Where to go for your Texas driver's license in Garland

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license office in Garland. You'll go there to take your written test, road test, and pick up your license once it's issued. The Garland DPS office is located at 1102 West Avenue D, Garland, TX 75040. You can reach them at (469) 326-7800 to confirm hours or ask specific questions about what to bring.

The office is open Monday through Friday, though hours vary by season and staffing. Call ahead before you go, because wait times can be long during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon). Some services, like renewing a license you already have, may be faster than getting your first license.

You cannot get your Texas driver's license online or by mail if you're a new driver. You must appear in person at the Garland office to take the written test and, later, the road test. If you're renewing an existing license and meet certain conditions, you may be able to renew by mail or online, but that's a different process.

Key Takeaways

  • The Garland DPS office is at 1102 West Avenue D, and you must go there in person to take your written test and road test.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport) to your first visit.
  • You'll take the written test first; if you pass, you can schedule your road test, which usually happens within a few weeks.
  • Texas issues a Class C license for regular passenger vehicles, and you must be at least 16 years old with a valid learner's permit or instructional permit to take the road test.
  • Call (469) 326-7800 to confirm current hours and ask about wait times before you visit.

What documents to bring to the Garland office

Bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card. You'll also need proof of identity—an original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a consular report of birth abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A photocopy is not enough; it must be an official document.

You'll need proof of residency showing your current address in Texas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency in Texas.

Bring your learner's permit or instructional permit if you have one. If you're under 18, you must have held a learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test. If you're 18 or older, you can take the road test without a learner's permit, but you still need to pass the written test first.

Bring the original documents, not photocopies. The DPS staff will check them and may keep copies on file. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring an official English translation as well.

The written 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 to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask the staff which languages are available at the Garland office.

The test covers road signs and what they mean, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. It also includes questions about driving under the influence, distracted driving, and how to share the road with pedestrians and cyclists. You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the DPS website.

You can take the written test as many times as you need to pass. If you fail, you can usually take it again the same day or return another day. There is a fee for each attempt, though the cost varies. Ask the staff at the Garland office what the current fee is.

Scheduling and taking your road test

After you pass the written test, the DPS staff will help you schedule your road test. The road test is usually available within a few weeks, depending on how busy the Garland office is. You cannot choose the exact date online; you schedule it in person or by phone after you pass the written test.

For the road test, bring your learner's permit or instructional permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you'll be driving, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Bring someone who holds a valid driver's license to sit in the passenger seat during the test—this person is required by Texas law.

The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and driving on different types of roads. You must follow traffic laws and show that you can control the vehicle safely. If you fail, you can take the test again, though you'll need to pay the fee again.

License types and what you can drive

Texas issues a Class C license for most new drivers. This license lets you drive passenger cars, pickup trucks, and vans that weigh less than 26,001 pounds. It does not let you drive commercial vehicles, motorcycles, or vehicles that require a commercial driver's license (CDL).

If you want to ride a motorcycle, you need a motorcycle endorsement on top of your Class C license. You'll take a separate written test and road test for the motorcycle endorsement at the same DPS office.

If you're under 18, your license will have restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you're driving to or from work, school, or a medical emergency. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18.

Fees and how long it takes to get your license

The fee for a Class C driver's license in Texas is $33 for a license that lasts 5 years, or $66 for a license that lasts 8 years. You choose which one you want when you explore. The written test and road test each have separate fees; ask the Garland office what those fees are, as they can change.

After you pass the road test, the DPS will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few business days. You'll receive a temporary paper license that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive. The temporary license is valid for 45 days.

The entire process—from your first visit to take the written test to receiving your license after passing the road test—usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how quickly you schedule and pass each test.

If you're under 18: the graduated licensing system

Texas has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. You start with a learner's permit, move to an instructional permit, and then get your full Class C license. Each stage has different rules about when and where you can drive.

With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat with you at all times. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. With an instructional permit, you can drive alone during the day, but still cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. Once you get your Class C license, the midnight-to-5-a.m. restriction stays until you turn 18.

You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit and at least 16 years old to take the road test for your Class C license. You must hold a learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in a vehicle I don't own?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it doesn't have to be registered in your name. Many people take the road test in a parent's or friend's vehicle. The vehicle must be in safe working condition, with working brakes, lights, and wipers. The examiner will check these before the test starts.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can take the road test again. There's a fee each time you take it. You don't have to retake the written test unless your written test score expires (usually after a certain number of months). Call the Garland office to schedule your next road test.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license?

You need a Social Security number or a Social Security card. If you don't have a Social Security number, you may be able to get a license using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Ask the staff at the Garland office whether this option is available to you.

Can I renew my license online if I already have one?

It depends. If your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions, you may be able to renew online or by mail. If your license is expired or if you need to update your address or other information, you may need to visit the Garland office in person. Check the DPS website or call (469) 326-7800 to find out which renewal method works for you.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid?

A Class C driver's license is valid for 5 or 8 years, depending on which option you choose when you explore. You can renew your license before it expires. If your license expires, you'll need to take the written test again before you can renew it.