What You Need to Do to Get a Texas Learner's Permit
A Texas learner's permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car before you take the road test for a full license. To get one, you must pass a written knowledge test at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, bring proof of identity and residency, and pay a fee. The whole process usually takes one visit and costs around $16 for the permit itself, though fees vary slightly by location.
You do not need to have a job or own a car to get a permit. You do need to be at least 15 years old (or 14 years and 9 months if you are enrolled in a driver education course). The permit is valid for two years from the date you pass the test.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person to take the written test; you cannot take it online or by mail.
- Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card, and proof of your Texas address such as a utility bill or lease.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices from the Texas Driver Handbook, which you can read free online before you go.
- You must pass the test with a score of at least 70 percent to receive your permit.
- Once you have your permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front seat next to you.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
The DPS requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. An original or certified copy of your birth certificate works for identity. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form works for your Social Security number. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and Texas address on it.
If you do not have a birth certificate, you can use a passport, passport card, or consular report of birth. If you cannot produce a Social Security card, bring a tax return or letter from the Social Security Administration. The DPS office staff can tell you on the phone whether a specific document will work, so call ahead if you are unsure.
Bring the originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The DPS will not accept pictures of documents taken on your phone. You will also need to bring the fee, which is typically $16 for the permit but may vary; call your local DPS office to confirm the exact amount.
How to Find Your Nearest DPS Office and Make an Appointment
The Texas DPS website has a location finder where you can enter your city or zip code to see all nearby offices. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary widely — some offices have lines that move quickly, while others may have waits of an hour or more during peak times.
Many DPS offices now let you book an appointment online through their website. Booking ahead can cut your wait time significantly. If your local office does not offer online booking, you can call the office directly to ask whether appointments are available. Early morning visits, especially on weekday mornings, tend to have shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays.
What the Written Test Covers and How to Prepare
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 covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle hazardous driving situations.
The Texas Driver Handbook is the official study material. You can read it free on the DPS website or pick up a printed copy at any DPS office. Most people spend a few hours reading the handbook and taking practice tests online before they go in. The DPS website also has a practice test you can take as many times as you want. Studying the handbook thoroughly is the most reliable way to pass on your first try.
The test is given on a computer at the DPS office. You will have time to answer all 30 questions, and you will know your score before you leave. If you fail, you can usually take the test again the same day or come back another day, though some offices may have rules about how soon you can retake it.
Restrictions on What You Can Do With a Learner's Permit
A learner's permit is not the same as a driver's license. You cannot drive alone. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you at all times. That person must have a valid driver's license — a permit or suspended license does not count.
You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. while you hold a learner's permit. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a true emergency. These rules are part of Texas's Graduated Driver License (GDL) system, which is designed to give new drivers experience under safer conditions before they drive alone.
You must follow all regular traffic laws while driving on your permit. Speeding, running red lights, and other violations can result in a ticket, and they can also delay when you are allowed to take your road test for a full license.
When You Can Take Your Road Test After Getting Your Permit
You must hold your learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test for a full license. If you are under 18, you must also complete a driver education course and log at least 30 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night. If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete a driver education course, but you still need the 30-day waiting period.
Once you meet these requirements, you can schedule your road test at a DPS office. The road test includes driving on city streets and highways while an examiner watches and scores your performance. You must pass the road test to receive your full driver's license.
What Happens if You Fail the Written Test
If you score below 70 percent on the written test, you do not receive your permit. You can take the test again, usually the same day or within a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, though each attempt may have a small fee. Most people who study the handbook pass on their second try if they did not pass the first time.
If you fail multiple times, it may help to study specific sections of the handbook that you found difficult, or to take the practice test on the DPS website several more times before you return to the office. The DPS staff cannot teach you the material, but they can point you to study resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail instead of going to a DPS office?
No. Texas requires you to take the written test in person at a DPS office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through any third-party service. You must show up with your documents and take the test on a computer at the office.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can use a valid passport, passport card, or consular report of birth instead. If you do not have any of those, you can contact the Texas Vital Statistics office to order a certified copy of your birth certificate before you go to the DPS. The DPS office staff can also tell you which documents they will accept.
How long does a learner's permit stay valid?
Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date you pass the written test. If your permit expires before you pass your road test and get your full license, you will need to retake the written test and get a new permit.
Can I drive alone if I have a learner's permit?
No. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you at all times. Driving alone with a learner's permit is illegal and can result in a ticket and fines.
Do I have to take a driver education course to get a learner's permit?
No. You do not need a driver education course to get your learner's permit. However, if you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can take your road test for a full license. If you are 18 or older, a course is not required.