How to Get Your First Driver's License in Texas

What You Need to Do to Get a Texas Driver's License

To get your first Texas driver's license, you will need to pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity and Texas residency. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all licenses. You can take the written test at any DPS office, and you schedule the driving test separately at a location near you. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can complete both tests on the same day if you prepare in advance.

Texas does not require you to hold a learner's permit before taking the driving test, though many people do. If you are under 18, you must have held a learner's permit for at least six months and be at least 16 years old to take the driving test. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit step entirely and go straight to the written and driving tests.

Key Takeaways

You must pass a written test on Texas traffic laws and a behind-the-wheel driving test before DPS will issue your license.
Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or consulate document), and two documents showing your Texas address when you go to the DPS office.
The written test costs $16 and the driving test costs $16; you pay these fees at the DPS office when you take each test.
If you are under 18, you must have held a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test.
DPS offices accept walk-ins for the written test, but you must schedule the driving test in advance, either online or by phone.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

You will need to bring your original Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a W-2 form, tax return, or other official document with your number on it. You cannot use a photocopy or a picture of these documents — DPS requires the original.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consulate document (if you were born outside the U.S.), a valid foreign passport, or a Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST). If you are under 18 and do not have a passport or birth certificate, you can bring a school ID along with a report card or school transcript.

For proof of Texas residency, bring two documents from this list: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail with your name and current Texas address. Both documents must show your address and be dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill counts as one document even if it covers multiple utilities.

Taking the Written Test at a DPS Office

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes free on its website. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You have 30 minutes to complete it.

You can take the written test at any DPS office without scheduling ahead. Walk in during business hours, bring your documents, and pay the $16 test fee. DPS will administer the test on a computer at the office. You will get your results when ready. If you pass, DPS will give you a receipt that you can use to schedule your driving test. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day by paying another $16 fee, or you can come back another day.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website. Bring your documents and be prepared to wait; busy offices may have lines, especially in the morning and early afternoon.

Scheduling and Taking the Driving Test

Once you pass the written test, you must schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. You can schedule online through the DPS website, by calling 1-800-558-9368, or in person at the DPS office where you took the written test. The driving test costs $16 and takes about 30 minutes. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be in safe working condition with valid registration and insurance.

On the day of your driving test, bring your receipt from the written test, your documents proving identity and residency, and proof of vehicle insurance. The examiner will check your vehicle's lights, wipers, horn, and brakes before the test begins. During the test, you will drive on local roads while the examiner watches and scores your performance. You must demonstrate that you can start the vehicle, control it safely, obey traffic signs, park, and handle common driving situations.

If you pass the driving test, DPS will issue your license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license that day, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within two weeks. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before scheduling another appointment.

Special Rules for Drivers Under 18

If you are under 18, you must first obtain a learner's permit and hold it for at least six months before you can take the driving test. To get a learner's permit, you take the same written test as above and pay the same $16 fee. Once you have the permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front seat next to you.

After you have held the permit for six months, you can schedule your driving test. You must be at least 16 years old to take the driving test. When you pass, your learner's permit is replaced by your driver's license.

Drivers under 18 also face restrictions on their license for the first two years. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after two years, whichever comes first.

Fees and How to Pay

The written test costs $16. The driving test costs $16. If you fail either test and retake it, you pay the fee again. Your first driver's license is free once you pass both tests — DPS does not charge a separate license fee for first-time issuance.

DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. You pay the test fee when you arrive at the office or testing location.

What Happens After You Pass Both Tests

Once you pass the driving test, DPS will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your plastic card. Your permanent plastic driver's license will arrive by mail within two weeks, though it may take longer during busy periods.

Your Texas driver's license is valid for six years if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, your license expires on your 18th birthday. You can renew your license before it expires by visiting a DPS office, by mail, or online, depending on your age and whether your address has changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

Yes, if you pass the written test in the morning, you can schedule the driving test for the same afternoon at many DPS offices. However, you must schedule the driving test in advance, so call or go online before you arrive. Some offices may not have same-day slots available, especially during busy times.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test, but you must wait at least one day before scheduling another appointment. You pay the $16 fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, though DPS may require you to take a remedial driving course if you fail multiple times.

Do I need to bring my vehicle to the written test?

No. You only need your vehicle for the driving test. For the written test, bring only your documents and payment. Your vehicle must be registered and insured when you take the driving test.

What if my address changes after I get my license?

You must update your address with DPS within 30 days of moving. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. There is no fee to change your address. You do not need a new license card unless you want one.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. DPS offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages at most offices. When you arrive, tell the staff which language you need, and they will provide the test in that language.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.