What you need to do to get a Texas driver's permit
To get a Texas driver's permit, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and pass a vision screening. You'll need to bring specific documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency. The whole process takes about an hour at the office, and you'll walk out with your permit the same day if you pass both tests.
Texas issues two types of permits: a learner license (for ages 15 to 17) and a regular driver's permit (for ages 18 and up). The learner license has more restrictions on when and where you can drive. This guide covers both, but the steps are nearly identical.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or document showing your number, and proof of Texas residency such as a utility bill or lease.
- The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices; Texas provides a free study guide online at the DPS website.
- You must pass a vision screening at the DPS office; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
- Your permit is valid for one year if you're under 18, or five years if you're 18 or older, and you can renew it before it expires.
- You cannot take the test online; you must go to a DPS office in person, and wait times vary by location and time of day.
Gather your documents before you go to the DPS office
The Texas DPS requires specific documents to prove who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies usually won't work. You'll need an original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number (such as a W-2 form or tax return), and proof of Texas residency dated within the last 90 days.
For proof of residency, acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. If you're under 18, you'll also need written consent from a parent or guardian; the DPS office can provide the form, or you can read it from their website before you go. Bring the original signed form, not a photocopy.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the legal change. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or other proof of lawful presence in the U.S.
Study for the written knowledge test
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and what to do in bad weather or at night.
Texas provides a free study guide called the Texas Driver's Handbook, available as a PDF on the DPS website. Read through it at least once before your test. Many people also use online practice tests, which you can find by searching "Texas driver's permit practice test." These aren't official, but they follow the same format and topics as the real test.
You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you need the test in another language, call your local DPS office ahead of time to ask what's available.
Find your nearest DPS office and check wait times
Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your zip code. Some offices are busier than others; offices in larger cities often have longer waits, especially on weekends and after school hours.
Many DPS offices now show estimated wait times online. Check before you go, or call the office directly. If the wait is long, try going on a weekday morning or early afternoon. You do not need an appointment for a permit test at most offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Check your local office's website to see if scheduling is available in your area.
Take the vision screening and written test at the DPS office
When you arrive, tell the staff member you're there for a driver's permit. They'll check your documents and have you sign a form confirming the information is correct. If you're under 18, they'll check your parent's or guardian's written consent.
Next, you'll take a vision screening. The staff will use a machine to test how well you can see. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you won't be able to take the written test that day; you'll need to see an eye doctor and come back with a corrected vision certificate.
If you pass the vision screening, you'll sit at a computer or paper station and take the 30-question written test. You'll have time to answer all questions. Once you finish, the results appear right away. If you pass, you're done. If you fail, you can usually take the test again the same day or come back another day; policies vary by office.
Receive your permit and understand the restrictions
If you pass both the vision screening and written test, you'll receive your permit when ready. Your permit is a physical card that you must carry whenever you drive. Keep it in a safe place—if you lose it, you'll need to pay a fee to get a replacement.
Your permit is valid for one year if you're under 18, or five years if you're 18 or older. Write the expiration date somewhere you'll remember it. You can renew your permit before it expires by returning to a DPS office with your current permit and paying the renewal fee.
If you're under 18 with a learner license, you must follow specific rules: you can only drive between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. (with some exceptions), you must have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. If you're 18 or older with a regular permit, you can drive at any time, but you still need a licensed adult in the car in most states' reciprocal agreements.
What to do if you fail the test
If you don't pass the written test, you can take it again. Most DPS offices let you retake the test the same day at no extra cost, though some require you to wait a few days or come back another time. Ask the staff what your office's policy is.
If you fail the vision screening, you'll need to see an eye doctor and get a corrected vision certificate before you can try again. This certificate shows that your vision meets the legal standard for driving, either with or without glasses or contacts. Bring the certificate to the DPS office on your next visit.
There's no limit to how many times you can take the test, so take your time studying and try again when you're ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Texas driver's permit cost?
The fee varies depending on your age and how long the permit is valid. As of 2024, a learner license for someone under 18 costs around $16, and a regular permit for someone 18 or older costs around $27. Fees can change, so call your local DPS office or check the website for the current price.
Can I take the written test online?
No. You must go to a DPS office in person to take the test. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through a third party. However, you can study online using the free Texas Driver's Handbook and practice tests before you go.
What if I don't have a birth certificate?
If you don't have an original or certified birth certificate, you can order one from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born. This can take several weeks, so order it as soon as you know you'll need a permit. In the meantime, ask your local DPS office what other documents they might accept as proof of identity.
Do I need to pass the test to get a permit, or do I get the permit first?
You must pass both the vision screening and the written test before you receive your permit. You cannot get a permit and then take the test. The permit is issued only after you pass both.
Can someone else pick up my permit for me?
No. You must be present in person at the DPS office to take the vision screening and written test. Your parent or guardian can go with you, but you must be there yourself.