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 knowledge test, a driving test, and a vision screening at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You must also bring specific documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though the actual appointment at the DPS office usually takes one to two hours.
Texas does not require you to take a formal driver's education course before testing, though some people choose to do so. You can study for the written test using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free and available online at the DPS website. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. If you pass the written test and vision screening, you will then schedule a separate appointment for the driving test, which is conducted by a DPS examiner.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or document showing your number, and proof of Texas residency such as a utility bill or lease.
- The written test covers 30 questions about Texas traffic laws and road signs, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass.
- You can schedule your DPS appointment online through the Texas DPS website, by phone at 1-844-DPS-TXDL, or in person at your local DPS office.
- The driving test takes place on public roads near the DPS office and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes; you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
- Once you pass both tests, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within two weeks.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Texas requires specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. You will need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate (a photocopy is not acceptable), your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, and one document proving you live in Texas. Acceptable residency documents include a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Texas address.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the legal change—such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you are under 18, you must also bring written consent from a parent or guardian, signed on a form provided by DPS. Bring the originals of these documents; DPS will not accept photocopies of birth certificates or Social Security cards.
How the Written Test Works
The written test consists of 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 covers topics such as speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking regulations, and what different road signs mean. You can take the test in English or Spanish.
The Texas Driver's Handbook, available free on the DPS website, contains all the information you need to study. Many people also use practice tests online to prepare. You are allowed to take the written test up to three times in a 12-month period; if you fail, you must wait at least one day before retaking it. Once you pass the written test and vision screening, you can schedule your driving test.
Scheduling and Taking the Driving Test
After you pass the written test, you will schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. You can book this appointment online through the Texas DPS website, by phone, or in person. Wait times for driving test appointments vary by location; in busy areas, you may wait several weeks. The driving test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes and is conducted on public roads near the DPS office.
For the driving test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered in Texas, has current insurance, and is in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and a horn. You will be tested on basic driving skills such as starting and stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will also check that you can adjust mirrors and seat and that you understand how to use the vehicle's controls. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, though you may have to wait for another appointment.
Age Requirements and Restrictions for New Drivers
In Texas, you must be at least 16 years old to get a driver's license. If you are under 18, you will receive a license with restrictions. These restrictions include a requirement to hold a learner's permit for at least six months before taking the driving test, a ban on using a cell phone while driving (except in emergencies), and a limit on the number of passengers you can carry.
If you are 16 or 17, you must first obtain a learner's permit by passing the written test. You then must hold the permit for at least six months and have a licensed adult in the vehicle with you while you practice driving. After six months, you can take the driving test. If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit; you can go directly to the written test and then the driving test.
What Happens After You Pass Both Tests
Once you pass the written test, vision screening, and driving test, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while your plastic card is being made. 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 under 85 years old. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. If you move to a different address in Texas, you must update your address with DPS within 30 days; you can do this online or at a DPS office without taking another test.
Where to Find Your Local DPS Office and Schedule an Appointment
Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times on the Texas DPS website. The website also allows you to schedule your written test and driving test appointments online. If you prefer to schedule by phone, call 1-844-DPS-TXDL. You can also walk into a DPS office without an appointment, though you may wait longer.
DPS offices are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Bring all required documents and arrive early. If you are unable to make your appointment, you can cancel or reschedule online or by phone at least 24 hours in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take a driver's education course before I can get my license?
No, Texas does not require a formal driver's education course. However, if you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months and practice driving with a licensed adult. Some people take a driver's education course to prepare for the tests, but it is not mandatory.
What if I fail the written test or driving test?
You can retake the written test after waiting at least one day, and you can take it up to three times in a 12-month period. For the driving test, you can retake it after scheduling another appointment. There is no waiting period between driving test attempts, but you may have to wait weeks for the next available appointment depending on your location.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes, the written test is available in Spanish and several other languages. When you schedule your appointment, you can request the language you want. Let the DPS office know your language preference when you arrive.
What if I lose my temporary paper license before my plastic card arrives?
Contact your local DPS office and request a replacement. You can usually get a replacement the same day or within a few days. Bring your identification documents and proof that you passed the tests. There may be a small fee for a replacement.
Can I drive to my driving test appointment if I have not passed the driving test yet?
No, you cannot drive alone. You must have a licensed driver with you. If you are under 18 with a learner's permit, the adult must be in the front seat. If you are 18 or older, you can have any licensed driver accompany you, but you cannot drive to the appointment yourself.