What a Texas learner's permit is and who can get one

A Texas learner's permit is a document that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take your road test. It is not a full driver's license — it comes with restrictions on when and how you can drive. You get it by passing a written knowledge test at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, and you must be at least 15 years old.

The permit is the first step in Texas's graduated licensing system. You hold it for a minimum of six months (or until you turn 18, whichever is longer) before you can take the road test for a full license. During those months, you build supervised driving hours that count toward your license requirements.

Texas offers two types of permits depending on your age: a learner's permit for drivers 15 to 17, and a learner's license for drivers 18 and older. The rules and restrictions differ between the two, so your age at the time you explore determines which one you receive.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and pass a written knowledge test at a DPS office to get a Texas learner's permit.
  • A learner's permit requires you to have a licensed adult driver in the car at all times and follows strict rules about when you can drive.
  • You must hold your permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for a full license.
  • Texas requires a minimum of 30 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night) before you can test for your license.
  • Drivers under 18 must complete a driver education course before they can take the road test.

Documents and information you need to bring

When you go to a DPS office to explore for your learner's permit, bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Texas residency. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate or passport for identity, a Social Security card for your number, and a utility bill or lease agreement for residency.

You will also need to bring a completed process for a Texas Driver License or Learner License (Form DL-44). You can fill this out at home before you go, or at the DPS office. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign the process.

Bring your original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation as well.

The written knowledge test and what it covers

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 (70 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can take it on a computer at the DPS office.

The test covers topics like right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the official Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free and available online at the DPS website. Many people also use practice tests to prepare.

If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may have to pay the test fee again depending on the DPS office's policy.

Restrictions on a learner's permit for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, your learner's permit comes with strict rules. A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be in the front seat with you at all times while you drive. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only teenage passengers.

You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a religious event, and a parent or guardian is in the car. You must obey all traffic laws, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving — not even hands-free.

Seat belts are required for you and all passengers. If you are caught breaking any of these rules, you can be cited, and your permit can be suspended or revoked.

Restrictions on a learner's license for drivers 18 and older

If you are 18 or older when you get your learner's permit (called a learner's license in Texas), the rules are less strict. You still need a licensed driver in the front seat, but that person can be any age 21 or older. You can drive at any time of day or night.

You still cannot use a cell phone while driving, and seat belts are required. However, you do not have the midnight-to-5 a.m. curfew or the restriction on teenage passengers that younger drivers face.

The main difference is that you do not have to complete a driver education course before taking your road test, though you still must hold your permit for at least six months and complete the required supervised driving hours.

Supervised driving hours and how to track them

Texas requires a minimum of 30 hours of supervised driving before you can take the road test for a full license. Of those 30 hours, at least 10 must be at night. These hours must be completed while you hold your learner's permit.

You are responsible for keeping track of your own hours. Many people use a straightforward log or spreadsheet to record the date, time, and location of each drive. Some DPS offices provide a form you can print and fill out by hand. When you go to take your road test, you will need to show proof of these hours — usually your log or a signed statement from a parent or guardian.

There is no official state form that the supervising driver must sign, but it is a good idea to have a parent, guardian, or other adult who supervised your driving sign off on your log. This makes it easier to prove your hours if there is any question.

Driver education course requirements for under-18 drivers

If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can take the road test for your full license. This course includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor.

The course is typically offered through your high school, a private driving school, or online. The classroom portion covers traffic laws and safe driving practices. The behind-the-wheel portion usually includes at least six hours of instruction with a certified instructor, though some schools require more.

Once you complete the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. Bring this certificate with you when you go to take your road test. If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete this course.

How to renew or replace your permit if it expires or is lost

A learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. If your permit expires before you pass your road test, you can renew it at a DPS office. You will need to pay the renewal fee and may need to retake the written test, depending on how long it has been since your permit was issued.

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at a DPS office. You will need to bring your identification and proof of residency, and you will pay a replacement fee. You do not have to retake the written test for a replacement.

If you move out of state or no longer need your permit, you can surrender it at a DPS office. You do not get a refund of the fee you paid, but surrendering it prevents confusion if it is found by someone else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my learner's permit if I have a criminal record or traffic violations?

A criminal record or past traffic violations do not automatically disqualify you from getting a learner's permit. However, if your driver's license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot get a permit until that suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact your local DPS office to find out whether your specific situation affects your ability to get a permit.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or on another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. However, you may have to pay the test fee again. Study the Texas Driver's Handbook and use practice tests to prepare for your next attempt.

Do I have to take the road test at the same DPS office where I got my permit?

No. You can take your road test at any DPS office in Texas, even if it is not the one where you got your permit. However, some offices have longer wait times than others, so you may want to call ahead to find out when appointments are available.

Can I drive to school with my learner's permit?

Yes, if you are under 18, you can drive to school between 5 a.m. and midnight with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front seat. You cannot drive to school alone, and you cannot drive home from school after midnight unless a parent or guardian is in the car.

What is the difference between a learner's permit and a learner's license?

A learner's permit is for drivers under 18, and a learner's license is for drivers 18 and older. The main differences are that learner's license holders do not have a curfew, do not need to complete a driver education course, and can have any licensed adult (not just someone 21 or older) supervise their driving.