Where to get your learner's permit in Frisco

In Frisco, you obtain a learner's permit through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), not through your city or school. The closest DPS Driver License office to central Frisco is located in Plano, about 10 miles south. You can also visit DPS offices in McKinney, Carrollton, or Lewisville, depending on which is most convenient for you.

You must go in person to a DPS office to take the written test and have your photo taken. You cannot complete this step online or by mail. Bring your documents with you on your first visit — you will not be able to test without them.

DPS offices in the Dallas area typically have shorter wait times early in the morning on weekdays. Fridays and afternoons tend to be busier. You can check current wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go, though the times update only periodically.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS office in person; the nearest one to Frisco is in Plano, and you need your Social Security number, proof of residency, and birth certificate or passport.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • A learner's permit in Texas is valid for two years and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat.
  • Texas has a graduated licensing system, so you must hold your learner's permit for a minimum of six months before you can take the road test for a regular license.
  • Restrictions on your permit include no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., no use of cell phones, and no more than one passenger under age 21 during the first six months.

Documents you need to bring to the DPS office

Bring your original or certified birth certificate, or a valid U.S. passport. A photocopy or hospital birth certificate will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card (green card).

You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, or a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. A letter from the Social Security Administration also works.

For proof of residency in Frisco, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or school enrollment letter all count. A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of residency.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must sign the process in person. If you are 18 or older, you can explore alone.

The written test and what it covers

The Texas learner's permit test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass (a score of 70 percent). The test covers traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, and safe driving practices in different weather and road conditions.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. If English is not your first language, you may bring a certified translator, though the translator cannot help you answer questions — they can only translate the test itself.

You get one chance to pass on your first visit. If you fail, you must wait at least one day before you can return to take the test again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you pay the fee each time.

The current fee for a learner's permit in Texas is $16. Payment methods vary by office, but most accept cash, debit, and credit cards. Check the DPS website for the specific office's payment options before you go.

Restrictions that come with your learner's permit

A learner's permit is not a full driver's license. You can drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is sitting in the front seat next to you. That adult must have a valid driver's license in their possession.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. under any circumstances while holding a learner's permit. This is a hard rule with no exceptions, even if your supervising driver is with you.

You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even for hands-free calls or text-to-speech. The only exception is to call 911 in an emergency. This rule applies even if your supervising driver is in the car.

During your first six months with a learner's permit, you can have no more than one passenger under age 21 in the car, not counting your supervising driver. After six months, you can have up to three passengers under age 21.

How long you must hold your learner's permit before testing for a license

Texas requires you to hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for a regular driver's license. This waiting period cannot be shortened, even if you pass the road test early.

If you are under 18 when you get your permit, you must also complete a driver education course before you can take the road test. The course can be in-person or online and covers defensive driving techniques and Texas traffic laws. Your school may offer it, or you can take it through a private provider.

If you are 18 or older when you get your permit, you do not have to take a driver education course, but you still must wait the full six months.

Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. If you do not pass your road test before those two years are up, your permit expires and you must start over with a new written test and new fee.

What happens after you pass the written test

After you pass the written test at the DPS office, you receive your learner's permit the same day. It is a physical card that you must carry with you every time you drive. You also receive a receipt showing your test results and permit number.

Your permit has an expiration date printed on it. You must renew it if it expires before you are ready to take your road test, though most people complete their road test well before the two-year mark.

Once you have your permit, you can begin supervised driving practice. Keep a log of your hours if you are under 18, because some insurance companies offer discounts for documented practice time. You need at least 40 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night, before you take your road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my learner's permit online or by mail in Frisco?

No. You must visit a Texas DPS office in person to take the written test and have your photo taken. There is no online or mail-in option for a learner's permit in Texas.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test after waiting at least one day. You pay the fee again each time you test. There is no limit to how many attempts you get, but most people pass on their first or second try if they study the Texas Driver Handbook beforehand.

Do I need to take driver's education if I am 18 or older?

No. If you are 18 or older, you do not have to take a driver education course. You still must hold your learner's permit for six months and complete 40 hours of supervised driving before you can take the road test, but the classroom course is not required.

Can my supervising driver be anyone with a valid license?

Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver's license. They do not have to be a parent or relative, but they must be physically present in the front seat next to you while you drive.

What if my learner's permit expires before I take my road test?

Your permit is valid for two years. If it expires, you must return to the DPS office, retake the written test, and pay the fee again to get a new permit. You do not lose your supervised driving hours, but you cannot legally drive without a valid permit.