What Texas Requires Before You Can Get a License

Texas requires you to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number before the Department of Public Safety (DPS) will issue a driver's license. You must also pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving test. The order matters: you cannot take the driving test until you have passed the written test and received a learner permit.

The state does not issue licenses to people under 16, though 14-year-olds can get a learner permit with parental consent. If you are 16 or 17, you need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person at a DPS office. Adults 18 and older can explore without a parent's signature.

Texas also requires you to show proof that you live in the state. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days. A mail piece from a government agency also works. You will need two documents if one does not clearly show your name and address.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Texas residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • You cannot take the driving test until you have passed the written knowledge test and held a learner permit for at least 30 days if you are under 18.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person at a DPS office; adults 18 and older do not need a parent present.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and safe driving practices; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • Vision screening is part of the license exam, and you must meet Texas standards; if you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a state ID. If you do not have any of these, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a valid foreign passport with an I-94 stamp works. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.

For residency, bring two documents that show your name and a Texas address, or one document that shows both clearly. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners or renters insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. All documents must be dated within 90 days of your process.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring the document that shows this number — typically your Social Security card or tax return.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must sign the process in front of a DPS employee. If your parent cannot attend, they can sign a notarized consent form and you can bring that instead, though this is slower and not all DPS offices accept it.

The Written Test and Learner Permit

The written knowledge test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to answer 30 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 70 percent (21 correct answers) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and some DPS offices offer it in other languages by appointment.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most DPS offices, though some require you to wait a few hours. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you pay the test fee each time. The fee is $7 for the written test alone.

Once you pass the written test, DPS issues you a learner permit on the spot. If you are under 18, you must hold this permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test. If you are 18 or older, you can take the driving test when ready after passing the written test, though DPS recommends waiting to practice.

Your learner permit is valid for one year. If you do not take the driving test within that year, you must retake the written test and pay the fee again.

The Driving Test and Road Skills Exam

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DPS office. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the vehicle has working brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and mirrors. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.

The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. You will also drive on streets with traffic. The examiner scores you on your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must score at least 70 percent to pass.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. Most DPS offices allow you to schedule another test when ready. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, and the fee is $7 each time.

Once you pass the driving test, DPS issues your license on the spot. Your first Texas license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, it is valid for two years.

Fees and Payment Methods

The total cost of a Texas driver's license depends on which tests you take and how many times you retake them. The written test costs $7. The driving test costs $7. The license itself costs $33 for a six-year license or $16 for a two-year license if you are 85 or older.

If you pass both tests on your first try, the total is $47 for a six-year license. If you retake either test, add $7 for each retake. DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but this varies by location.

If you are a Texas resident who is 60 or older, you may be able to renew your license by mail or online without taking the tests again, depending on when your license expires. This is a separate process from getting your first license.

Vision Screening and Medical Requirements

DPS will screen your vision as part of the license exam. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the vision screening and the driving test. Your license will note if you must wear corrective lenses.

Texas does not require a medical exam to get a driver's license unless you have a condition that DPS believes affects your ability to drive safely. If DPS suspects a medical issue, they may ask you to provide a report from your doctor or to take an additional test. This is rare and usually happens only if you have had multiple accidents or traffic violations.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can still get a license. DPS will note this on your license, and you may be required to use a hearing aid or other device while driving, depending on your specific situation.

Special Rules for Minors Under 18

Texas allows 14-year-olds to get a learner permit, but only with a parent or guardian's written consent. A 14-year-old cannot get a full driver's license until they turn 16. Between ages 16 and 17, you can get a license, but it comes with restrictions.

If you are 16 or 17, your license will have a Graduated Driver License (GDL) restriction. During the first six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot carry passengers under 21 unless a parent or guardian is in the vehicle. After six months, the midnight-to-5-a.m. restriction stays, but you can carry one passenger under 21. These restrictions end when you turn 18.

If you are under 18, you must hold your learner permit for at least 30 days before taking the driving test. You also cannot take the driving test if you have had any traffic violations or accidents during the 30-day waiting period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

If you are 18 or older, yes. You can pass the written test, receive your learner permit, and take the driving test the same day. If you are under 18, no — you must wait at least 30 days after getting your learner permit before you can take the driving test.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after waiting at least one day. Most DPS offices let you schedule another test right away. You pay $7 each time you retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can try.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to the DPS office?

You need to provide your Social Security number, but you do not have to bring the card itself. You can bring a tax return, W-2, or other document that shows your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN instead.

Can I get a Texas license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You can get a license if you have a valid visa, work permit, or other legal immigration status. You will need to bring your passport and immigration documents. Bring the same residency and identity documents as any other applicant.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver's license from start to finish?

If you are 18 or older and pass both tests on your first try, you can get your license the same day. If you are under 18, you must wait at least 30 days between getting your learner permit and taking the driving test, so the process takes at least 30 days plus the time to schedule your test.