What you need to do to get a new Texas driver's license

To get a new Texas driver's license, you will need to pass a written test, pass a road test, and bring the right documents to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The whole process takes at least two visits — one to take the written test and one to take the road test — and you cannot take the road test until you have passed the written test. Most people complete both within a few weeks, though the road test appointment may have a wait depending on how busy your local DPS office is.

Texas does not require you to get a learner's permit first if you are 18 or older, but if you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test. The documents you bring matter as much as the tests themselves — DPS will not issue a license without proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and a Social Security number or proof you are not may be able to access for one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written knowledge test before you can schedule a road test, and you must pass the road test to receive your license.
  • Bring an original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number letter, and two documents proving your Texas address — a utility bill and a lease or mortgage statement work.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before taking the road test; if you are 18 or older, you can skip the permit and go straight to the written test.
  • You can take the written test at any DPS office, but road test appointments fill up quickly, so schedule yours as soon as you pass the written test.
  • The road test covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions; you must bring your own vehicle or use one provided by a licensed driving school.

Gather your documents before you go to DPS

DPS requires specific documents to prove who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. Bring an original or certified birth certificate (not a photocopy), your Social Security card, and two documents that show your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work as proof of address — they must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, bring the original and an official English translation. Bring your current ID if you have one — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all count. DPS will not accept photocopies of your birth certificate or Social Security card, so bring the originals.

Pass the written knowledge test at a DPS office

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DPS office, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You can take the test at any DPS office in Texas — you do not have to go to the office closest to your home.

Before you take the test, DPS will take your photo and fingerprints. You will also pay the license fee at this visit — the cost varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid, but a standard five-year license costs around $45 to $50. If you fail the written test, you can take it again the same day or come back another day at no extra charge.

Schedule your road test after you pass the written test

Once you pass the written test, you can schedule your road test appointment. You can book it at the DPS office where you took the written test, online through the DPS website, or by phone. Road test appointments fill up quickly in busy areas, so schedule yours as soon as you pass the written test — wait times can be several weeks depending on your location.

Your road test appointment will be at a DPS office, and you will drive a set route in your own vehicle or in a vehicle provided by a licensed driving school. You cannot use a vehicle that belongs to someone else unless they are present at the test. The examiner will watch you drive and score you on vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions.

Take your road test and demonstrate safe driving

The road test lasts about 20 to 25 minutes and covers basic driving skills on city streets and highways. The examiner will ask you to do things like parallel park, make turns, stop at traffic lights, and merge into traffic. You must follow all traffic laws during the test — speeding, running a red light, or hitting a curb will result in failure. You also cannot use your phone or any other device while driving.

Bring your vehicle's registration and proof of insurance to the test. If you are under 18, the person who supervises your driving (usually a parent or guardian) must be present during the test. If you fail the road test, you can take it again, but you will have to pay the test fee again and wait for another appointment.

Receive your license after passing the road test

If you pass the road test, DPS will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the office. Your license will be valid for five years if you are under 18, or eight years if you are 18 or older. You can choose to renew it in person at a DPS office or online through the DPS website when it expires.

Your new license will have your photo, signature, address, and a license number. Keep it with you whenever you drive. If you lose it or it is damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office for a small fee.

What to do if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must first get a learner's permit and hold it for at least six months before you can take the road test. To get a learner's permit, you take the same written test as above, but you do not take a road test. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult (at least 21 years old) is in the front seat with you.

After you have held your learner's permit for six months, you can schedule your road test. The road test process is the same as described above. Once you pass, you will receive your full driver's license, which allows you to drive alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No, you must take the written test in person at a DPS office. DPS does not offer online testing for new driver's licenses. You can find the DPS office nearest you on the Texas DPS website and check their hours before you go.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can take the road test again, but you will have to pay the test fee again and wait for another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test. Many people pass on their second or third attempt, so failing does not mean you cannot get your license.

Do I need to take a driving school course before I get my license?

No, a driving school course is not required to get your license in Texas. However, if you are under 18, taking a defensive driving course can lower your insurance rates. Some driving schools also offer road test services, which can be helpful if you do not have access to a vehicle.

How long is my license valid?

Your license is valid for five years if you are under 18, or eight years if you are 18 or older. You can renew it in person at a DPS office or online through the DPS website before it expires. You do not have to take another written or road test to renew.

What if I move to a different address after I get my license?

You must update your address with DPS within 30 days of moving. You can do this online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. You do not need to take another test to update your address.