What you need to get a Texas driver license for the first time
To get your first Texas driver license, you will need to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and bring specific documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. Texas does not issue licenses by mail or online for first-time applicants. You must be at least 16 years old, and if you are under 18, you will need to complete a driver education course and hold a learner permit for a set period before you can test for a full license.
The process takes multiple visits spread over weeks or months, depending on your age and whether you need the learner permit stage. Most people spend between 30 minutes and two hours at the DPS office for each visit, depending on how busy the location is.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your Texas address to the DPS office.
- If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free online.
- The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes; you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
- You can check wait times and schedule an appointment at most DPS offices through the online system, which often saves you hours of waiting.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Texas requires you to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a document showing your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current Texas address. The address proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. A school ID or work ID does not count as address proof.
You will also need to bring a completed process for a Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-44), which you can fill out at home or at the DPS office. If you are under 18, bring your learner permit and proof that you completed a driver education course (usually a certificate from the course provider).
Bring your Social Security card itself if you have it, because it speeds up the verification process. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a W-2, tax return, or other official document with your number on it.
The learner permit requirement for drivers under 18
If you are under 18, you cannot go straight to the driving test. You must first get a learner permit, which allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. To get the learner permit, you pass the written knowledge test at a DPS office, and you must be at least 15 years old. You also need to show proof that you have completed a driver education course — either classroom-based or online — from an approved provider.
After you receive your learner permit, you must hold it for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner permit. You can go directly to the DPS office, take the written test, and then schedule your driving test.
How to prepare for 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 covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs.
The official Texas Driver Handbook is free and available online at the DPS website. It contains all the information covered on the test. You can read it on a computer, read it as a PDF, or order a printed copy. Many people study the handbook for a few hours over several days and feel ready to test.
Some DPS offices offer practice tests on computers at the office itself, which you can take for free before your official test. This helps you see the format and timing. You have 25 minutes to complete the real test.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
After you pass the written test, you can schedule your driving test at the same DPS office or a different one. Many offices allow you to book an appointment online, which usually gets you in faster than walking in without one. Some offices still operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so call ahead to find out how your local office works.
For the driving test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered in Texas, has current liability insurance, and is in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working headlights, brake lights, turn signals, wipers, and mirrors. The examiner will check these before the test begins. You cannot use a vehicle with a "for sale" sign or temporary tag.
The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and gives you directions. You do not need to parallel park in most Texas DPS tests, though some examiners may ask you to do it. If you fail, you can retake the test, usually within a few days.
What happens after you pass the driving test
Once you pass the driving test, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is a legal driving document and works the same as the plastic card — you can use it to drive, and police will accept it as proof of licensure.
Your new license will be valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. You will need to renew it after that period. If you received a learner permit as a minor, that permit expires once you receive your full license, so you do not need to do anything with it.
Keep the temporary paper license until the plastic card arrives. Once the card arrives, you can throw away the paper license. If your plastic license does not arrive within 15 days, contact the DPS to check on the status.
DPS office locations and appointment scheduling
Texas has DPS driver license offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some have limited Saturday hours. A few offices in major cities stay open later in the evening.
The online appointment system lets you see available times at your chosen office and book a slot. This usually cuts your wait time from 1 to 2 hours down to 15 to 30 minutes. If you cannot find an appointment at your nearest office, try offices in nearby towns — sometimes they have more availability.
If you go without an appointment, arrive early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon, as these times tend to be less busy. Avoid the first week of the month and the week before holidays, when offices are typically crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Texas driver license if I do not have a birth certificate?
You must bring an original or certified birth certificate. If you do not have one, you can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born. This takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail. You cannot substitute a hospital birth record or baptism certificate — it must be an official vital record.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test as soon as the next day at most DPS offices. There is no waiting period between attempts. You do not need to retake the written test unless your learner permit or license has expired. Each driving test attempt costs the same fee.
Do I need to take a vision test?
Yes. The DPS will test your vision at the office before you take the written test. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the vision test and the driving test, and your license will note that you must wear them while driving.
Can I use an online driver education course if I am under 18?
Yes. Texas accepts both classroom and online driver education courses from approved providers. The course must be at least six hours long and include both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training (though some online courses partner with local driving schools for the behind-the-wheel part). Check the DPS website for a list of approved course providers.
How much does a Texas driver license cost?
The fee varies depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard six-year license for someone under 85 costs around $25 to $35, but fees change and may differ by office. Check the DPS website or call your local office for the exact current fee. You can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices.