What you need to bring to the Texas DMV
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires specific documents before you can take the learner's permit test. Bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Texas residency such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. If you are under 18, you must also bring a parent or guardian.
Bring your completed process for Texas Identification (Form DL-43), which you can fill out at home or at the DPS office. You will also need to bring payment — the learner's permit costs $16 and is valid for two years. Bring a check, money order, or cash; not all offices accept cards.
If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, the name mismatch will delay or block your process.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency dated within 30 days.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present at the DPS office; they do not need to bring documents, but they must sign the process.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs and is offered in English and Spanish; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
- Your learner's permit is valid for two years and allows you to drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat.
- You can schedule your DPS visit online through the Texas DPS website to avoid waiting in line, though walk-ins are also accepted.
The written test and what it covers
The learner's permit 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 based on the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free to read from the DPS website or available in print at any DPS office.
The test is offered in English and Spanish. You can take it on a computer at the DPS office, and you will get your results when ready. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though some offices may ask you to wait a short time between attempts.
Common topics on the test include speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. The handbook also covers seat belt laws, distracted driving, and what to do if you are pulled over by police.
Age requirements and restrictions for learner's permit holders
You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Texas. If you are 15 or 16, you are subject to the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, which limits when and how you can drive.
Under the GDL program, you must hold your learner's permit for at least six months and pass a driving test before you can get a provisional license. During the learner's permit stage, you can drive only between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., and only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency.
If you are 18 or older, you can get a learner's permit without the GDL restrictions, though you still must have a licensed adult in the front seat. You do not have to wait six months before taking the driving test.
How to find a DPS office and schedule your visit
Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or ZIP code. The website shows office hours, which vary by location — some are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours.
You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website, which usually reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be an hour or longer during busy times, especially after school hours and on Saturdays. If you schedule online, you will receive a confirmation with your appointment time and office location.
Some DPS offices are busier than others. If your nearest office has a long wait, check whether a DPS office in a nearby town has shorter wait times. You can take your test at any DPS office in Texas, not just the one closest to you.
What happens after you pass the test
Once you pass the written test, the DPS will take your photograph and issue your learner's permit on the spot. Your permit will show your name, date of birth, address, photograph, and the expiration date (two years from the date of issue). You can start driving when ready with a licensed adult in the front seat.
Keep your learner's permit with you every time you drive. If you are pulled over by police and do not have it, you can be cited. Your permit is not a valid form of identification for other purposes — you cannot use it to board a plane or enter a federal building.
You must hold your learner's permit for the required time before you can take the driving test for a provisional license or full driver's license. If you are 15 or 16, that waiting period is six months. If you are 17 or older, you can take the driving test as soon as you pass the written test, though you must still have your learner's permit in your possession.
Renewing or replacing a lost or damaged permit
If your learner's permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office. Bring your identification and pay a $11 replacement fee. You do not have to retake the written test — the DPS will issue a new permit with the same expiration date as your original.
If your learner's permit expires before you pass your driving test, you can renew it at a DPS office. The renewal fee is $16, the same as the original permit. You do not have to retake the written test to renew.
If you move to a different address while your permit is valid, you should update your address at a DPS office. Bring your new proof of residency and your current permit. The address change is free and does not affect your permit's expiration date.
Common reasons applications are delayed or denied
The most common reason for delay is missing or incorrect documents. If your proof of residency is older than 30 days, the DPS will ask you to bring a newer one. If your name on your birth certificate does not match the name you are using now, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the legal name change.
If you have an outstanding traffic ticket or court fine in Texas, the DPS may hold your process until it is resolved. If you have been convicted of certain crimes, you may be ineligible for a learner's permit; the DPS will tell you if this applies to you.
If you are under 18 and explore without a parent or guardian present, your process will be rejected. The parent or guardian does not need to bring documents, but they must be there in person to sign the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or at home?
No. You must take the written test in person at a DPS office. The test is administered on a computer at the office, and a DPS employee must be present to verify your identity and supervise the test.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day at no extra cost. Most offices allow you to retake the test when ready or after a short wait. You have unlimited attempts, though you must pay the $16 permit fee only once.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit?
Yes. You must provide proof of your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Texas learner's permit. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax return as proof.
Can I drive alone with a learner's permit?
No. You must have a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat at all times. If you are 15 or 16, you also cannot drive between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Driving alone or violating these rules can result in a ticket and fines.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
The visit to the DPS office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour if you have an appointment, or longer if you walk in. You receive your permit the same day if you pass the test. The waiting period before you can take the driving test depends on your age — six months if you are 15 or 16, or no wait if you are 17 or older.