What a Texas learner permit is and how to get one
A Texas learner permit, officially called a Class DJ license, is a document that lets you practice driving on public roads under supervision. You cannot drive alone with this permit — you must have a licensed adult in the front passenger seat at all times. The permit is the first step toward a full driver's license in Texas.
To get a learner permit, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person. You will need to bring proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or consulate document), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or school enrollment letter), and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You will also take a written test on traffic laws and road signs — the same test that appears in the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes free online.
The permit itself costs money, though the fee varies slightly by county. Once you pass the written test and pay the fee, you receive the permit on the same day. There is no separate road test required to get the permit; the road test comes later, when you explore for a full license.
Key Takeaways
- A Texas learner permit requires you to have a licensed adult in the front passenger seat whenever you drive, and you cannot drive alone under any circumstances.
- You must pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs at a DPS office, and bring proof of identity, Texas residency, and your Social Security number.
- The permit is valid for two years from the date of issue, and you can renew it at a DPS office if you have not yet taken your road test.
- Texas law sets minimum age requirements: you must be at least 14 years old to hold a learner permit, though some restrictions explore to drivers under 18.
- Certain driving restrictions explore during the first six months with a permit, including limits on passengers and nighttime driving for drivers under 18.
Age requirements and when you can explore
You must be at least 14 years old to hold a Texas learner permit. There is no upper age limit — adults can also get a learner permit if they are learning to drive for the first time or if they are renewing after a long break.
If you are under 18, Texas law imposes additional restrictions on top of the basic permit rules. During the first six months you hold a permit, you cannot have passengers under 21 in the car (except family members), and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. These restrictions exist whether or not you are supervised. After six months with a clean record, some of these limits ease, though the requirement to have a licensed adult in the front seat never changes while you hold a permit.
If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner permit stage and go straight to a road test for a full license, though many adults choose to get a permit first if they have never driven before.
What you can and cannot do with a learner permit
With a learner permit, you can drive on any public road in Texas during daylight and nighttime hours (subject to the age-based restrictions above). You can drive on highways, city streets, and rural roads. You cannot drive on private property only — you must be on a public road where the permit is valid.
You must always have a licensed driver in the front passenger seat. That person must hold a valid driver's license from any state or country, and they must be at least 21 years old. The supervising driver is responsible for your safety and for making sure you follow traffic laws. If you are pulled over, you must show both your permit and the supervising driver's license.
You cannot drive for commercial purposes — you cannot be paid to drive, and you cannot use the permit to operate a taxi, delivery vehicle, or any vehicle used in a business. You also cannot tow a trailer or operate a motorcycle with a learner permit; those require separate endorsements and tests.
How long a permit lasts and when to renew
A Texas learner permit is valid for two years from the date of issue. You do not need to renew it during that time unless you want to — the permit remains active as long as you have not turned it in or let it expire.
If your permit expires before you take your road test for a full license, you can renew it at any DPS office. You will need to bring your expired permit, proof of identity, and the renewal fee. You do not have to retake the written test to renew a permit; you only pay the fee and receive a new permit valid for another two years.
If you do not use your permit within two years, it expires automatically. You can still get a new one by returning to a DPS office and taking the written test again, but you cannot drive with an expired permit.
Restrictions that explore to drivers under 18
Texas has a graduated licensing system designed to limit risk for young drivers. During the first six months you hold a learner permit and are under 18, you cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car (family members do not count toward this limit). You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising adult present.
These restrictions explore to the permit stage and continue into the first year after you get a full license, though the rules change slightly once you are licensed. The midnight-to-5 a.m. restriction lifts after one year of holding a license, but the passenger limit remains until you turn 18.
If you are cited for violating these restrictions, the ticket goes on your record and can affect your insurance rates. It can also delay your road test or cause the DPS to deny your license process.
What happens after you pass the written test
Once you have your learner permit, you are required to practice driving for a minimum of 30 hours before you can take a road test for a full license. At least 10 of those hours must be at night. Texas does not track these hours officially — you and your supervising driver keep your own record — but you should document them in case you are asked.
You can take your road test at any DPS office once you have completed the practice hours and feel ready. The test includes a vehicle inspection, a written portion on road signs, and a driving portion where a DPS examiner sits in the car and watches you drive. You must bring your permit, proof of identity, and a vehicle that is registered and insured in Texas.
If you fail the road test, you can retake it after waiting a set period (usually a few days to a week, depending on the office). You keep your learner permit and can continue practicing until you pass.
Costs and what documents you need
The cost of a learner permit varies by county but typically ranges from $16 to $25 for the initial permit. Renewal costs are similar. Some counties charge slightly more, and DPS offices may accept payment by cash, check, or card depending on the location.
Before you go to a DPS office, gather these documents: a birth certificate, passport, or consulate-issued ID (proof of identity); a utility bill, lease agreement, or school enrollment letter (proof of Texas residency); and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS, or you can bring a letter from your school or employer stating you do not have one.
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted. If any document is in a language other than English, bring a certified translation as well. DPS offices have a list of acceptable documents on their website, and you can call ahead to confirm what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive alone with a learner permit if I am over 18?
No. The requirement to have a licensed adult in the front passenger seat applies to all learner permit holders, regardless of age. The only way to drive alone is to pass your road test and receive a full driver's license.
What if my supervising driver gets a ticket while I am driving?
The ticket goes to the supervising driver, not to you. However, if you are the one breaking a traffic law (speeding, running a red light), you can be cited even though you are supervised. The supervising driver is not responsible for your driving violations.
Can I get a learner permit if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot hold a learner permit. You must wait until the suspension or revocation period ends before you can explore for a new permit or license.
Do I need to take the written test in English?
Texas offers the written test in English and Spanish. You can choose which language you want to use when you arrive at the DPS office. The test covers the same material in both languages.
What if I move out of Texas while I have a learner permit?
Your Texas learner permit is no longer valid once you establish residency in another state. You will need to get a learner permit from your new state if you want to continue practicing. If you move back to Texas later, you can get a new Texas permit by taking the written test again.