What you need to bring and where to go
To get your first Texas driver's license, you visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes multiple visits — you cannot do it all in one day. You will need to schedule your driving test appointment ahead of time, and the written test happens on the same day as your driving test.
Start by finding the DPS office nearest you on the Texas DPS website. Not all offices offer all services, so check that yours handles new driver's licenses before you go. You can also call ahead to confirm their hours and whether they are currently accepting walk-ins or appointments only.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, your Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States to your first DPS visit.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs and you take it at the DPS office; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook online.
- After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test, which is the actual road test with a DPS examiner.
- The driving test must happen in a vehicle registered in Texas, and you must bring proof of insurance and vehicle registration to that appointment.
- The total cost is around $16 for the written test and $6 for the driving test, plus a license fee that varies based on how long you want the license to last.
Documents you must bring to your first visit
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need one document that proves your identity (a passport, certified birth certificate, or military ID), one document that proves you live in Texas (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
You also need to prove you are legally allowed to work and live in the United States. A U.S. passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card all work. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your visa, employment authorization document, or other federal immigration document. The DPS office will make a copy of these documents, so bring the originals.
If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, the name on your license will not match your other documents.
How the written test works
The written test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request a reader if you need one. The DPS office administers it on a computer at their location.
Study using the free Texas Driver Handbook, which you can read from the Texas DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. The handbook covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few days and pass on their first try; some take it twice. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to pay the test fee again.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
After you pass the written test, the DPS office will give you information about scheduling your driving test. You cannot take the driving test on the same day as the written test — you must schedule it for a later date. Many offices let you book it right there, or you can call or go online to schedule it later.
The driving test is a road test with a DPS examiner. You drive in real traffic for about 20 minutes while the examiner watches and scores your ability to handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers. You must bring a vehicle that is registered in Texas, has valid insurance, and is in safe working condition. The person who owns the vehicle does not have to be present, but you need proof of registration and proof of insurance in the car.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you will have to schedule another appointment. There is no set waiting period between attempts, but appointments fill up, so it may be weeks before you can test again.
What happens after you pass both tests
Once you pass the driving test, you pay the license fee at the DPS office. The fee depends on how long you want your license to last — a four-year license costs less than a six-year license. You will also have your photo taken at this point. Your temporary license is printed on paper and is valid when ready; your plastic card arrives in the mail within two to three weeks.
Check your temporary license for errors before you leave the office. If your name, address, or date of birth is wrong, tell the DPS staff right away so they can fix it. Once you leave, correcting errors is harder.
If you are under 18
If you are under 18, you need a parent or legal guardian to sign your process in person at the DPS office. You also have to follow Texas's graduated licensing rules: you start with a learner's permit, drive with a licensed adult for a set number of hours, then test for a restricted license, and finally a full license. Each step has its own age requirements and waiting periods.
The learner's permit is the first step and requires the same documents as an adult license. You take the written test and get the permit the same day. After that, the timeline depends on your age — the younger you are, the longer you have to wait between steps. Ask the DPS office for the specific timeline for your age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. You must go to a DPS office in person to take the written test. The test is administered on a computer at the office, and you cannot do it remotely or at home.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it after scheduling another appointment. There is no waiting period, but you will have to pay the test fee again and book a new appointment, which may be weeks away depending on how busy the office is.
Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the driving test?
No, not if you are 18 or older. Adults can go straight from the written test to the driving test. If you are under 18, you must have a learner's permit and complete the graduated licensing steps before you can get a full license.
What if my vehicle fails inspection during the driving test?
The examiner will check that your vehicle is safe — brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors all work. If something is broken, the test will not happen and you will have to reschedule after you fix it. This does not count as a failed test; it is a postponement.
How long is a Texas driver's license valid?
A Texas driver's license is valid for four or six years, depending on which one you buy. You choose the length when you pay the fee. After it expires, you have to renew it, which is a different process than getting your first license.