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 two documents showing your current address — such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
If you are under 18, you also need a parent or legal guardian to come with you. They must bring their photo ID and sign your process in person. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original immigration documents or a certified copy of your green card.
Bring your completed process for a Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-44), which you can fill out before you arrive or at the DPS office. You will also pay a fee — currently $16 for a learner's permit valid for one year — though this amount can change. Bring cash, check, or debit card; not all offices accept credit cards.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your current address to the DPS office.
- If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own photo ID.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs at the DPS office; the test is in English, Spanish, or other languages depending on the location.
- After you pass the written test, you receive your learner's permit the same day and can begin driving with a licensed adult in the car.
- Your learner's permit is valid for one year, and you must follow restrictions such as no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. until you turn 18.
Finding your nearest DPS office and scheduling an appointment
You can visit any Texas DPS Driver License office, but wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Use the DPS office locator at the Texas DPS website to find the office nearest you, see their hours, and check current wait times. Some offices post real-time wait information; others update it hourly.
Texas DPS offices do not require appointments for learner's permit applications, but you can call ahead to ask about typical wait times. Arriving early in the morning or on weekday afternoons often means shorter waits than lunch hours or late afternoons. Bring all your documents in a folder so you do not lose anything while waiting.
Taking the written knowledge test
The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DPS office. You must score at least 21 correct answers (70 percent) to pass. The test takes about 30 minutes.
The test is offered in English, Spanish, and several other languages depending on your DPS office location. You can request an interpreter or reader if you need one, but you must tell the DPS office when you arrive. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test the same day or return another day at no extra cost.
Study materials are free on the Texas DPS website, including the official driver handbook and practice tests. Many people study the handbook for one to two weeks before taking the test. The handbook covers everything the test will ask about, so reading it thoroughly is the most direct way to prepare.
What happens after you pass the test
Once you pass the written test, the DPS office will take your photo and issue your learner's permit on the spot. Your permit is a physical card that you must carry every time you drive. It is valid for one year from the date it is issued.
With your learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting beside you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive other passengers. If you are under 18, you also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a licensed adult in the car.
Keep your permit in a safe place. If you lose it, you can get a replacement at any DPS office for a small fee. Your permit does not expire if you do not use it, but it will expire one year after the issue date whether you have driven or not.
Restrictions and rules while you hold a learner's permit
Texas learner's permit holders under 18 face stricter rules than those 18 and older. You cannot use a cell phone or wireless device while driving, even hands-free. You must wear a seat belt at all times. You cannot drive with more than one passenger who is under 21 (unless they are a family member), and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
If you are 18 or older when you get your learner's permit, the midnight-to-5-a.m. restriction does not explore, but you still cannot drive alone and must have a licensed adult in the front seat. All other rules — no cell phone use, seat belt required, no more than one young passenger — still explore.
Violating these restrictions can result in a ticket and a fine. More importantly, breaking the rules puts you and your supervising driver at risk. The restrictions exist because new drivers have the highest crash rates of any age group.
Moving from your learner's permit to your driver's license
After you have held your learner's permit for at least six months (or three months if you are 18 or older), you can take the driving test to get your full driver's license. The driving test is a practical test where a DPS examiner rides with you and watches how you handle the car on the road.
You must schedule a driving test appointment in advance. You can book online through the Texas DPS website or call your local DPS office. Appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy areas, so schedule as soon as you are ready to test.
Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will use for the test. The car must be registered, have working lights and wipers, and pass a safety inspection. Your supervising driver cannot be the same person who will take the test with you — you need a licensed adult to drive you to the testing location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I am 18 or older?
Yes. If you are 18 or older, you can get a learner's permit with the same documents and written test. The main difference is that the midnight-to-5-a.m. driving restriction does not explore to you, and you only need to hold the permit for three months before taking the driving test instead of six months.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test when ready at the same DPS office at no extra cost. Most people who study the official handbook pass on their second attempt. You can take the test as many times as you need until you pass.
Do I need to take a driver education course before getting my learner's permit?
No. A driver education course is not required to get your learner's permit in Texas. However, if you are under 18, completing an approved driver education course can reduce your car insurance rates and may help you prepare for the written test.
What if I move to another state while I have a Texas learner's permit?
Your Texas learner's permit is only valid in Texas. If you move, you will need to get a learner's permit from your new state. Contact that state's DMV or equivalent agency to find out what documents and tests they require.
Can someone else pick up my learner's permit if I cannot go to the DPS office?
No. You must be present in person to take the written test and have your photo taken for your permit. A parent or guardian can come with you if you are under 18, but you must be there yourself.