What You Need to Do to Get a Texas Driver's License

To get your first Texas driver's license, you will complete three main steps: pass a written knowledge test, pass a driving skills test, and provide documents that prove your identity and Texas residency. The entire process takes place at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You cannot get a license by mail or online; you must appear in person.

Texas issues a standard Class C driver's license for regular passenger vehicles. If you are under 18, you will follow a different path called the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, which includes a learner's permit stage before you can take the driving test. If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to the full license test without the permit step.

The entire process—from your first visit to the DPS office through passing both tests—typically takes between two and four weeks, depending on how quickly you schedule your appointments and how many times you need to retake a test. Plan ahead; do not wait until you need to drive to start.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS office in person to take a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test; both are required for a Class C license.
  • If you are under 18, you must first obtain a learner's permit and hold it for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test.
  • You will need to bring specific documents proving your identity and Texas residency, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices; the driving test is scored by a DPS examiner who rides with you in your own vehicle.
  • Fees vary slightly by DPS office location but typically total around $16 for the written test and $51 for the driving test.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Texas requires you to bring an original or certified copy of documents that prove your identity and that you live in Texas. The DPS will not accept photocopies, faxes, or digital images for most documents. Bring the physical originals.

For identity, bring one of these: a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If your name has changed since the document was issued (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

For Texas residency, bring one document from this list that shows your current name and address: a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, a property tax bill, or an insurance policy. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A cell phone bill does not count. If you live with someone else and do not have a utility bill in your name, bring a signed affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.

You will also need your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or be prepared to provide the number from memory. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a document from the DPS's list of acceptable alternatives, such as a visa or work permit.

Taking the Written Knowledge Test

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and also in several other languages if you request it in advance.

You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is available free on the DPS website and in print at any DPS office. The handbook covers everything on the test. Many people study it for one to two weeks before taking the test. You are allowed to take the test as many times as you need, but you must pay the test fee each time.

When you arrive at the DPS office, bring your documents, fill out the process form (Form DL-44), and tell the staff you are ready to test. You will be taken to a computer station where you will answer the questions on screen. The results are when ready. If you pass, you move forward to schedule your driving test. If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

Getting a Learner's Permit if You Are Under 18

If you are under 18, you cannot take the driving test when ready after passing the written test. Instead, you will receive a learner's permit (also called a learner's license). You must hold this permit for at least 30 days and practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult before you can take the driving test.

The learner's permit allows you to drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (except in a genuine emergency).

After you have held the permit for 30 days, you can schedule your driving test appointment. The DPS will give you a date and time when you receive your permit. If you are 18 or older, you skip the permit stage entirely and go straight to the driving test after passing the written test.

Passing the Behind-the-Wheel Driving Test

The driving test lasts about 20 to 25 minutes. A DPS examiner will sit in the passenger seat while you drive. You will be tested on basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks such as starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and merging into traffic.

You must bring your own vehicle to the test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors all work before you start driving. If anything is broken, the test will be postponed.

You will also need to bring a valid learner's permit (if you are under 18) or your passing written test receipt. Bring the same documents you brought for the written test. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day and pay the test fee again.

Fees and Payment

The written knowledge test costs $16. The driving test costs $51. These fees are set by the state and are the same at every DPS office. You pay each fee when you take each test. Payment methods vary by office; most accept cash, debit, and credit cards, but call your local office to confirm.

If you are under 18 and need a learner's permit, there is no separate fee for the permit itself—it is included in the cost of the written test. However, once you pass both tests and receive your actual driver's license, you will pay a license fee. A Class C license issued to someone under 18 costs $16 and is valid until your 18th birthday. A license issued to someone 18 or older costs $33 and is valid for six years.

Some DPS offices charge a small additional fee for services like name changes or address updates. Call your local office or check the DPS website for your specific location.

Finding Your Local DPS Office and Scheduling an Appointment

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you on the official Texas DPS website. The site lists the address, phone number, and hours for each location. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go.

You do not need an appointment for the written test at most offices—you can walk in during business hours. However, the driving test almost always requires an appointment. You can schedule a driving test appointment online through the DPS website, by phone, or in person at the office after you pass the written test. Appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy areas; schedule as soon as you pass the written test.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely. Some offices have short waits; others may have a wait of several hours, especially on Fridays or near the end of the month. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is bringing photocopies or digital images of required documents. The DPS will not accept them. Bring originals or certified copies only. If your birth certificate is in another state, order a certified copy from that state's vital records office before you go to the DPS.

Another mistake is not bringing proof of Texas residency that is dated within the last 30 days. A utility bill from six months ago will not work. If you just moved to Texas, bring a lease or mortgage statement instead.

If you are under 18, do not try to take the driving test before you have held your learner's permit for 30 days. The DPS will turn you away. Mark the date on a calendar so you know when you are may be able to access.

Do not assume you can use someone else's vehicle for the driving test if it is not registered in your name. The vehicle must be insured and registered; the examiner will check. If the registration or insurance is expired, the test will be canceled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

If you are 18 or older and pass the written test, you may be able to take the driving test the same day if an appointment slot is available. However, this is not may provide. If you are under 18, you must wait at least 30 days after receiving your learner's permit before you can take the driving test, so same-day testing is not possible.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. You must wait at least one day after a failure before retaking it, and you must pay the test fee again each time. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Many people pass on their second or third try.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You should bring it if you have it, but it is not required. You can provide your Social Security number from memory. If you do not have a number, bring an acceptable alternative document such as a visa or work permit.

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You must be a lawful resident of Texas and have a valid Social Security number or an acceptable alternative document. Bring your visa, work permit, or other immigration document along with your other required documents. The DPS will verify your status.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid?

A license issued to someone under 18 is valid until your 18th birthday. A license issued to someone 18 or older is valid for six years. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires.