What you need to do to get a Texas driver license

To get a Texas driver license, you visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity and residency. The whole process usually takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary paper license the same day you pass your tests. Texas does not issue licenses by mail or online — you must show up in person with your documents.

The state issues different types of licenses depending on your age and citizenship status. A standard Class C license lets you drive a regular passenger vehicle. If you are under 18, you start with a learner permit, then a restricted license, then a full license — each stage has its own rules and waiting periods. If you are 18 or older and have never held a license, you can go straight to a full Class C license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency to start the process.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DPS examiner.
  • A Class C license costs $33 for a six-year license or $16 for a two-year license, and you pay at the DPS office when you pass your tests.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold a learner permit for at least six months and follow restrictions on when and where you can drive before you can get a full license.
  • You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Documents you need to bring to the DPS office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth. You also need a document that shows your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though the process takes longer.

For proof that you live in Texas, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can use a letter from a shelter, social service agency, or other organization that serves you, signed and dated by an official there.

Bring your Social Security card itself if you have one — the DPS will not accept a copy. If you have a current out-of-state license, bring that too. You will also need to bring glasses or contacts if you wear them while driving, because the DPS will test your vision as part of the exam.

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 need to answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle bad weather, and what to do if a police officer pulls you over.

You can study for free using the Texas DPS Driver Handbook, which is available online as a PDF on the Texas DPS website. The handbook covers everything that will be on the test. You can also take practice tests online through the DPS website or through third-party study sites. Many people take the practice test several times before they go to the DPS office.

The test is given on a computer at the DPS office. If you do not read English well, you can request the test in Spanish or another language — call ahead to ask which languages your local office offers. You get the results right away, and if you pass, you move on to the driving test the same day or schedule it for another day.

The driving test and behind-the-wheel exam

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner sits in the passenger seat while you drive on public roads near the DPS office. The examiner watches how you handle the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers and road conditions. You will be tested on things like starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, lane changes, and how you handle intersections.

You must bring the vehicle you will be driving for the test — it has to be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors all work before you start. If anything is broken, you will not be allowed to take the test that day.

Common reasons people fail the driving test include hitting the curb while parking, not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, speeding, not using turn signals, or hitting another car or object. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on how busy your local office is.

Cost and how long it takes

A Class C license costs $33 if you want it to last six years, or $16 if you want it to last two years. You pay this fee at the DPS office after you pass both tests. The fee is the same whether you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, the cost is the same, but your license will have restrictions printed on it.

The whole process from your first visit to the DPS office to receiving your physical license in the mail usually takes two to four weeks. You get a temporary paper license the day you pass your tests, and you can drive on that paper license while you wait for the plastic card to arrive. The paper license is valid for 45 days.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of year. You can check the wait time for your nearest office on the Texas DPS website before you go. Some offices are much busier than others, and going early in the morning or on a weekday usually means a shorter wait.

If you are under 18: learner permit and restricted license

If you are under 18, you cannot go straight to a full license. You must first get a learner permit, hold it for at least six months, then get a restricted license, hold that for at least six months, and then get a full license. Each stage has its own rules about when and where you can drive.

With a learner permit, you can only drive when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. With a restricted license, you can drive alone during the day, but you still cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use your phone while driving. At 18, or after six months on a restricted license, you can get a full license with no restrictions.

The written and driving tests are the same whether you are getting a learner permit or a full license. The main difference is the waiting periods and the restrictions that print on your license card.

Renewing or replacing your license

When your license is about to expire, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. You can renew online if your license is not expired yet and you have not had any address changes. Renewing online costs less and is faster than going to an office.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at a DPS office. Bring your documents the same way you would for a new license. A replacement license costs $11 and takes the same two to four weeks to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in Spanish?

Yes. The Texas DPS offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to confirm which languages they offer, because not all offices have all languages available.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can take the driving test again. There is usually no waiting period between attempts, though you may have to pay the license fee again. Your local DPS office can tell you when the next available test slot is.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas license?

You need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS, though the process takes several weeks.

Can I get a license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Texas issues licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens if they have a valid visa or other immigration document. You will need to bring your passport and visa or immigration paperwork to the DPS office along with your other documents.

How do I find my nearest DPS office?

Go to the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool. You can search by city or zip code, and the site will show you the address, phone number, and current wait time for each office near you.