What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license

To get your first Texas driver's license, you will visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity and Texas residency. The whole process takes at least two visits — one to explore and take the written test, and a second to take the driving test — and usually takes two to four weeks from start to finish. You cannot complete any part of this online or by mail.

Texas issues a standard driver's license at age 16 if you pass both tests and meet the state's requirements. If you are under 18, you will also need to complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for a waiting period before you can take the driving test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office twice: once to explore and take the written test, and again to take the driving test after you have held your learner's permit for the required waiting period.
  • Bring original documents that prove your identity (passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID) and Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address).
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, proof of a valid Social Security number, and payment for the license fee (currently $16 for a four-year license for adults 18 and older).

Documents you must bring to your first DPS visit

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 consulate ID card, or a military ID. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a government document with your current Texas address. The residency document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card with you, bring a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement. If you were not born in the United States, bring your passport or a document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services showing your immigration status.

Bring payment for the license fee. As of 2024, a four-year driver's license for an adult costs $16. The DPS office will accept cash, check, or card. Bring your learner's permit if you already have one.

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 test in another language if you need one — call your local DPS office ahead of time to arrange this.

Study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available as a PDF on the DPS website. The handbook covers everything the test asks about: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. You can take the test on the same day you explore, or you can schedule it for another day if you need more time to study.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you will pay the process fee again each time.

Getting your learner's permit if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you cannot take the driving test right away. After you pass the written test, you will receive a learner's permit. You must hold this permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test. During this time, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front seat.

Before you can get your learner's permit, you must also complete a driver education course. This course can be taken online or in person through a school, a private driving school, or a community college. The course covers traffic laws and safe driving, and it usually takes 6 to 8 hours to complete. Once you finish, you will receive a certificate of completion that you must bring to the DPS office when you explore.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit or a driver education course. You can take the driving test as soon as you pass the written test, though the DPS may require you to wait a few days for scheduling.

Scheduling and taking your driving test

After you have held your learner's permit for the required waiting period (30 days if you are under 18), you can schedule your driving test. You can book your test online through the DPS website, by phone, or in person at a DPS office. The wait time for a driving test varies by location — in busy areas it may be several weeks, while in smaller towns it may be a few days.

On the day of your test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance (your car's insurance card or a printed policy), and the vehicle you will use for the test. The vehicle must be registered in Texas, have valid inspection and registration, and be in safe working condition. Bring a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old to drive you to the test location if you do not have your own transportation.

The driving test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. You will also drive on city streets or highways depending on where the test is held. You must follow all traffic laws and the examiner's instructions. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will need to schedule another appointment and may have to wait several weeks.

Finding a DPS office and what to expect

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices are busier than others — offices in large cities often have long wait times, while smaller towns may be faster. You can also check wait times on the DPS website before you go.

Arrive early and bring all your documents in one folder or envelope. The DPS office will take your photo and your fingerprints for your license. The process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour if the office is not busy, but can take much longer during peak times. Your temporary license will be printed on paper and given to you the same day; your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

No. You must take the written test in person at a DPS office. However, you can study for it online using the free Texas Driver Handbook on the DPS website.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment through the DPS. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Wait times for retesting vary by location.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

Yes, the vehicle must be registered in Texas and have valid inspection and registration. If you do not have access to a car, some private driving schools offer test vehicles for a fee.

How long does my Texas driver's license last?

A standard driver's license for an adult is valid for four years. Licenses for people 85 and older are valid for two years. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your passport and a document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services showing your immigration status or work authorization. The DPS will verify your status before issuing your license.