What you need to do to get a Texas driver license

To get a Texas driver license, you visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes about 30 days from the time you pass both tests to the time your license arrives in the mail. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must show up with specific documents, take the tests on the same day or across multiple visits, and wait for the physical card.

Texas does not issue temporary licenses while you wait. If you need to drive before your license arrives, you can request a temporary paper permit at the DPS office after you pass both tests, but it is valid for only 45 days and has strict limits — you cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency to take the written and driving tests.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving; the driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner in your own vehicle or a rental.
  • Your Texas driver license costs between $16 and $32 depending on how long you want it valid (2, 4, 6, or 8 years), plus a $5 fee for the knowledge test.
  • After you pass both tests, your physical license is mailed to you within 30 days; you can request a 45-day temporary paper permit if you need to drive before it arrives.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course, hold a learner permit for at least 6 months, and meet additional restrictions before taking the driving test.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Texas. For identity, the DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a state ID card, a certified birth certificate, or a consular report of birth. If you use a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with a raised seal — a photocopy does not count.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax statement. The document must show your name and a current Texas address and be dated within the last 30 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count as proof of residency in Texas.

You also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, or the DPS can verify it through the Social Security Administration if you do not have the card with you. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must bring your immigration documents — a green card, a work visa, or a travel document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The written knowledge test

The written test has 30 multiple-choice 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 take it on a computer at the DPS office or on paper if you request it.

You can take the test as many times as you need, but you must wait one day between attempts if you fail. There is a $5 fee each time you take the test. Most people pass on the first try if they study the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the DPS website or in print at any DPS office.

You do not have to pass the written test and the driving test on the same day. Many people take the written test first, study for a few weeks, and then schedule the driving test later. However, your passing score on the written test is valid for only one year — if you do not pass the driving test within that year, you must retake the written test.

The driving test and what examiners look for

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner sits in your vehicle while you drive on public roads and perform specific maneuvers like parking, backing up, and turning. The examiner watches for safe driving habits: checking mirrors, using turn signals, maintaining safe speed, stopping completely at stop signs, and following the right-of-way rules.

You can use your own vehicle, a rental car, or a vehicle borrowed from a friend or family member. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you start. If anything is broken or missing, the test is canceled and you must reschedule.

You fail the test if you commit a critical error like hitting a curb, running a red light, causing a collision, or driving on the wrong side of the road. You also fail if you accumulate too many minor errors — like forgetting to signal, rolling through a stop sign, or drifting between lanes. If you fail, you can retake the test after one day, and there is no additional fee for retakes.

Fees and how long your license lasts

A Texas driver license costs $16 for a 2-year license, $24 for a 4-year license, $32 for a 6-year license, or $32 for an 8-year license. The longer terms cost the same or less per year. You also pay a $5 fee for the knowledge test when you take it. If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, the replacement fee is $11.

Licenses for people 85 and older are valid for 2 years only and cost $16. If you are between 18 and 84, you can choose any of the four terms. The fee you pay at the DPS office covers the test and the issuance of your license; there is no separate charge when your license arrives in the mail.

Timeline: from test to license in hand

On the day you pass both the written and driving tests, you pay your fee and the DPS takes your photograph and fingerprints. You leave the office with a receipt. Your physical license is printed and mailed to the address you provided, usually within 10 to 30 days. During that time, you can drive using the receipt as proof that you passed the tests, though not all police officers will accept it.

If you need to drive before your license arrives and you cannot wait, you can request a temporary paper permit at the DPS office on the day you pass your tests. This permit is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive, but only during daylight hours (5 a.m. to midnight) and only with a licensed adult in the vehicle if you are under 18. After 45 days, the permit expires and you must have your physical license or you cannot drive legally.

Special rules if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can take the driving test. The course can be taken online or in a classroom and covers traffic laws and safe driving. After you finish the course, you receive a certificate of completion that you bring to the DPS office.

You must also hold a learner permit for at least 6 months before you can take the driving test. During this time, you can drive only with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

After you hold the learner permit for 6 months and pass the driving test, you receive a provisional license valid until you turn 18. A provisional license has the same restrictions as the learner permit — you cannot drive alone at night and cannot use a cell phone. Once you turn 18, the restrictions lift and your license becomes a standard adult license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Many DPS offices allow you to take both tests on the same day if you pass the written test first. However, you can also take them on separate days — there is no requirement to do them together. Call your local DPS office to ask whether same-day testing is available in your area.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after one day. There is no fee for retakes. You do not have to retake the written test unless more than one year has passed since you passed it the first time. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas driver license?

Yes, you must provide your Social Security number. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you must bring your immigration documents and the DPS will issue a license marked as valid only for driving, not for federal identification purposes.

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes or name changes. If your license is expired or you need to update your information, you must visit a DPS office in person. Online renewal costs $25 and takes about 10 days.

What if I move to Texas from another state — do I have to take the tests again?

If you have a valid driver license from another state, you do not have to take the written or driving test. You can exchange it for a Texas license by visiting a DPS office with your out-of-state license and proof of Texas residency. The fee is $16 to $32 depending on how long you want your license valid. You will still need to have your photograph taken and provide your Social Security number.