What you need to know before you start

In Texas, a learner permit (also called a learner license) lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car, but you cannot drive alone. You must be at least 15 years old to get one. The process involves passing a written test about traffic laws and road signs, paying a fee, and bringing specific documents to a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office.

Texas does not require you to take a driver education course before getting your learner permit, though some families choose to. You can study for the written test using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free online at the DPS website.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency to a DPS office to get a learner permit.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and road signs from the Texas Driver Handbook and costs nothing to take; you pay a fee only if you pass.
  • With a learner permit, you can only drive when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat next to you.
  • Your learner permit is valid for two years, and you can take the road test for your full driver license after holding it for at least 30 days.

Documents you need to bring to the DPS office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport. You will also need proof of your Social Security number — an original Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form all work. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you applied for one.

You must also show proof that you live in Texas. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your name and a current address works. If the document is in a parent's or guardian's name, bring it along with a letter from them saying you live there.

Bring your parent or guardian with you if you are under 18. They will need to sign your process in person at the DPS office.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DPS office, and you get your results right away.

Study the Texas Driver Handbook before you go. It covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle bad weather, and what to do if you are pulled over. The handbook is free to read from the DPS website, and many libraries have printed copies.

You can take the written test as many times as you need to pass. If you fail, you can usually take it again the same day or come back another time.

Fees and how long the permit lasts

There is no charge to take the written test. If you pass, you pay a fee for your learner permit. The fee varies depending on how long you want the permit to be valid — typically $16 for a one-year permit or $27 for a two-year permit. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you pass the test.

Your learner permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. If it expires before you get your full driver license, you can renew it at a DPS office.

Restrictions on driving with a learner permit

With a learner permit, you can only drive when a licensed adult who is 21 years old or older is sitting in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only other teenagers in the car.

You must follow all regular traffic laws. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency. You must wear a seat belt, and all passengers must wear seat belts too.

Some restrictions depend on your age. If you are under 18, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car unless they are a family member.

Moving from learner permit to a full driver license

You can take the road test for your full driver license after you have held your learner permit for at least 30 days. The road test checks your ability to handle a car in real traffic — you will drive with a DPS examiner who watches how you start, stop, turn, park, and respond to other cars and pedestrians.

You must bring your learner permit, proof of insurance, and the car you will be driving in to the road test appointment. The car must be in safe working condition with working lights, brakes, and wipers. You pay a fee to take the road test, which varies by location but is usually around $7 to $10.

If you pass the road test, you get your full driver license. If you do not pass, you can take it again after a waiting period, usually a few days to a week.

Where to go and how to schedule

Find your nearest DPS office by visiting the DPS website and using their office locator tool. You can search by city or zip code. Some offices take walk-ins, but many require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's hours and whether they accept appointments before you go.

During busy times of year, wait times can be long. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time usually means a shorter wait. You can book appointments through the DPS website or by calling your local office directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner permit if I am homeschooled?

Yes. You do not need to be enrolled in a traditional school to get a learner permit. You only need to meet the age requirement (at least 15), pass the written test, and bring the required documents to a DPS office.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take it again. There is no waiting period between attempts at most DPS offices, so you can study the handbook and retake the test the same day or return another time. You do not pay a fee to take the test itself, only if you pass.

Do I have to take driver education before I get my learner permit?

No. Texas does not require a driver education course to get a learner permit. However, some families choose to take one, and some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer a discount.

Can my learner permit be used in other states?

A Texas learner permit is generally recognized in other states, but the restrictions that explore in Texas may not explore elsewhere. If you plan to drive in another state, check that state's rules about learner permits and the age of the supervising adult.

What happens if I get a ticket while driving with my learner permit?

You are subject to the same traffic laws as any driver. A ticket will go on your driving record and may affect your insurance rates. It could also delay when you are allowed to take your road test, depending on the violation.