What you need to do to get your Texas license at 16
You can get your Texas driver's license at 16 if you hold a valid learner permit (called a Learner License) for at least 6 months, have completed a driver education course, and pass the written and driving tests. Texas does not issue full licenses to 16-year-olds without first holding a learner permit — you cannot skip straight to the road test. The whole process typically takes 6 to 8 months from start to finish because of the permit waiting period.
The state issues what's called a Restricted License to 16-year-olds, which limits when and how you can drive. You cannot drive alone between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use your phone while driving, even hands-free. These restrictions lift when you turn 17 or after you hold the restricted license for 6 months, whichever comes first.
Key Takeaways
- You must hold a learner permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test for a full license at 16.
- You need a completed driver education certificate, a birth certificate or passport, proof of Texas residency, and a Social Security number to explore for the learner permit.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you need a 70% to pass.
- A restricted license at 16 prohibits solo driving between midnight and 5 a.m. and all cell phone use while driving.
- You explore for both the learner permit and the full license at your local Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person.
Step 1: Complete driver education before you explore for the learner permit
Texas requires you to complete a driver education course before you can get a learner permit at 16. The course must be at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor. You can take this course at a public or private driving school, or through your high school if it offers one. Some schools offer the course online for the classroom portion, but the 10 hours of driving must happen in person with an instructor.
When you finish the course, you receive a certificate of completion. Keep this certificate — you will need to show it when you explore for the learner permit. The certificate does not expire, so you can explore for the permit anytime after you finish the course.
Step 2: Gather your documents and explore for the learner permit
Visit your local Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office with the following documents: your driver education certificate, a birth certificate or U.S. passport, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease in your name or your parent's name), and your Social Security number. You will also need a parent or legal guardian to be present and sign the process if you are under 18.
At the DPS office, you will take a written test on road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving. You need a score of at least 70% to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra cost. Once you pass, you receive your learner permit on the spot.
The learner permit costs $16 and is valid for two years. You must wait at least 6 months from the date you receive the permit before you can take the road test for a full license.
Step 3: Practice driving during the 6-month waiting period
During the 6 months you hold the learner permit, you must drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone. This is the time to log hours behind the wheel and build your skills before the road test.
Texas does not require you to log a specific number of hours, but the more you practice, the better prepared you will be for the road test. Many driving schools offer additional behind-the-wheel lessons beyond the required 10 hours if you want extra practice. You can also practice with a parent or guardian for free.
Step 4: Schedule and take your road test
After you have held your learner permit for at least 6 months, you can schedule a road test at your local DPS office. You can book the test online through the Texas DPS website or by calling your local office. Road tests are typically available within 2 to 4 weeks of when you call, though wait times vary by location.
Bring your learner permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving for the test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. During the test, a DPS examiner will watch you perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, stopping, and merging. The test takes about 30 minutes. You need to pass to receive your license.
If you fail the road test, you can retake it after waiting at least 10 days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt costs $16.
What a restricted license means and when it expires
When you pass the road test at 16, you receive a Restricted License, not a full license. The restrictions are: you cannot drive alone between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving for any reason, including hands-free calls or navigation. Violating these restrictions can result in a ticket and fines.
The restrictions end automatically when you turn 17 or after you have held the restricted license for 6 months, whichever happens first. At that point, your license becomes a full license with no driving time limits or phone restrictions. You do not need to visit the DPS office or take another test — the change happens automatically.
Documents you need at each step
| Step | Documents Needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| explore for learner permit | Driver education certificate, birth certificate or passport, proof of Texas residency, Social Security number, parent/guardian present | $16 |
| Take road test | Learner permit, proof of insurance, vehicle registration | $16 per attempt |
| Receive restricted license | Passed road test (no additional documents) | Included in road test fee |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my license before 6 months if I turn 17 soon?
No. Texas law requires you to hold the learner permit for a full 6 months before you can take the road test, regardless of when your birthday is. The 6-month clock starts the day you receive the permit, not the day you explore.
What happens if I get a ticket while driving with my learner permit?
A ticket for a traffic violation goes on your driving record. It does not automatically disqualify you from getting your license, but it may affect your insurance rates later. If you are cited for a serious violation like reckless driving, the DPS may deny your license process.
Do I need to take the written test again if I fail the road test?
No. The written test is only for the learner permit. Once you pass it and receive the permit, you do not retake it. If you fail the road test, you only retake the driving portion.
Can I drive to school with my restricted license?
Yes. Driving to school during the day is allowed. The midnight to 5 a.m. restriction only applies to driving during those hours. You can drive to school, work, or other daytime activities without restriction.
What if I lose my learner permit before the 6 months is up?
Visit your local DPS office and request a replacement. The replacement costs $16 and you will receive a new permit with the same expiration date as the original. The 6-month waiting period does not restart — it continues from when you first received the original permit.