What you need to bring and where to go
To get a Texas learner's permit, you visit your local Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You cannot do this online or by mail. The DPS office will give you a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and if you pass, you receive your learner's permit on the spot — usually the same day.
You must be at least 15 years old. If you are under 18, you also need written consent from a parent or legal guardian, signed in front of the DPS officer. The permit costs around $16, though the exact fee can vary slightly by location.
The learner's permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. During that time, you must have a licensed adult driver in the car with you — the rules about who that person can be and where you can drive depend on your age and how long you have held the permit.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID.
- If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian who can sign a consent form in front of the DPS officer.
- You will take a written test on Texas traffic laws and road signs at the DPS office; passing it means you get your permit the same day.
- Your learner's permit is valid for two years and costs around $16, though the exact fee varies by DPS office location.
- The rules about who can supervise you and where you can drive change based on your age and how long you have held the permit.
Proof of identity and residency documents
The DPS accepts several forms of proof of identity. A birth certificate, passport, or consulate ID card all work. If you do not have any of those, a school photo ID plus a report card or school transcript can substitute. The document must show your name and date of birth.
For proof of residency, bring a document that shows your name and a Texas address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all count. A school enrollment letter or a letter from a government agency also works. If you live with a parent or guardian and their name is on the utility bill or lease, that document counts as proof of your residency too.
If you were born outside the United States, you will also need to show proof of lawful presence in the U.S. This can be a passport, visa, employment authorization document, or permanent resident card. Texas DPS will not issue a learner's permit without it.
The written test: what to study
The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions, and you must get at least 21 correct to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish.
The DPS provides a free study guide called the Texas Driver's Handbook, available on the DPS website and in print at any DPS office. It covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, following distance, what different road signs mean, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. Most of the test comes directly from this handbook.
You can take the test as many times as you need to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some locations may ask you to come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test.
Age-based rules for supervising drivers
The person supervising you must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. They must be seated beside you in the front seat. If you are 15 or 16, the supervising driver must be a parent, legal guardian, or a licensed driving instructor. You cannot be supervised by an older sibling or a friend's parent.
If you are 17 or 18, the supervising driver can be any licensed adult 21 or older — it does not have to be a parent or guardian. However, if you are under 18 and have held your learner's permit for less than six months, you still cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver.
Once you have held your learner's permit for six months and passed a driving test, you can move to a restricted license. The restrictions ease further when you turn 18 or after you have held a restricted license for a certain period.
Where to find your nearest DPS office
The DPS website has a tool to find the office closest to you by entering your city or zip code. Most cities have at least one office; larger cities have several. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer limited Saturday hours.
You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices — you walk in and take a number. However, some offices now offer online appointment scheduling, and using it can reduce your wait time. Check your local office's page on the DPS website to see if appointments are available.
Wait times vary widely. In rural areas, you might be seen within 30 minutes. In busy urban offices, you could wait an hour or more. Going early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon often means a shorter wait than going on Saturday or right after school.
What happens after you pass the test
Once you pass the written test, the DPS officer will take your photo and issue your learner's permit on the spot. Your permit is a plastic card that looks similar to a driver's license. You must carry it with you every time you drive.
Your learner's permit is not a driver's license. You cannot drive alone. If you are pulled over, you must show both your learner's permit and proof that a supervising driver is in the car with you. Driving alone with a learner's permit is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.
You can begin practicing when ready. Many people schedule driving lessons with a professional instructor while they hold their learner's permit. Others practice with a parent or guardian. Either way, the more supervised driving experience you get, the better prepared you will be for the driving test required to move to a restricted license.
Renewing or replacing your learner's permit
Your learner's permit is valid for two years. If it expires before you pass your driving test and move to a restricted license, you can renew it at any DPS office. Bring your expired permit and pay the renewal fee, which is the same as the original fee.
If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office. Bring proof of identity and residency again, and pay a replacement fee. The replacement permit will have the same expiration date as your original permit, not a new two-year period from the replacement date.
If you move to another state, your Texas learner's permit is no longer valid. You will need to get a learner's permit in your new state. If you move back to Texas before your permit expires, you can use your original Texas permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my learner's permit if I have not finished high school?
Yes. There is no education requirement for a learner's permit in Texas. You only need to be at least 15 years old, pass the written test, and bring the required documents. School enrollment is not checked.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day at most DPS offices, with no extra fee. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after reviewing the Texas Driver's Handbook more carefully.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit?
You need either a Social Security number or an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, you can still get a permit, but you will need to provide additional documentation. Ask at your local DPS office what documents they will accept in that case.
Can my learner's permit be used in other states?
A Texas learner's permit is generally recognized in other states, but the rules about who can supervise you and when you can drive may be different. Check the rules in any state where you plan to drive before you get behind the wheel.
How long do I have to hold a learner's permit before I can take the driving test?
In Texas, you must hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a restricted license. Some people hold it longer while they practice and feel ready.