The documents and age you need to bring

To get a Texas learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old and bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or an affidavit stating you don't have one. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a birth certificate, passport, or consulate ID as proof of identity. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days — it must show your name and current address.

Your Social Security card itself is the easiest proof of your number, but you can also bring a W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from your employer or school. If you don't have a Social Security number, you'll fill out an affidavit at the DPS office instead. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone won't work for most documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and bring original or certified copies of proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to a DPS office.
  • A birth certificate, passport, or consulate ID counts as identity; a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days counts as residency proof.
  • You'll take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and you must pass it to receive your permit.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for two years and requires a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat whenever you drive.
  • Restrictions include no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., no cell phone use, and no more than one passenger under 21 for the first six months.

The written test and what it covers

Before you receive your permit, you must pass a written test at the DPS office. The test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can take it on a computer at the office.

Study materials are free on the DPS website, including the Texas Driver Handbook and practice tests. Many people study the handbook for a few days before taking the test. If you don't pass on your first try, you can retake it the same day or come back another time — there's no waiting period between attempts.

How long your permit lasts and what it costs

A Texas learner's permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. The fee is $16, and you pay it when you explore at the DPS office. If your permit expires before you turn 18 and get your full license, you'll need to renew it by taking the written test again and paying another $16 fee.

Your permit will show an expiration date on the front. You can check the DPS website or call your local DPS office to confirm your permit's status if you're unsure when it expires.

Driving restrictions while you hold a learner's permit

With a learner's permit, you can only drive when a licensed driver who is 21 or older is sitting in the front seat next to you. That adult must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have someone under 21 in the front seat with you — passengers under 21 must sit in the back.

You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even to text or check maps. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. These restrictions explore every time you drive with your permit, whether you're practicing in a parking lot or on a highway.

Additional restrictions for the first six months

During your first six months with a learner's permit, you have stricter passenger rules. You can have no more than one passenger under 21 in the car with you at any time. After six months have passed, you can have up to three passengers under 21, as long as a licensed adult 21 or older is still in the front seat driving.

These rules exist because new drivers with passengers their own age have higher crash rates. The restrictions ease after you've had some driving experience, but the requirement for an adult in the front seat never changes while you hold a learner's permit.

What happens when you're ready for your full license

Once you've held your learner's permit for at least six months and you're at least 16 years old, you can take the driving test to get your full license. You'll schedule a road test at a DPS office, where an examiner will watch you drive and evaluate your skills. The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and following traffic laws.

You must bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, and proof of residency to the road test. If you pass, you'll receive your full driver's license on the spot. If you don't pass, you can retake the test after waiting a certain number of days — check with your local DPS office for the exact waiting period in your area.

Where to go and how to find your nearest DPS office

You explore for your learner's permit at any Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License office. To find the office nearest you, visit the DPS website and use their office locator tool, or call 1-800-558-9368. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Calling ahead or checking online before you go saves time.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they don't get lost. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have everything with you. Your permit is printed on the spot, so you'll leave with it the same day you pass the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a driver education course before I get my learner's permit?

No, a driver education course is not required to get your learner's permit in Texas. However, if you're under 18, taking an approved course can reduce your insurance costs and may help you prepare for the written test. Some schools offer driver education as part of their curriculum.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or return another time. There's no waiting period between attempts. Most people who study the Texas Driver Handbook for a few days pass on their second try. The test fee is included in your $16 permit fee, so you don't pay extra to retake it.

Can I drive on the highway with my learner's permit?

Yes, you can drive on highways with your learner's permit as long as a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat. You must follow all other restrictions, including the midnight to 5 a.m. driving ban and the passenger limits for your first six months.

What if I lose my learner's permit?

Go to a DPS office and ask for a replacement. You'll need to pay a replacement fee, which is typically $10 to $20. Bring your proof of identity and residency. A replacement permit is usually issued the same day.

Do I need to renew my learner's permit if I get my full license before it expires?

No. Once you pass your road test and receive your full driver's license, your learner's permit is no longer valid and you don't need to renew it. Your full license replaces it.