What You Need to Do to Get a Texas Driver's License
To get a Texas driver's license, you visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process takes one to three hours on the day of your visit, though you may wait weeks for an appointment depending on your location. Texas does not issue licenses by mail or online — you must appear in person at a DPS office.
The state charges $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license if you are 85 or older. Payment is cash, check, or card at the office. You cannot pay online in advance.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring original documents proving your identity, Texas residency, and Social Security number to your DPS appointment — copies are not accepted for identity documents.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official DPS handbook, which is free online at dps.texas.gov.
- The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle, and you must pass both the written and driving tests on the same day to receive your license.
- DPS appointment availability varies by office; some locations book weeks in advance, so schedule as soon as you know you need a license.
- If you fail the driving test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment, but you must pass the written test first.
Documents You Must Bring to Your DPS Appointment
Texas requires original documents — not copies — for identity and residency. Bring one document from the identity list and one from the residency list. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a permanent resident card, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. A school ID, library card, or expired license does not count.
For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a property tax bill in your name. The document must show your current Texas address and be dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill, insurance statement, or government mail also works. If you live with someone else and have no utility bill in your name, a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill, is accepted.
You also need your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or be prepared to provide the number verbally — DPS will verify it with the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a standard driver's license; you may be able to get an REAL ID license instead, which requires additional documents.
The Written Knowledge Test: What to Study
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DPS office and takes about 15 minutes. You can take it in English or Spanish.
Study using the official Texas Driver's Handbook, available free at dps.texas.gov under "Driver License Information." The handbook covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. Many people pass after studying the handbook for a few hours. If you fail, you can retake the written test the same day or at a later appointment, but you must pass it before you can take the driving test.
Some DPS offices offer practice tests on their computers before you take the real test. Ask when you arrive. You cannot bring notes, phones, or study materials into the testing room.
The Driving Test: Vehicle Requirements and What the Examiner Checks
After you pass the written test, a DPS examiner will test your driving ability. The test lasts 10 to 15 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and responding to road conditions. You will be asked to start the vehicle, drive on city streets and possibly highways, make turns, park, and stop at traffic lights and stop signs.
You can use your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle. If you use your own, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins. The vehicle must have valid Texas license plates or temporary tags. If the vehicle fails the safety check, you cannot test that day.
The examiner is looking for safe driving: obeying speed limits, using turn signals, checking mirrors, maintaining safe distance from other vehicles, and responding correctly to traffic signs. Minor mistakes like hesitating at a stop sign may not fail you, but serious errors like running a red light, hitting a curb, or causing a near-collision will. If you fail, you can retake the driving test at a later appointment.
How to Schedule Your DPS Appointment
Book your appointment online at dps.texas.gov or by calling 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935). Online scheduling is faster and shows you available dates and times at your nearest DPS office. You will need to enter your name, date of birth, and the county where you want to test.
Appointment availability varies widely. In rural areas, you may find an opening within days. In major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, wait times can be four to eight weeks. If no appointments are available at your preferred office, check offices in nearby counties — you can test in any Texas county, not just your home county.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents. If you are late or do not show up, your appointment will be cancelled and you will need to reschedule. Bring cash or a card to pay the license fee at the office.
Timeline: How Long the Process Takes
The time from deciding you need a license to holding one depends mainly on appointment availability. If you can get an appointment within a week, you can complete the written and driving tests in a single visit lasting one to three hours. If your area has a long wait, you might wait four to eight weeks just for the appointment.
Once you pass both tests on the day of your appointment, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed. The permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive legally using the temporary license during this time.
If you fail the driving test, you must schedule another appointment to retake it. You do not need to retake the written test unless more than a year has passed since you passed it.
Special Situations: Under 18, Renewals, and REAL ID
If you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian present at your appointment. You also need to complete a driver education course before you can test — this is a classroom or online course covering traffic safety, usually offered by high schools or private driving schools. The course takes four to six hours and costs $20 to $100 depending on the provider. You receive a certificate upon completion, which you bring to your DPS appointment.
If you already have a Texas driver's license and are renewing it, the process is different — you may renew by mail or online if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations. See the renewal section for details.
If you want a REAL ID license instead of a standard license, you need additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, plus proof of Social Security number. REAL ID licenses are required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025. The fee is the same as a standard license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the driving test in someone else's car?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and pass a safety inspection by the examiner. The owner does not need to be present, but the vehicle must have valid Texas plates or temporary tags and working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it at a later appointment. You do not need to retake the written test unless more than a year has passed since you passed it. You will pay the license fee again when you retake the test.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license?
Yes, for a standard license. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get a REAL ID license instead, which requires a certified birth certificate or passport. Contact your local DPS office to discuss your options.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary license is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed. You can drive legally during this time. Your permanent license arrives within two to three weeks.
Can I test in a different county than where I live?
Yes. You can test at any DPS office in Texas, regardless of where you live. This is useful if your home county has long wait times — nearby counties may have sooner appointments.