What You Need to Bring to the DPS Office
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to bring specific documents in person to complete your process. You cannot explore by mail or online — you must visit a DPS driver license office in your county.
Bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, proof of your Social Security number, and your completed process form. The form is called Form DL-44, and you can fill it out before you go or at the office. If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian to sign the form in person.
For proof of identity, bring a passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a consular report of birth. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your current Texas address. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with Form DL-44, proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present and sign your process form.
- You will take a written test, a vision test, and a road test at the same office or at a scheduled appointment.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; the road test is a 20-minute drive with a DPS examiner.
- Your license arrives by mail within two weeks if you pass all tests.
The Written Test: What to Study
The written test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request a reader or interpreter if you need one.
Study the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available at any DPS office or online at the Texas DPS website. The handbook covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. Most questions come directly from the handbook, so reading it thoroughly is the most effective way to prepare.
You can take the written test on the same day you explore, or you can schedule it for another day. If you fail, you can retake it the next day. There is no fee for the written test.
The Vision and Road Tests
After you pass the written test, you will take a vision screening at the DPS office. The examiner will check that you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
The road test is a 20-minute drive with a DPS examiner in your vehicle or in a DPS vehicle. The examiner watches how you handle basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You do not need to drive on highways or in heavy traffic. If you fail the road test, you can retake it after three business days.
You can schedule the road test for the same day as your written test or for a later date, depending on DPS office availability in your area. Call ahead or check online to see what dates are open.
Fees and How Long It Takes
The process fee for a five-year driver's license is $25. A six-year license (available to drivers 85 and older) costs $15. These fees are paid at the DPS office when you explore, and they cover the written test, vision screening, and road test.
The entire process — from process to receiving your license in the mail — usually takes two to four weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office that is valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive. If your permanent license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied.
If You Fail the Road Test
If you do not pass the road test on your first try, you can retake it after waiting three business days. You do not need to retake the written test or pay another fee — you only pay once when you first explore. You can schedule your next road test appointment at the same DPS office or online.
Common reasons for failing include not coming to a complete stop, speeding, improper lane changes, and not checking mirrors or blind spots. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those specific skills before your next attempt.
Special Situations: Minors and Renewals
If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present at the DPS office and sign your process. You must also have a learner's permit and have held it for at least six months before you can take the road test. Minors must also complete a driver education course or a behind-the-wheel training course before explore.
If you are renewing an existing Texas license, the process is different — you may be able to renew by mail or online without taking the tests again. Check the Texas DPS website to see if you are may be able to access for renewal by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test before I visit the DPS office?
No. You must take the written test at a DPS driver license office in person. You cannot take it online or at home. However, you can study the Texas Driver Handbook beforehand to prepare.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the next day at no additional cost. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the handbook more carefully.
Do I have to take the road test on the same day as the written test?
No. You can take the written test and schedule the road test for a different day. Many DPS offices have limited road test slots, so you may need to wait a few days or weeks depending on how busy your local office is.
What happens if I move to a different county before my license arrives?
Your license will still be mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. If you move, you can update your address online through the Texas DPS website or visit a DPS office to request a replacement card with your new address.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
Your license is mailed directly to you, so you do not need to pick it up. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied to check the status.