What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license

To get a Texas driver's license, you will take a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test with an examiner, and provide documents proving your identity and residency. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all licenses. You can start the process online by creating an account on the DPS website, but you must visit a DPS office in person to take the tests and pick up your license. The whole process typically takes two to four weeks from start to finish, though you can walk in without an appointment and complete it the same day if you are prepared.

Texas issues three types of driver's licenses: a standard license (valid for eight years), a Real ID license (valid for eight years, required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025), and a commercial license (for operating commercial vehicles). Most people get the standard license. The cost is $33 for an eight-year license, or $16 for a four-year license if you prefer to renew sooner.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person to take the written and driving tests; no part of this can be done online or by mail.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • You will take a 50-question written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a practical driving test with an examiner in your own vehicle or a DPS test vehicle.
  • Your license arrives by mail within two weeks after you pass both tests; you receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass.

Gather your documents before you go to the DPS office

The DPS requires specific documents to prove who you are and where you live. Bring your Social Security number (write it down or have it memorized). For identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a consular report of birth. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, such as a high school diploma, college transcript, or marriage certificate.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of their ID and the utility bill itself.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must come with you and sign consent forms. Bring their ID as well. If you are renewing a license that expired more than two years ago, you may need to retake the written and driving tests; call your local DPS office to confirm.

Take the written test at the DPS office

The written test has 50 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 40 correctly to pass (80 percent). The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, following distance, and what different road signs mean. You can take the test in English or Spanish. The test is on a computer at the DPS office, and you will know your score when ready after you finish.

Study materials are free on the DPS website. read the Texas Driver Handbook (a PDF), which contains all the information the test covers. Many people spend a few hours reading it and taking practice tests online before they go to the office. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day; there is no waiting period between attempts.

Schedule and take the driving test

After you pass the written test, you schedule your driving test. Some DPS offices let you book it on the same day; others require you to schedule it for a later date. You can book online through the DPS website or by phone. The driving test usually happens within one to three weeks of when you schedule it, depending on how busy your local office is.

For the driving test, you will drive a vehicle with a DPS examiner in the passenger seat. You can use your own car, a family member's car, or a DPS test vehicle (available at some offices for a fee). The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic skills: starting and stopping, turning, parking, lane changes, and following traffic laws. The examiner watches for safe driving habits and your ability to follow instructions. You must pass this test to get your license.

Bring your temporary paper permit (issued after you pass the written test) and a valid ID to the driving test. Make sure the vehicle you use has working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period (usually a few days to a week); the DPS will tell you when you can come back.

Receive your temporary license and wait for your permanent one

On the day you pass the driving test, the DPS office will issue you a temporary paper license. This is valid when ready and works as your driver's license while you wait for the permanent one. You can drive, use it as ID, and carry it in your wallet.

Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two weeks. The DPS mails it to the address you provided at the office. If you do not receive it within three weeks, call the DPS to check the status. Once it arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid, but you can keep it as a record.

What to do if you fail the driving test

If you do not pass the driving test on your first attempt, you can retake it. The DPS will tell you the specific skills you need to work on. You must wait a set number of days before retaking (usually three to seven days, depending on your local office). You do not need to retake the written test; your written test score stays valid for a set period.

Before your second attempt, practice the skills the examiner noted. Many people take a few lessons with a professional driving instructor between attempts. Instructors know what the DPS test covers and can give you focused feedback. You pay for lessons separately; they are not part of the DPS process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. Both the written test and the driving test must be taken in person at a DPS office. You cannot complete either one remotely or by mail. You must visit an office to get your license.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get a Texas driver's license. Bring your passport or other identity document and proof of residency. The DPS will issue a license without a Social Security number, though you may need to provide additional documentation. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to confirm what they need.

How long does the whole process take?

If you pass both tests on your first try and schedule your driving test quickly, you can complete everything in two to four weeks. If you walk in without an appointment and pass both tests the same day, you receive your temporary license that day and your permanent license by mail within two weeks. If you fail and retake, add another week or two.

Do I need to take a driver's education course?

No, driver's education is not required for adults. If you are under 18, you must complete a driver's education course before you can get a license. The course can be taken online or in person through approved providers. Ask the DPS office for a list of approved courses in your area.

What if I move to a different Texas county after I pass the written test?

Your written test score is valid statewide, so you can take your driving test at any DPS office in Texas. You do not need to retake the written test. Just schedule your driving test at the office closest to your new address.