What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license
To get your Texas driver's license, you will visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring required documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes about 30 to 45 minutes at the office, though you may wait in line. You cannot complete this online or by mail — Texas requires you to show up and demonstrate that you can drive.
The order matters: you must pass your written test before you can take your driving test. Many people schedule both on the same day, but some offices let you take the written test first, then come back for the driving test on another day if you prefer.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with your documents, pass a written knowledge test, pass a driving test with a DPS examiner, and pay the license fee.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), proof of identity, and proof of lawful presence in the United States.
- You can schedule your driving test appointment online through the Texas DPS website, which reduces wait time and lets you pick your preferred date.
- The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you need a score of at least 70 percent to pass and move on to the driving test.
- The driving test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes and includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping; you must use your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle if you cannot provide one.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring your original Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your DPS visit, but you do not have to — a W-2 or similar document works.
You also need proof of Texas residency. This means a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and a Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A piece of mail from the state or federal government also counts. You cannot use a post office box as your address.
Bring proof of identity: a passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present and bring their own ID.
Finally, bring proof of lawful presence in the United States. This is a passport, a Permanent Resident Card, a visa, an Employment Authorization Document, or a birth certificate if you were born in the U.S. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will receive a license valid for the length of your legal status in the country, not the standard eight years.
How to schedule your driving test appointment
Go to the Texas DPS website and use their online appointment system. You will enter your zip code, see available DPS offices near you, and pick a date and time that works for you. Scheduling online usually means a shorter wait than walking in without an appointment, though some offices still have wait times during busy hours.
You can schedule your written test and driving test on the same day or on different days. Many people do both in one visit to save time. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, but you will pay the fee again.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to schedule by phone, call your local DPS office directly. The number is on the Texas DPS website under "Contact Us." Some offices also accept walk-ins, but you may wait several hours.
What happens during the written test
The written test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer on a computer at the DPS office. You need a score of at least 70 percent, which means you can miss 9 questions and still pass.
The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and what to do at a red light or stop sign. If you have never driven before, studying the Texas Driver Handbook (available free on the DPS website) is the best way to prepare. Many people also use online practice tests.
If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most offices. You will pay the test fee again. You have six attempts within a 12-month period before you have to wait and start over.
What happens during the driving test
A DPS examiner will ride with you in your vehicle (or a DPS vehicle if you do not have one) for about 10 to 15 minutes. You will drive on local streets and demonstrate basic skills: starting the car, turning the wheel, accelerating, braking, parking, and following traffic signs. The examiner is looking for safe driving, not perfect driving. Minor mistakes like hesitating at a turn or taking a slightly wide corner usually do not cause you to fail.
You fail if you commit a critical error: hitting something, running a red light, failing to yield when you should, or driving too fast or too slow. You also fail if the examiner thinks you are unsafe to be on the road. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day and pay the fee again.
Bring your vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance. The examiner will check that your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors work. If something is broken, you cannot take the test that day.
The cost and how long your license lasts
The fee for a Texas driver's license is $33 for an eight-year license if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, your license is valid until your 18th birthday, and the fee is lower. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you pass both tests.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You can renew it by mail or online when it is about to expire, so you do not have to take the tests again unless Texas asks you to.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, your license is valid only as long as your legal status in the country. For example, if your visa expires in two years, your license expires in two years, even if you would normally get an eight-year license.
What to do if you fail and need to retake a test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most DPS offices. You pay the fee again. You have six attempts within a 12-month period. If you use all six, you must wait 12 months before you can test again.
If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before you retake it. You can schedule your next attempt online or by calling your local DPS office. You pay the fee again for each attempt. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the driving test, but each attempt costs money.
Many people fail the driving test the first time because they are nervous or because they have not practiced enough. This is normal. Take time to practice with a licensed driver before your next test, and you will likely pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?
Yes. Most DPS offices let you take both tests in one visit. You take the written test first, and if you pass, you can take the driving test the same day. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day, but you will pay the fee again.
What if I do not have a vehicle to use for the driving test?
Some DPS offices provide a vehicle for the driving test, but not all. Call your local DPS office before your appointment to ask whether they have a test vehicle available. If they do not, you will need to borrow a vehicle from someone else or reschedule your test.
Do I need to take a driver education course before I get my license?
No, driver education is not required for adults. If you are under 18, Texas requires you to complete a driver education course or a defensive driving course before you can get your license. Your school may offer this, or you can take it online through a private provider.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?
You receive your license the same day you pass both tests. The DPS office prints it on the spot, and you walk out with it. If you requested a Real ID, it takes longer — you will receive it by mail in about two to three weeks.
What if I move to a different address after I get my license?
You do not have to get a new license, but you should update your address with the DPS. You can do this online, by mail, or at a DPS office. Your current license remains valid until it expires.