What you need to do to get a Texas driver's permit

A Texas driver's permit (also called a learner's permit or learner's license) lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take the road test for a full license. To get one, you visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test about traffic laws, and pay a fee. The whole process takes about an hour at the office, though you should study the traffic rules beforehand.

Texas has different rules depending on your age. If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can get a permit. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the course and go straight to the DPS office. Either way, you cannot get a permit by mail or online — you must appear in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency to get a Texas driver's permit.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course (classroom or online) before the DPS will issue a permit.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs at the DPS office; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook.
  • The permit fee is $16 for a four-year permit, and you must pass a vision screening at the office.
  • Once you have the permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat.

Complete driver education if you are under 18

Texas law requires anyone under 18 to finish a driver education course before they can get a permit. You have two options: classroom-based or online. Classroom courses typically meet for six to eight hours over several days at a local driving school. Online courses let you complete the material at your own pace, usually finishing in one to three days.

Both types cover the same material: traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and the dangers of distracted or impaired driving. When you finish, the course provider gives you a certificate of completion. You will need to bring this certificate to the DPS office. If you are 18 or older, you do not need to take this course — you can go straight to the DPS office.

Gather your documents before you go to the DPS office

Bring original documents, not copies. The DPS office will not accept photocopies or digital images. You need proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or consulate ID card), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), and proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

If you are under 18, also bring your driver education certificate. If you are a minor, a parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the process. Bring their ID as well. If you were born outside the United States, bring your immigration documents (green card, visa, or work permit). Check the DPS website for your local office location and hours before you go — some offices have limited hours or require you to arrive early.

Pass the written test at the DPS office

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules. It has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DPS office. You can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook, which is available on the DPS website and in print at any DPS office.

The handbook covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, parking rules, and what to do if you are pulled over. Most people spend a few hours studying before they take the test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

Complete the vision screening and pay the fee

At the DPS office, you will also take a vision test. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye (with or without glasses or contacts). If you wear corrective lenses, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, the DPS will not issue a permit until you see an eye doctor and bring proof that your vision meets the standard.

The permit fee is $16 for a four-year permit. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices. Once you pass the written test and vision screening, the DPS will issue your permit on the spot. Your permit is valid for four years. You can start driving with a licensed adult when ready.

Understand the rules for driving with a permit

With a Texas driver's permit, you can only drive when a licensed adult age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. That adult must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have other permit holders or unlicensed drivers in the car with you. You must follow all traffic laws and speed limits.

You must keep your permit with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped by police, show them your permit and the adult's license. Driving without the required adult in the car is a violation and can result in a fine or suspension of your permit. Once you turn 16 (if you got your permit before 16) or have held your permit for at least six months, you can take the road test for a full driver's license at any DPS office.

What to do if you lose your permit or need to renew it

If you lose your permit, go to any DPS office with your ID and proof of residency. You can get a replacement for $11. If your permit expires before you get your full license, you can renew it at a DPS office for $16. You do not need to retake the written test or vision screening to renew — just bring your expired permit and pay the fee.

If you move to a different address in Texas, you should update your address at a DPS office. Bring your current permit and proof of your new address. The update is free and takes a few minutes. If you move out of Texas, your Texas permit is no longer valid in your new state, and you will need to get a permit from that state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's permit online?

No. You must go to a DPS office in person to get a permit. You cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. However, you can take the driver education course online if you are under 18, and you can check DPS office hours and locations on the website before you go.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period. Most DPS offices let you retake it within an hour. Study the Texas Driver Handbook again before your next attempt, focusing on the areas where you struggled.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a permit?

Yes, Texas requires a Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can explore through the Social Security Administration before you go to the DPS. Bring proof of your process if you are in the process of getting a number.

Can I drive with other teenagers in the car if I have a permit?

No. With a permit, you can only have one licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat. No other passengers are allowed, and you cannot drive other teenagers even if an adult is present.

How long does a Texas driver's permit last?

A Texas driver's permit is valid for four years from the date it is issued. You can renew it at a DPS office before it expires. Once you pass your road test and get a full driver's license, your permit is no longer valid.