Texas learner's permit requirements at a glance

To get a Texas learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old, pass a written knowledge test, and provide proof of identity and residency. You do not need a Social Security number, but you do need to show documents that establish who you are and where you live. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) administers the test at driver license offices across the state.

The knowledge test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices specific to Texas. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. The test takes about 30 minutes and is offered in multiple languages. Once you pass, your learner's permit is valid for two years.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and bring proof of identity and Texas residency to the DPS office.
  • The written knowledge test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs, and you need a score of 70 percent or higher to pass.
  • A learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued.
  • With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat beside you.
  • You cannot hold a learner's permit and a driver license at the same time; you must surrender one to obtain the other.

Documents you need to bring to the DPS office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Texas. A birth certificate, passport, or state ID card works for identity. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

If you are under 18, you may also need to bring a parent or guardian. Texas law requires parental consent for anyone under 18 explore for a learner's permit. Your parent or guardian must sign the process in front of the DPS officer. Bring their ID as well so the officer can verify their identity.

Do not bring a Social Security card unless you want to provide your number voluntarily. Texas does not require it for a learner's permit, though you can include it if you wish. Bring cash or a debit card to pay the fee, which is currently $16 for a two-year permit, though fees can change.

How to pass the written knowledge test

The test has 30 questions and covers three main areas: traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to reach the 70 percent passing score. The test is multiple choice, and you take it on a computer at the DPS office.

Study the Texas Driver Handbook before you go. The DPS publishes this free handbook online and in print at any driver license office. It contains all the information covered on the test. Many people study it for a few hours over several days and feel ready. You can take the test in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, or several other languages.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait a few hours and pay the fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on the first or second attempt if they study the handbook.

Restrictions that explore with a learner's permit

A learner's permit is not the same as a driver license. You can drive only when a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older is sitting in the front passenger seat beside you. That adult must hold a valid driver license from any state or country. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only younger passengers.

You must follow all regular traffic laws. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, with very limited exceptions for emergencies. You must wear a seat belt and may support all passengers wear one. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent, guardian, or licensed adult 25 or older is in the vehicle.

Your learner's permit expires two years from the date it is issued. If you do not pass the road test and get a driver license before then, you must renew your permit by taking the written test again. You cannot renew a permit without retesting.

When you are ready to take the road test

After you have held your learner's permit for at least 30 days, you can schedule a road test with the DPS. You must have logged at least 10 hours of driving, with at least 7 of those hours at night. Keep a log of your driving practice so you can show it if asked. Some DPS offices ask to see it; others do not, but having one protects you if there is a question.

Schedule your road test online through the DPS website or by calling your local driver license office. Tests fill up weeks in advance in busy areas, so book early. You will need to bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you plan to drive during the test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. If you pass, you can explore for a driver license when ready. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting a set period, usually a few days.

Age-specific rules for drivers under 18

Texas has additional restrictions for drivers under 18 beyond what applies to learner's permit holders. Once you get your driver license before age 18, you enter a two-stage system called Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL). During the first stage, which lasts at least six months, you have the same restrictions as a learner's permit holder: a licensed adult 21 or older must be in the front seat.

After six months with a driver license and no traffic violations, you move to the second stage. At that point, you can drive alone during the day, but you still cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent, guardian, or licensed adult 25 or older is in the vehicle. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18.

If you receive a traffic ticket or are involved in an accident while under 18, your GDL restrictions may be extended. A conviction for a traffic violation can add six months to your restrictions. This is why safe driving during your learner's permit phase matters: violations now affect your privileges later.

Where to go and what to expect at the DPS office

Find your nearest driver license office on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some offering Saturday hours. Arrive early, especially on Fridays or near the end of the month, because offices can have long wait times. Bring all your documents and be prepared to wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is.

When your number is called, you will go to a window where a DPS officer will check your documents, verify your identity, and have you sign the process. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign too. The officer will take a photo for your permit. Then you will go to a computer station to take the written test. After you pass, you will pay the fee and receive your learner's permit on the spot.

If you fail the test, the officer will tell you which topics to study before you retake it. You can usually retake it the same day, but you will pay the fee again. Keep your receipt in case there is a problem with your permit later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit in Texas?

No. Texas does not require a Social Security number for a learner's permit. You can provide one if you want, but it is not mandatory. Bring your identity and residency documents instead.

Can I get a learner's permit if I am homeschooled?

Yes. Homeschooled students can get a learner's permit at 15 just like students in public or private schools. You do not need to show proof of enrollment or attendance. Bring your identity and residency documents to the DPS office.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may need to wait a few hours. You will pay the fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Most people pass after studying the Texas Driver Handbook for a few hours.

Can I drive with my learner's permit if I am 18 or older?

Yes, but the same restrictions explore. You still need a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat with you. The age of the supervising driver does not change based on your age. Once you pass the road test and get a driver license, these restrictions end.

How long does a learner's permit stay valid?

A Texas learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. If you do not pass the road test and get a driver license within that time, you must retake the written test to renew your permit.