You need to pass a written test and a vision screening at a Texas DPS office, then pay a fee

An adult learner's permit in Texas is issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and lets you practice driving with a licensed driver in the car. You do not need a learner's permit to take a driving course, but you do need one to legally practice on public roads. The process takes one visit to a DPS office if you bring the right documents, though the office may have a wait.

Texas does not require adults to hold a learner's permit before taking a driving test for a full license. Many adults skip the permit stage and go straight to the license exam. A permit is useful if you want supervised practice time first, or if you need to spread the process across two visits.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to a DPS office.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • A vision screening is part of the permit process and you must meet the minimum vision standard or bring a corrective lens prescription.
  • The permit fee is $16 and the permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.
  • You can take the written test in English or Spanish, and DPS offices offer the test multiple times per day.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring an original or certified copy of your proof of identity. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a foreign passport with a visa, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. A driver's license from another state counts if it is still valid.

You also need proof that you live in Texas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. If you do not have one of these, a letter from a government agency, school, or employer on official letterhead stating your name and address is acceptable.

Bring your Social Security number or your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will need to provide it verbally or in writing at the office. If you do not have either, DPS can issue a permit without one, but you will need to complete an affidavit stating you do not have a number.

The written knowledge test and what it covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is based on the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes free online and updates regularly.

Common topics include right-of-way rules at intersections and four-way stops, speed limits in different zones, what different road signs mean, when you must use headlights, how to handle a skid, and rules for passing other vehicles. The test also covers parking rules, seat belt laws, and what to do if you are pulled over.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. DPS offices administer the test on a computer or on paper, depending on the location. You have no time limit, though most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most offices, though some require you to wait a few hours or return another day.

Vision screening requirements

DPS will test your vision at the office using a standard eye chart. You must see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you and tell the examiner you are wearing them.

If you do not meet the 20/40 standard, you can bring a corrective lens prescription from an eye doctor and retest. The prescription must be current and the examiner will verify it meets the requirement. If you cannot meet the standard even with correction, you will not receive a permit.

Finding a DPS office and scheduling your visit

Texas DPS has driver license offices in most cities and many towns. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. The office locator shows hours, phone numbers, and whether the office takes walk-ins or requires an appointment.

Many DPS offices accept walk-ins during business hours, but wait times vary widely. Some offices have short waits in the morning or on weekdays; others may have waits of an hour or more during peak times. A few offices in large cities require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's policy before you go.

You can also call the DPS office directly to ask about wait times or to schedule an appointment if the office offers that option. The phone number is listed on the office locator page.

The permit fee and how long the permit lasts

The learner's permit costs $16. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices; some also accept credit cards. The fee is non-refundable if you fail the test.

Your permit is valid for one year from the date DPS issues it. You can renew it by returning to a DPS office and paying the fee again, though you will need to retake the written test and vision screening. Most people do not renew; instead, they take the driving test and get a full license before the permit expires.

What you can and cannot do with a learner's permit

With a Texas learner's permit, you can drive on public roads only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting beside you in the front seat. That driver must have a valid license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only passengers under 21 in the car.

There are no restrictions on the time of day you can drive or the roads you can use. You can drive on highways, in cities, and on rural roads as long as a licensed adult is with you. You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take a driving course before I get a learner's permit?

No. A driving course is not required to get a learner's permit in Texas. You can take the written test and vision screening at a DPS office without having completed any course. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete a course, and a course can help you prepare for the written test.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test at most DPS offices the same day, though some offices may ask you to wait a few hours or return another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Each retake costs $16.

Can I take the test in a language other than English or Spanish?

No. DPS offers the written test in English and Spanish only. If you need help understanding the test, you can bring an interpreter, but the interpreter cannot answer questions for you or tell you what the correct answer is.

How long does it take to get the permit after I pass the test?

DPS issues the permit on the same day you pass the test. You will receive a paper permit at the office that is valid when ready. If you want a plastic permit card, you can request one and it will be mailed to you within a few weeks.

What happens if my learner's permit expires before I get my license?

You can renew the permit by returning to a DPS office, retaking the written test and vision screening, and paying the $16 fee. You can renew as many times as you need. There is no limit to how long you can hold a learner's permit.