What a Texas Minor Driver's License Is
A Texas Minor Driver's License is a restricted license for drivers under 18. It lets you drive alone during certain hours and under specific rules that don't explore to adult drivers. The restrictions exist because new drivers, especially teenagers, have higher crash rates. Texas uses this license type to give you driving freedom while keeping you and others safer as you gain experience.
The minor license is not a learner's permit — you don't need a supervising driver in the car. But it is not a full adult license either. You'll follow rules about when you can drive, who can ride with you, and how you use your phone while driving.
Key Takeaways
- You can get a Texas Minor Driver's License at age 16 if you have held a learner's permit for at least six months and passed your road test.
- The minor license restricts driving between midnight and 5 a.m., limits passengers under 21, and bans phone use while driving.
- You must bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your road test passing score to the Texas Department of Public Safety office.
- The minor license restrictions lift automatically when you turn 18, and you receive a new card in the mail without needing to retest.
Age and Permit Requirements to get your free guide
You must be at least 16 years old and have held a Texas learner's permit for a minimum of six months before you can take your road test for the minor license. The six-month waiting period starts the day your learner's permit is issued, not the day you pass the written test. If you got your permit on March 15, you can test for your minor license on September 15 at the earliest.
During those six months, you build driving hours. Texas does not require a specific number of supervised hours to be logged, but the learner's permit rules require a licensed driver 21 or older to be in the front seat with you at all times. Most new drivers use this time to practice with a parent, guardian, or instructor before attempting the road test.
What You Need to Bring to the DPS Office
When you go to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office to get your minor license, bring these documents:
- Your current learner's permit
- Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID)
- Proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, school enrollment letter, or bank statement with your name and address)
- Your passing road test score (the examiner gives you this after you pass)
- Your Social Security number or a letter from Social Security if you don't have a card
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually don't work. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian does not have to be present, but some DPS offices ask for parental consent. Call your local office ahead of time to confirm what they require.
The Restrictions That Come With a Minor License
Your minor license comes with three main driving restrictions. First, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, a school event, or a medical emergency. If you work a night shift, bring a letter from your employer to the DPS office so they can note the exception on your license.
Second, you can have no more than one passenger under 21 in your car, unless that person is your sibling or a family member. This rule is meant to reduce distractions and peer pressure that can lead to risky driving. Adult passengers (21 and older) do not count toward this limit.
Third, you cannot use a cell phone while driving — not even hands-free — except to call 911 in an emergency. This ban is stricter than the rules for adult drivers in Texas. Violating any of these restrictions can result in a ticket and points on your driving record.
How Long the Restrictions Last
The restrictions on your minor license stay in place until you turn 18. On your 18th birthday, the restrictions automatically expire, and you are no longer bound by the midnight curfew, passenger limit, or phone ban. You do not have to visit a DPS office or take another test.
About two weeks after your 18th birthday, the Texas DPS mails you a new driver's license with no restrictions. The card looks the same as an adult license and has the same expiration date as your minor license would have had. If you don't receive it within a month, contact your local DPS office to check the status.
What Happens If You Violate the Restrictions
Breaking a minor license restriction is a traffic violation. A ticket for driving during the restricted hours, carrying too many young passengers, or using your phone while driving goes on your driving record and can raise your insurance rates. You may also face a fine and court costs.
If you get a ticket, you have the right to contest it in traffic court. Some courts offer defensive driving courses that, if you complete them, can remove the ticket from your record. Talk to the court clerk about your options when you receive the citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to school during the restricted hours if I have an early class?
No. The midnight to 5 a.m. restriction does not have an exception for school unless the school event is happening at that time — for example, an early-morning sports competition. Regular school attendance does not may have access to. If your school starts before 5 a.m., you would need a parent or guardian to drive you.
What if I have a medical condition and need to drive at night?
You can request a medical exception. Contact your local DPS office and ask about the process for documenting a medical hardship. You will likely need a letter from a doctor explaining the condition and why nighttime driving is necessary. The DPS office will review the request and decide whether to add an exception to your license.
Do I have to take the road test again when I turn 18?
No. Your minor license automatically becomes an unrestricted license on your 18th birthday without any test or office visit. The DPS mails you a new card with the same number and expiration date. You keep driving with your current minor license until the new one arrives.
Can my sibling ride with me even though they are under 21?
Yes. Siblings and family members are exempt from the one-passenger limit. You can have multiple family members under 21 in your car. The restriction applies only to non-family passengers under 21.
What counts as proof of residency for the DPS office?
A utility bill, lease agreement, school enrollment letter, or bank statement with your name and current Texas address all work. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license or ID from another state does not count as proof of Texas residency.