Where to explore for Your License in Longview

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues all driver's licenses in Texas, including in Longview. You cannot get a license from the city or county — you must go through DPS. In Longview, the DPS Driver License office is located at 3401 Eastman Avenue, Longview, TX 75603. This is the only place in Longview where you can take your written test, road test, and pick up your license.

The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours can vary by season. Before you go, check the DPS website or call ahead to confirm current hours, because the office sometimes closes for state holidays or staff training. You do not need an appointment for most services, but arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times.

If you cannot reach the Longview office or need to know about nearby locations, the DPS has other offices in East Texas. However, Longview is the main hub for Gregg County, so most residents use this location.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS Driver License office at 3401 Eastman Avenue in Longview is where you take your written test, road test, and receive your license.
  • You must bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, proof of identity, and proof of lawful presence to pass the document check before testing.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website.
  • The road test happens in a DPS vehicle with a DPS examiner and typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes on local streets.
  • Processing times vary, but you usually receive your license in the mail within two weeks of passing both tests.

Documents You Need Before Your First Visit

Texas has strict document requirements, and you cannot test without them. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need four categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, and proof of lawful presence.

For proof of identity, bring a certified birth certificate, passport, or military ID. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For proof of Texas residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your current address. For proof of lawful presence, bring your passport, birth certificate, visa, or permanent resident card.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must also be present with their own ID. If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license (which you will need for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025), bring all the same documents plus proof of your Social Security number in a separate form.

The Written Test: What to Study and How to Prepare

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 30 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you must return on another day to retake it.

Study using the free Texas Driver Handbook, available as a PDF on the DPS website or in print at the Longview office. The handbook covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, lane changes, and what different road signs mean. Most people spend 2 to 4 hours studying before they feel ready. You can also find practice tests online through the DPS website, which help you see the format and types of questions.

Bring your documents, your completed DL 44 form (the process), and your learner's permit if you have one. You do not need to bring anything else for the written test. The test is taken on a computer at the office, and results are given when ready.

The Road Test: What Happens and How to Schedule It

After you pass the written test, you can schedule your road test. In Longview, road tests are typically scheduled for a date within the next few weeks, depending on how busy the office is. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, and windshield wipers before you start.

The test lasts 10 to 15 minutes and takes place on local Longview streets. The DPS examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You will be scored on how well you handle the vehicle, obey traffic signs, and respond to the examiner's directions. Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, improper lane changes, and hitting the curb while parking.

If you pass, the examiner tells you on the spot. If you fail, you can retake the test on another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt requires another visit to the office.

Getting Your License After You Pass Both Tests

Once you pass the road test, you do not leave with a physical license that day. Instead, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address on your process, usually within two weeks. During those two weeks, the temporary license is your proof that you are licensed to drive.

Your permanent license is valid for five years if you are under 85 years old. It will have your photo, signature, address, and license number. Keep it with you whenever you drive. If it arrives damaged or with errors, return to the Longview office with the damaged card and your temporary license to request a replacement.

Costs and Payment Methods

The DPS charges a fee for your license, which varies depending on the type and length of validity. A standard five-year license costs less than a Real ID license. The office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. Ask the staff at the Longview office for the exact current fee, as prices can change.

There is no fee to take the written or road test — you only pay when you receive your license. If you fail a test and retake it, there is no additional charge for the retest itself.

What to Do If You Already Have a License From Another State

If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Texas, you do not have to take the written and road tests again. Instead, you can exchange your out-of-state license for a Texas license by visiting the Longview DPS office with your current license, proof of Texas residency, and proof of identity. The exchange is faster than the full testing process and usually takes one visit.

Your out-of-state license will be surrendered, and you will receive a Texas license valid for five years. If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to take the written test but may be able to skip the road test — ask the staff at the Longview office about your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test without a learner's permit?

No. You must have a valid Texas learner's permit before you can take the written test for a full driver's license. To get a learner's permit, you must pass a written test at the DPS office. The learner's permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test on another day. There is no limit to how many times you can try. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. Return to the Longview office, bring your learner's permit and proof of insurance again, and schedule another test.

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

It depends on how quickly you pass both tests and how busy the office is. Most people take the written test within a few weeks of getting their learner's permit, then schedule the road test for a few weeks later. Once you pass both, your permanent license arrives in the mail within two weeks. The total time is usually two to three months.

Do I need a Real ID license, or can I get a regular license?

You can get either. A regular Texas driver's license works for driving. A Real ID license is required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 2025. Real ID licenses cost more and require extra documents. Ask the staff at the Longview office which option is right for you.

What if I move out of Longview after I get my license?

Your Texas license is valid anywhere in Texas and nationwide. You do not need to renew it or change it if you move within Texas. If you move to another state, you may want to exchange it for that state's license, but you are not required to.