What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license
To get a driver's license in Texas, you must pass a written knowledge test, a driving test, and a vision screening at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You will also need to 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 DPS usually lasts one to two hours.
Texas issues licenses to people age 16 and older. If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. If you are 18 or older and have never held a license, you can go straight to the full license test without the permit step.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax document, and proof of Texas residency such as a utility bill or lease.
- The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes free online.
- The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and tests basic vehicle control, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws.
- DPS offices accept appointments through their online system, and wait times for appointments vary by location and season.
- A Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $61 depending on how long you want it to last, and you can renew it by mail or online if you meet certain conditions.
Documents you must bring to DPS
Texas requires you to bring original documents or certified copies. You will need proof of identity (your birth certificate, passport, or military ID), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return), and proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days). If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the name change. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document along with proof of legal presence in the U.S., such as a green card or visa. DPS will not accept a photocopy of your Social Security card, so bring the original or a document that lists your number.
Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one. DPS will not require you to surrender it, but having it on hand speeds up the process. You will also need to pay the license fee at the time of your appointment, so bring a debit card, credit card, or cash.
How to study for the written test
The written test has 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 is offered in English and Spanish, and DPS also offers it in other languages by request.
The official Texas Driver Handbook is free and available on the DPS website. It covers everything the test covers: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. Most people study the handbook for a few hours over a week or two before their test. You can also take practice tests on the DPS website to see which topics you need to review more.
On the day of your test, you will sit at a computer terminal in the DPS office and answer the questions. You will see your score when ready after you finish. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment.
What happens during the driving test
The driving test lasts 20 to 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DPS office. A DPS examiner will sit in the passenger seat and watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and merging into traffic. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, not perfect technique. Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, speeding, improper lane changes, and hitting the curb while parking.
You must bring the vehicle you plan to use for the test. It must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the lights, wipers, horn, and brakes work before you start. If the vehicle fails inspection, you will not be able to take the test that day.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it at a later appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you will pay the test fee each time. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.
How to schedule your DPS appointment
You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. You will need to enter your zip code to find the nearest office and see available dates. Most offices have appointments available within two to four weeks, though some busy urban locations may have longer waits. You can also call the DPS office directly or visit in person to schedule, though online scheduling is usually faster.
When you schedule, you will choose whether you want to take the written test, the driving test, or both on the same day. If you are taking both, plan for about three hours total. Some offices allow you to do both tests in one visit; others require separate appointments. The DPS website will show you what is available at your chosen location.
Arrive at your appointment 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring all your documents and your fee payment. If you are late, the office may cancel your appointment and you will need to reschedule.
License fees and how long your license lasts
A Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license, $32 for an eight-year license, or $61 for a commercial driver's license. The fee is the same whether you are getting your first license or renewing an old one. You pay at the time of your appointment.
A standard driver's license is valid for four or eight years from the date it is issued, depending on which option you choose. Your license will expire on your birthday in the year it is set to expire. Texas sends renewal notices by mail about 45 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew.
If your license expires while you are out of state or unable to visit a DPS office, you can renew it by mail or online if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must not have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive, and you must not have changed your name. If you do not meet these conditions, you will need to visit a DPS office in person.
What to do if you fail the written or driving test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most DPS offices, or you can schedule a new appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. You will pay the test fee again if you retake it the same day.
If you fail the driving test, you must schedule a new appointment. You cannot retake the driving test on the same day. Most people schedule their next attempt within a week or two. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the driving test, and there is no waiting period between attempts.
If you fail three times, DPS does not require you to do anything special before your fourth attempt. However, some people choose to take a defensive driving course or get additional practice with a professional instructor before retrying. These courses are not required by Texas law, but they can help you understand what you did wrong on your previous attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a learner permit before I can get my license?
If you are under 18, yes. You must hold a learner permit for at least six months and pass a written test to get one. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the permit and go straight to the full license test. A learner permit costs $11 and is valid for two years.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English or Spanish?
Yes. DPS offers the test in several languages including Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and others. Call your local DPS office or check the website to see which languages are available at your location. You may need to request a translator when you schedule your appointment.
What if I move to Texas from another state?
You must get a Texas license within 60 days of moving to the state. You can transfer your out-of-state license by taking the written test and vision screening, but you may not have to take the driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and you have held it for at least one year. Bring your out-of-state license and your proof of Texas residency to your appointment.
How much does it cost to get a Texas driver's license?
The fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee at your DPS appointment. If you retake the written or driving test on the same day, you pay an additional test fee of $7 to $10 depending on which test you retake.
Can I renew my license online?
You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions affecting your driving, and your name has not changed. You can renew by mail or in person if you do not meet these conditions. Online renewal costs the same as renewing in person and takes about one week to process.