The documents and steps to get your first Texas license

To get a Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States. You then pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. The whole process takes place at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, and you can schedule your appointment online or walk in, though wait times vary by location.

Texas does not issue licenses to people without lawful presence status. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must have a valid visa, green card, employment authorization document, or other federal document showing you are allowed to live and work in the country. Temporary visitors cannot get a standard license, but may be able to get an International Driving Permit through their home country's auto club instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring five types of documents to a DPS office: identity, residency, Social Security proof, lawful presence proof, and a completed process form.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website.
  • You must pass a vision screening at the DPS office; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
  • The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner and includes basic vehicle control, turns, parking, and following traffic laws on public roads.
  • Fees vary by license type and age; a standard five-year license for someone under 85 costs around $45 to $50, but check the current fee schedule on the DPS website.

What documents to bring to the DPS office

You need one document from each of five categories. For identity, bring a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or certified birth certificate. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current address. For Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.

For lawful presence, bring your U.S. passport, green card, employment authorization document (EAD), visa, or I-94 arrival/departure record. If you were born outside the United States, you also need a certified copy of your birth certificate from the country where you were born, obtained from that country's vital records office. For the process itself, fill out form DL-44 before you arrive, or the DPS office can provide it.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The DPS office will scan or photograph your documents and return them to you. If a document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation as well.

The written test on Texas traffic laws

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can take it on a computer at the DPS office.

Study material is free: read the Texas Driver Handbook from the DPS website, or ask for a printed copy at the office. The handbook covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, what different road signs mean, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. Most questions come directly from the handbook, so reading it thoroughly is the most effective way to prepare.

You can retake the written test if you fail, but you must wait one day before trying again. Some DPS offices allow you to retake it the same day; call ahead to confirm your local office's policy.

Vision screening and the driving test

At the DPS office, you will take a vision screening that checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. The standard is 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the driving test that day and must see an eye doctor, then return with a vision correction form signed by the doctor.

The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You drive your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the DPS office (some locations offer this). The examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, turning, changing lanes, parking, and following traffic laws on public roads. You must obey all traffic signs and signals, maintain safe speed, and demonstrate control of the vehicle. Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, improper lane changes, and hitting the curb while parking.

You get one driving test attempt per appointment. If you fail, you can schedule another appointment, usually within a few days or weeks depending on how busy the office is.

Age requirements and license validity periods

You must be at least 16 years old to get a Texas driver's license. If you are 16 or 17, you must first hold a learner's permit for at least six months and one day before you can take the driving test. During that time, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.

Once you pass all tests, your license is valid for five years if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, either in person at a DPS office or online through the DPS website if you meet certain conditions (no address change, no name change, and no new medical restrictions).

Fees and how to schedule your appointment

A standard five-year driver's license costs between $45 and $50 for most people. The exact fee depends on your age and whether you are a Texas resident. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DPS office. Fees are non-refundable if you do not pass the tests.

To schedule an appointment, visit the DPS website and use the online appointment system. You can choose your preferred DPS office and time slot. Walk-ins are also accepted, but wait times can be several hours, especially in urban areas. Call your local DPS office to ask about current wait times before you go.

Some DPS offices are busier than others. If your nearest office has long waits, you may be able to go to a less busy office in a nearby city. The DPS website shows wait times for many offices in real time.

What happens if you fail a test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it after one day. If you fail the vision screening, you must see an eye doctor and bring back a vision correction form before you can retake the driving test. If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another appointment, usually within days or weeks.

Each test attempt costs the same fee. You do not pay again for the written or vision test if you retake them, but you do pay again for the driving test. Keep your receipt from your first appointment so you can show it if you have questions about fees on your second visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The written test is available in Spanish and several other languages at most DPS offices. Tell the staff when you arrive which language you want to use. The Texas Driver Handbook is also available in Spanish and other languages on the DPS website.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport or passport card instead of a birth certificate for identity proof. If you do not have either, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to order a certified copy. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

Do I have to take the driving test in my own car?

No. Some DPS offices provide vehicles for the driving test, but not all. Call your local office to ask whether they offer this. If they do not, you can use a friend's or family member's car, as long as it is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

What if I move to Texas from another state?

You must get a Texas license within 60 days of moving. You will need to pass the written test and driving test, but you may not need to take the vision test again if your out-of-state license shows no vision restrictions. Bring your out-of-state license along with the five required documents.

Can I get a license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Yes, unpaid tickets do not prevent you from getting a license. However, if you have an outstanding warrant or suspension on your driving record, the DPS office will not issue a license until that is resolved. Check your driving record on the DPS website before you go, or call the office to ask.