What you need to get a Laredo driver's license
To get a driver's license in Laredo, you'll visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the fee. Laredo has two DPS locations: one on North 10th Street and one on San Dario Avenue. Both handle standard licenses, commercial licenses, and renewals.
The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes if you pass both tests on your first try. If you fail either test, you'll need to return on another day to retake it. Texas does not allow you to retake a failed test the same day.
Your license will be valid for six years if you're under 85 years old. If you're 85 or older, it's valid for two years. You can renew by mail or online if you haven't had any address changes and your license hasn't been suspended.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax document, and proof of your Laredo address such as a utility bill or lease.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website.
- The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner and includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping; you must use a vehicle that is registered and insured.
- The fee for a six-year license is $33 for a standard driver's license; commercial licenses and other types cost more.
- If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it at your next visit, but you'll pay the fee again.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Texas requires you to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy is not accepted. If you were born outside the United States, you'll need your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card itself is best, but a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form will work. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
Finally, bring two documents showing your Laredo address. One must be from the last 30 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A driver's license from another state counts as one of the two documents if it shows your current address.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DPS office, and you can take it in English or Spanish.
The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, stopping distances, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook, which is available as a PDF on the DPS website. Many people also study using the practice tests on the DPS website, which show you the kinds of questions you'll see.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it on your next visit to the DPS office. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will have to pay the fee again.
The driving test and what the examiner watches for
The driving test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. The DPS examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks like starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, proper use of mirrors and signals, and smooth control of the vehicle.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered and insured. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn. The examiner will check these before the test begins. If the vehicle fails the safety check, you cannot take the test that day.
Common reasons people fail the driving test include hitting the curb while parking, failing to signal, not checking mirrors, rolling through a stop sign, or hitting another vehicle. If you fail, you can retake the test on your next visit, but you'll pay the fee again.
Laredo DPS office locations and hours
The DPS office on North 10th Street is located at 4610 North 10th Street, Laredo, TX 78040. The DPS office on San Dario Avenue is located at 5410 San Dario Avenue, Laredo, TX 78040. Both offices handle driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and other DPS services.
Hours vary by location and change seasonally. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations closing for lunch. Saturday hours are limited and vary. The best way to confirm current hours is to call the office directly or check the DPS website, which lists hours for each location.
Both offices can get busy, especially early in the month and on Fridays. If you arrive early in the morning on a weekday, you'll usually wait less than an hour. Arriving on a Saturday or late in the afternoon may mean a longer wait.
Fees and payment methods
A standard six-year driver's license costs $33. A commercial driver's license costs more and depends on the type of endorsement you need. A motorcycle endorsement is an additional fee. Renewal fees are the same as the original license fee.
The DPS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations may have ATMs on site if you need to withdraw cash. Bring enough money to cover the fee plus any additional services you may need, such as a duplicate license or a name change.
If you're renewing by mail or online, you'll pay the same fee. Online renewal is available if your license has not been suspended and you have not had an address change. Mail renewal takes about two weeks; online renewal is faster.
If you fail the test or need to retake it
If you fail the written test, you can retake it on your next visit to the DPS office. There is no waiting period, but you must pay the fee again. Many people study the Texas Driver Handbook more thoroughly after a first failure and pass on the second try.
If you fail the driving test, the examiner will tell you what you did wrong. Common mistakes include not checking mirrors, not signaling, or making sharp turns. You can retake the driving test on your next visit, and you'll pay the fee again. Some people find it helpful to practice with a friend or family member before returning for the test.
If you fail both the written and driving tests on the same day, you can retake both on your next visit. You'll pay the full fee once, not twice, because you're paying for one attempt at the license, not for each test separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in Spanish?
Yes. The DPS office in Laredo offers the written test in both English and Spanish. Tell the staff member at the window which language you prefer, and they will set you up on a computer with the test in that language.
What if I don't have a birth certificate?
You can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics office or from the vital records office in the state where you were born. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or immigration documents instead. The DPS office staff can tell you which documents they will accept.
Do I have to use my own car for the driving test?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, and it must pass a safety inspection before the test. You cannot use a vehicle that belongs to the DPS office or a driving school. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you begin.
How long is a Laredo driver's license valid?
A standard driver's license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years. You can renew by mail or online if your address hasn't changed and your license hasn't been suspended.
What happens if I fail the driving test twice?
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Each time you retake the test, you'll pay the fee again. Many people pass on their third or fourth attempt after more practice.