What you need to do to get your Texas license at 16
In Texas, you can get your first driver's license at 16 if you have a valid learner permit and meet a few basic requirements. You'll need to pass a driving test, bring the right documents to the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and pay a fee. The whole process takes a few hours at a DPS office, and you can get your license the same day you pass the test.
You cannot skip the learner permit stage — Texas requires you to hold one for at least six months before you can test for a full license. If you're under 18, there are also restrictions on when and how you can drive during that permit period, which we cover below.
Key Takeaways
- You must hold a learner permit for at least six months before you can test for a full driver's license at 16.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, proof of identity, and your learner permit to the DPS office on test day.
- You'll take a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DPS examiner, and you can get your license the same day if you pass.
- If you're under 18, your license will have restrictions: no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., and no passengers under 21 for the first six months.
Getting your learner permit first
Before you can test for a full license, you need a learner permit. To get one, you go to any DPS office and pass a written test on Texas traffic laws and road signs. You'll need to bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport), and proof that you live in Texas (like a utility bill or lease).
The written test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS provides free online. Most people pass on their first try if they study for a few hours.
Once you have your learner permit, you must wait at least six months before you can test for your full license. During those six months, you can drive only with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat.
Documents and information to bring to your test
On the day you test for your full license, bring these documents to the DPS office:
- Your learner permit
- Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return)
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth)
- Proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address)
- Proof that you've held your learner permit for at least six months
If any of your documents are not in English, bring an official English translation along with the original. If you've changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
You'll also need to pay the license fee. As of 2024, a Texas driver's license costs $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. Bring cash, a debit card, or a check — policies vary by office.
The driving test and what happens next
The driving test is a 20-minute behind-the-wheel exam with a DPS examiner. You'll drive on regular streets and show that you can do things like turn, park, merge, and follow traffic signs. The examiner is looking for safe driving, not perfect driving — minor mistakes won't fail you, but unsafe moves like running a red light or hitting a curb will.
You must use a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be in the car with you. If you're using someone else's car, they don't have to be present, but the car must be insured for whoever is driving it.
If you pass, you get your license the same day. If you don't pass, you can retake the test, but you'll have to pay the fee again and schedule another appointment. Most DPS offices let you book your next test right away.
Restrictions on your license if you're under 18
If you get your license before you turn 18, it will have graduated restrictions that limit when and how you can drive. These restrictions are designed to reduce crashes among new teenage drivers.
The main restrictions are: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot have passengers under 21 in the car with you for the first six months after you get your license. After six months, the passenger restriction lifts, but the midnight-to-5-a.m. curfew stays in place until you turn 18.
Exceptions exist for driving to work, school, or a medical appointment, or if a parent or guardian is in the car. If you violate these restrictions, you can get a ticket and face a fine.
What to do if you fail the test
If you don't pass the driving test, you can take it again. You'll need to pay the fee again and schedule a new appointment at a DPS office. There's no waiting period between attempts, so you can book your next test as soon as you're ready.
Many people find it helpful to practice more with a licensed adult before retaking the test. Some DPS offices offer practice tests or have resources on their website showing what the test covers. You can also take a defensive driving course, which some insurance companies offer discounts for and which can help you build confidence.
Where to go and how to schedule your test
You take your driving test at a local DPS office. Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the official Texas DPS website.
Most DPS offices let you schedule your test appointment online or by phone. Some offices also accept walk-ins, but wait times can be long. Scheduling ahead is faster. When you book, you'll choose a date and time, and you'll get a confirmation with the office address and what to bring.
Bring all your documents and your learner permit. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so you have time to check in. The whole process — paperwork, the test, and getting your license photo taken — usually takes one to two hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my license before six months if I've been driving with my permit?
No. Texas law requires you to hold your learner permit for at least six months before you can test for a full license, no matter how much you've practiced. The six months starts from the date your permit was issued.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You can still get a license. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you're not may be able to access for a number, or bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Talk to your local DPS office about what documents they'll accept.
Do I have to take a driver's education course?
No, driver's education is not required in Texas. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete a course, and it can help you feel more confident before your test.
What happens if I get a ticket while I have my learner permit?
A ticket while you have your permit can delay or prevent you from getting your full license. DPS may suspend your permit or require you to wait longer before testing. If you get a ticket, talk to DPS about how it affects your timeline.
Can I drive out of state with my Texas learner permit?
Most states recognize a Texas learner permit, but the rules vary. Check the laws in the state you're driving to. Some states have different age requirements or restrictions for permit holders.