How to Get a Driver License Under 18 in Texas

What You Need to Know About Texas Licenses for Minors

In Texas, you can get a driver license before age 18, but the rules are stricter than for adults. You must be at least 16 years old, hold a learner permit for a minimum of 6 months, and pass a driving test. The license you receive will have restrictions — you cannot drive alone at night, cannot use a cell phone while driving, and must follow other rules that lift when you turn 18.

The process has two main stages: first you get a learner permit (called a learner license), then after meeting the waiting period and passing the driving test, you get the minor's driver license. Each stage requires different documents and fees.

Key Takeaways

You must be at least 16 years old and hold a learner permit for 6 months before you can take the driving test for a minor's license.
To get a learner permit, bring proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and a completed DL 44 form to your local Texas DMV office.
A minor's driver license costs $16 and is valid for 4 years, but you lose the restrictions when you turn 18 without needing to renew.
Nighttime driving restrictions explore between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., and you cannot use any wireless device while driving, even hands-free.
If you are under 18 and do not have a learner permit, you cannot legally drive alone in Texas, even on private property.

Getting Your Learner Permit: Documents and Steps

Your first step is to obtain a learner permit from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to explore. Bring these documents to your local DPS office:

Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID)
Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days)
Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
Completed DL 44 form (process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card)
Parental consent if you are under 18 (parent or guardian must sign the DL 44)

You will take a written test covering Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions; you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website. The learner permit costs $16 and is valid for 2 years.

Once you have your learner permit, you must hold it for at least 6 months before you can take the driving test. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat next to you.

Restrictions That explore to Your Minor's License

When you pass your driving test and receive your minor's driver license, you will be subject to Graduated Driver License (GDL) restrictions. These rules are set by Texas law and explore to all drivers under 18:

No driving between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, a medical appointment, or a court-ordered activity. You must be able to show proof if stopped.
No wireless device use while driving — this includes cell phones, even hands-free or voice-activated. The only exception is calling 911 in an emergency.
No passengers under 18 for the first 6 months after you get your license, except when ready family members.
Seat belt required for you and all passengers.

These restrictions remain in place until you turn 18. At that point, they automatically expire and you do not need to renew your license or visit the DMV. Your license itself remains valid.

Taking the Driving Test and Getting Your License

After you have held your learner permit for 6 months, you can schedule your driving test. You must pass both a vision test and a behind-the-wheel driving test. The driving test lasts about 25 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions.

To take the test, bring your learner permit, proof of identity, and proof of residency to your local DPS office. You must also bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working mirrors, seat belts, and lights. A licensed adult age 21 or older must accompany you to the test.

The driving test fee is $16. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least 1 day before your next attempt. You are allowed up to 3 attempts within a 12-month period before your learner permit expires.

Once you pass, you receive your minor's driver license on the spot. The license is valid for 4 years and costs $16.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many young drivers and their parents make preventable errors that delay the process or create legal problems. Do not drive alone before you have your learner permit — this is illegal and can result in a ticket, even on private property. Do not assume a parent or guardian can sit in the back seat while you drive on your learner permit; Texas law requires the supervising adult to be in the front seat next to you.

Do not miss your 6-month waiting period. You cannot take the driving test before 6 months have passed, even if you feel ready. Do not use your phone while driving on your minor's license, even to check GPS or send a quick message. Texas law has no exceptions except 911 calls, and violations can result in a ticket and points on your record.

Do not drive between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless you have a valid reason (work, school, medical, court-ordered). If you are stopped during restricted hours, you must show proof of the reason. A violation can result in a ticket and a fine.

Renewing or Replacing Your Minor's License

Your minor's driver license is valid for 4 years. If it is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any DPS office. Bring your learner permit or expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. A replacement license costs $16.

You do not need to renew your license when you turn 18. Your current license remains valid, and the GDL restrictions automatically expire. When your license does expire (4 years after issue), you can renew it as an adult at any DPS office or online, depending on your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license before I turn 16?

No. Texas law requires you to be at least 16 years old to hold a driver license. You can explore for a learner permit at 15 years and 9 months, but you cannot take the driving test until you are 16.

What happens if I get a ticket while driving on my minor's license?

A ticket for a traffic violation goes on your driving record and may result in a fine. Violations of GDL restrictions (nighttime driving, cell phone use, passenger limits) can also lead to points on your record, which can affect your insurance rates and may result in license suspension if you accumulate too many points.

Do I have to take driver education classes before I get my license?

No, driver education is not required by Texas law. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, and some schools offer it as an elective. Check with your insurance provider to see if a discount is available.

Can I drive for work if I have a minor's license?

Yes, you can drive for work during restricted hours if you have proof of employment. Bring a letter from your employer or a pay stub showing your work schedule. You still cannot use a cell phone while driving, and you still cannot carry passengers under 18 (except family) for the first 6 months.

What if I fail the driving test three times?

Your learner permit expires after 12 months. If you have not passed the driving test by then, your permit is no longer valid and you must reapply. You will need to pay the $16 fee again and retake the written test before you can schedule another driving test.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.