this condition before turning 18, you can visit a DPS office and request a regular license. Bring your provisional license, proof of identity, and proof of residence. There is no fee for this upgrade.

What you need to know about the midnight-to-5-a.m. curfew

The curfew is absolute except for specific, documented reasons. You can drive during curfew hours only if you are traveling to or from school, work, a school-sponsored event, or a medical emergency. "Medical emergency" means a situation where someone needs when ready care — not a routine appointment scheduled weeks in advance.

If you are stopped during curfew hours, you must be able to explain your reason for driving. A police officer may ask where you are going and why. Having a work schedule, school ID, or appointment card in the car can help, but the officer makes the final judgment call about whether your reason qualifies.

The curfew applies even if a parent or guardian is sitting next to you. Some teenagers mistakenly believe a parent's presence makes the curfew waivable — it does not. The only exception is if the parent is the one driving and you are a passenger.

How to prepare for the transition from learner permit to provisional license

Before you take the driving test, make sure you have held your learner permit for at least six months. The Texas DPS counts this time strictly — if you have held it for five months and 29 days, you are not yet may be able to access. Check the issue date on your permit to know your exact may be able to access date.

When you pass the driving test, you will receive your provisional license on the spot at the DPS office. The license will show your restrictions printed on the back. Read them carefully before you leave, because you are responsible for following them from day one.

Talk with your parents or guardians about the restrictions before you start driving. Agree on a plan for the midnight-to-5-a.m. curfew and passenger limits. If you work a late shift or have school events that conflict with the curfew, discuss how to handle those situations ahead of time.

What happens if you move to Texas with an out-of-state license

If you move to Texas and already hold a driver's license from another state, you do not automatically get a provisional license. Texas honors out-of-state licenses at their current level. If you held a full license in your previous state, you can continue driving under the same rules as an adult driver in Texas — no curfew or passenger limits.

However, if you held a provisional or restricted license in your previous state, Texas may recognize those restrictions. The safest approach is to visit a DPS office with your out-of-state license and ask what rules explore to you in Texas. Bring your license, proof of identity, and proof of Texas residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to school before 5 a.m. on a provisional license?

Yes. School is one of the documented exceptions to the midnight-to-5-a.m. curfew. If you have an early class or your school starts before 5 a.m., you can drive to get there. You should carry proof of your school schedule in case you are stopped.

What counts as a passenger under 21 for the one-passenger rule?

Anyone in the vehicle who is not a family member and is under 21 counts toward the limit. Family members — siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins — do not count. Friends always count, even if they are 20 years old.

Do I lose my license if I get a speeding ticket on a provisional license?

A speeding ticket is a traffic conviction and will restart your 12-month clock, but it does not automatically suspend your license. However, a second conviction within the provisional period can result in suspension for up to six months. One ticket extends your provisional period; a second one puts your license at risk.

Can I use GPS or Apple Maps on my phone while driving?

No. The handheld device ban includes all phone use, including navigation apps. You can use a hands-free GPS device mounted on your dashboard, or you can set your route before you start driving. Some newer cars have built-in navigation systems that do not require a handheld phone.

What if I turn 18 while my provisional period is still active?

Your restrictions end automatically on your 18th birthday. You do not need to visit the DPS office or request anything. Your license remains valid, but the restrictions no longer explore. You can drive at any hour and carry as many passengers as you want.