What you need to bring to the Texas DMV
To get a Texas learner's permit, you will visit your local Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with specific documents. You cannot complete this by mail or online — the DPS must verify your identity and take your photo and fingerprints.
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or document showing your number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. The adult must also bring an ID and proof of their address.
If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document along with your birth certificate. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Texas DPS office in person with your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address; no online or mail option exists.
- If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you and bring their own ID and proof of address.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
- The 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.
- The fee is $16 for a two-year permit, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at the DPS office.
The written test and what it covers
At the DPS office, you will take a written test on Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass (a score of 70 percent). You have one hour to complete it.
The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, stopping distances, traffic signals, and what different road signs mean. It also includes questions about driving under the influence, seat belt laws, and what to do if you are pulled over by police. The DPS provides a free study guide called the Texas Driver Handbook, available on the DPS website, that covers all the material on the test.
You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra charge. Most people pass on their first attempt if they study the handbook.
How the vision screening works
Before you take the written test, the DPS will check your vision. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. You must see well enough to meet Texas standards — generally 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts.
If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to your appointment. If you fail the vision test, you will not receive your permit that day. You can return after you have been examined by an eye doctor and bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from the doctor stating that your vision meets the legal requirement.
What happens after you pass
Once you pass the written test and vision screening, the DPS will take your photo and fingerprints. You will pay the $16 fee and receive your learner's permit on the spot. The permit is a physical card that you must carry whenever you drive.
Your permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. During this time, you must follow the restrictions that come with a learner's permit in Texas: you can drive only when a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older is sitting in the front passenger seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
Keep your permit in a safe place. If you lose it, you can get a replacement at any DPS office for a small fee, usually around $11.
Finding your nearest DPS office and making an appointment
Texas DPS offices are located in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require appointments to manage wait times.
To schedule an appointment, visit the DPS website and use their online appointment system, or call the office directly. Appointments can usually be scheduled weeks in advance. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait several hours, and the office may turn you away if they are at capacity.
Bring all your documents with you on the day of your appointment. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. If you miss your appointment, you can schedule another one online or by phone.
Preparing to study for the written test
The Texas Driver Handbook is free and available as a PDF on the DPS website. Read through it at least once before your test, and pay special attention to the sections on speed limits, right-of-way, and traffic signs. Many people find it helpful to read it twice.
You can also take practice tests online through the DPS website or through third-party study apps. These practice tests use questions similar to the real test and help you see which topics you need to review more. Spend at least a few hours studying before your appointment.
On the day of your test, get enough sleep the night before and eat a meal before you go. Bring a pen or pencil if the office allows it (some offices provide them). Stay calm during the test — most questions are straightforward if you have studied the handbook.
Restrictions and rules for learner's permit holders
While you hold a learner's permit, Texas law requires that a licensed driver 21 or older sit in the front passenger seat next to you at all times. This person must have a valid driver's license and be awake and alert. They cannot be texting or distracted.
You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must obey all traffic laws, including speed limits and traffic signals. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency. If you are caught breaking these rules, you can be ticketed, and your permit can be suspended.
You must display your learner's permit whenever you drive. If you are pulled over and do not have it with you, you can be cited. Your supervising driver should also have their license with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I am homeschooled?
Yes. Texas does not require you to be enrolled in a public or private school to get a learner's permit. You only need to meet the age requirement (14 years old) and bring the required documents to the DPS office.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day at no extra charge, or you can return another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on their second attempt if they study the handbook more carefully after their first try.
Do I need a Social Security card, or can I use a different document?
You need to show your Social Security number, but you do not have to bring the card itself. You can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or other official document that shows your number. The DPS will accept any of these instead of the card.
Can my learner's permit be renewed before it expires?
Yes. You can renew it up to 30 days before it expires. You will need to return to the DPS office with your current permit and pay the renewal fee. You do not have to retake the written test to renew.
What if I move to a different state while I have a Texas learner's permit?
Your Texas permit remains valid in other states, but you should check the rules of the state you move to. Some states have different restrictions for learner's permit holders. When you move, you will eventually need to get a license in your new state.