What You Need to Do to Get a Texas Driver's Permit

A Texas driver's permit (also called a learner's permit or learner's license) lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take your road test. You cannot drive alone with a permit. To get one, you must pass a written knowledge test at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, provide proof of identity and residency, and pay the fee. The whole process usually takes one visit and costs $16.

Texas issues permits to people as young as 14 years old if they are enrolled in a driver education course, or 15 years old without that course. You will need to bring specific documents, pass the written exam on your first try or retake it if needed, and then you can drive with a supervising licensed driver when ready after passing.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 14 years old (if in driver education) or 15 years old (without driver education) to get a Texas permit.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of current Texas residency to the DPS office.
  • You will take a written test covering traffic laws and road signs at the DPS office; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • The permit costs $16 and is valid for two years from the date you pass the test.
  • With a permit, you must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat with you at all times.

Age Requirements and Driver Education

Texas allows two paths to a permit based on your age and whether you complete driver education. If you are 14 years old and enrolled in a driver education course (either in school or through a private provider), you can get a permit. If you are 15 or older, you can get a permit without driver education.

Driver education courses are offered by most public high schools at no cost to students. Private driving schools also offer these courses for a fee, usually between $200 and $400. The course includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. If you take driver education, bring proof of enrollment or completion to the DPS office when you explore for your permit.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies alone will not work. You need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a document showing your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and two documents proving you live in Texas right now. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or school enrollment letter. All documents must show your current name and address.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring your Social Security card if you have one. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can get a permit.

Bring a completed process for a Texas Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43). You can fill this out at home and bring it, or fill it out at the DPS office. The form is available on the Texas DPS website.

The Written Knowledge Test: What to Expect

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and rules for permit holders. You will answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DPS office. You must score at least 70 percent (21 out of 30 questions correct) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish.

Study materials are free on the Texas DPS website, including the official Texas Driver's Handbook and practice tests. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day at no extra charge. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You will sit at a computer terminal in the DPS office and answer questions. The system tells you when ready whether you passed or failed. If you pass, you move to the next step and pay your fee.

Paying the Fee and Receiving Your Permit

The permit fee is $16 and covers a two-year permit. You pay this fee at the DPS office after you pass the written test. Texas DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you pay by check, write it to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

After you pay, the DPS office will take your photo and issue your permit on the spot. Your permit is a plastic card that looks like a driver's license. It shows your name, date of birth, address, photo, and the expiration date (two years from the date you passed the test). You can start driving with a licensed adult when ready.

Rules for Driving with a Permit in Texas

With a Texas permit, you must follow these rules every time you drive. A licensed driver who is 21 years old or older must sit in the front seat with you. You cannot drive alone. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must obey all traffic laws, speed limits, and road signs. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency.

Violating permit rules can result in a ticket and fine. If you are caught driving without a supervising driver, you may face a fine of up to $100 and your permit may be suspended. Follow these rules to build safe driving habits and avoid legal trouble.

When Your Permit Expires and What Comes Next

Your permit is valid for two years from the date you pass the written test. You can drive with your permit during this entire two-year period. When you are ready to drive without a supervising driver, you must pass a road test and get a driver's license. You do not have to wait until your permit expires to take the road test.

Most people take the road test after three to six months of practice driving. You schedule the road test at a DPS office or an approved third-party testing location. The road test costs $7.50 and takes about 25 minutes. You must bring your permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will drive during the test. If you pass the road test, you receive a Class C driver's license, which allows you to drive alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a permit if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Texas requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's permit. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you go to the DPS office. This process takes several weeks.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or return another day at no extra charge. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass after studying the Texas Driver's Handbook and taking practice tests on the DPS website.

Can I drive with a permit if I am 16 or 17 years old?

Yes. The age requirements for a permit are 14 (with driver education) or 15 (without driver education). Once you have a permit, the same rules explore no matter your age: you must have a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat with you.

What happens if I get a ticket while driving with a permit?

You will receive a citation and may be fined. Tickets for permit violations (such as driving without a supervising driver) can result in fines up to $100 and possible permit suspension. Pay any fine on time and follow all permit rules to avoid further penalties.

Do I need to renew my permit before I take the road test?

No. You can take the road test anytime during your two-year permit period. You do not need to renew the permit first. Once you pass the road test, you receive a driver's license and no longer need the permit.