What You Need to Do to Get a Texas Driver License
To get a Texas driver license, you must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving test. You will also need to bring specific documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency. The entire process takes place at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, and you must be at least 16 years old (or 15 years and 9 months if you are explore for a learner license first). Most people complete the written and vision portions on the same day, but the driving test is scheduled separately.
Texas does not require you to take a formal driver education course before testing, though some insurance companies offer discounts if you do. You can study for the written test using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the DPS website.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your Texas address to any DPS office.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices from the Texas Driver Handbook, and you must answer at least 70 out of 100 questions correctly to pass.
- You can schedule your driving test appointment online through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office, and the wait time varies by location from one week to several months.
- The total cost is $16 for a Class C license valid for five years, plus any fees charged by the DPS office for document processing or testing.
- If you fail any test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day between attempts and pay the test fee again.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Texas requires you to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy is not acceptable. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document showing your admission to the country. You also need proof of your Social Security number — either an original Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form with your full Social Security number visible.
For proof of Texas residency, bring two documents from this list: a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, school enrollment letter, or government mail with your name and address. Both documents must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A driver license or ID from another state does not count as proof of residency.
Bring your learner license if you already have one. If you do not have a learner license and are under 18, you must explore for one first before you can take the driving test. The learner license costs $16 and is valid for one year.
How to Pass the Written Knowledge Test
The written test has 100 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 70 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request a reader or interpreter if you need one. The test takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Study the official Texas Driver Handbook before you go to the DPS office. The handbook covers all topics on the test and is free to read from the DPS website or to pick up in print at any DPS office. Focus on sections about right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and what different road signs mean. Many people fail because they do not study the handbook thoroughly or they rush through the test without reading each question carefully.
You can take the written test as many times as you need. If you fail, you must wait at least one day before retaking it, and you must pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.
Scheduling and Passing the Driving Test
After you pass the written test and vision screening, you can schedule your driving test. You can book an appointment online through the DPS website by entering your zip code and selecting an available time slot, or you can call your local DPS office directly. The wait time varies widely depending on your location — some offices have appointments available within a week, while others have waits of two to three months.
For the driving test, you must bring your learner license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered, inspected, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, and wipers. A DPS examiner will ride with you for about 20 to 30 minutes and evaluate your ability to start the vehicle, control speed, steer, brake, park, and follow traffic laws. You must score at least 70 percent to pass.
Common reasons people fail the driving test include speeding, failing to use turn signals, not checking mirrors, rolling through stop signs, and improper parking. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day and pay the test fee again. There is no limit to retakes.
Fees and Payment Methods
A five-year Class C driver license costs $16. This is the standard license for most drivers. If you are 85 years old or older, the license is free. Some DPS offices charge an additional document processing fee of $2 to $5, depending on the office location.
You must pay in cash, check, or debit card at the DPS office. Credit cards are not accepted at most locations. If you fail a test and need to retake it, you must pay the test fee again — this is usually included in the $16 license fee, but confirm with your local office.
If you need to replace a lost or stolen license, the fee is $11. If you need to renew your license before it expires, the fee is $16 for a five-year renewal.
What Happens After You Pass All Tests
After you pass the driving test, the DPS office will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on your office. Your license will be valid for five years from the date of issue. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait for your plastic card to arrive in the mail.
Your license will show your name, date of birth, address, license number, and any restrictions or endorsements. If you wear corrective lenses, the license will note that you must wear them while driving. If you have any medical conditions that affect your driving, the DPS may add restrictions to your license.
Once you have your license, you can drive without a learner license. You must carry your license with you whenever you drive. If you move to a new address in Texas, you must update your address with the DPS within 30 days — you can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
Special Situations: Learner License and Under-18 Requirements
If you are under 18, you must get a learner license before you can take the driving test. A learner license allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and seated next to you. The learner license costs $16 and is valid for one year. You must pass the written test and vision screening to get a learner license, just as you would for a full license.
While you have a learner license, you cannot drive alone, and you must follow certain restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., you cannot use a cell phone while driving (except in an emergency), and you must wear a seat belt. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or until you have held your learner license for six months, whichever comes first.
After you have held your learner license for at least six months and passed the driving test, you can get your full driver license. If you are under 18 when you get your full license, you will still have some restrictions until you turn 18 — for example, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to work or school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or at home?
No. The written test, vision screening, and driving test must all be taken in person at a Texas DPS office. You cannot take any part of the test online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office to complete all testing.
What if I fail the vision screening?
If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the written or driving test that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get corrective lenses if needed, and return to the DPS office to retake the vision screening. Bring your glasses or contacts with you when you return.
Do I need to take a driver education course before I can get my license?
No. Texas does not require a driver education course to get a license. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, and some employers or schools may require it. You can study the Texas Driver Handbook on your own to prepare for the written test.
How long is my Texas driver license valid?
A standard Class C driver license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 45 days before your license expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
What if I move out of state after I get my Texas license?
Your Texas license remains valid in all other states and territories. However, if you move to another state and plan to stay there, you should get a driver license from that state. You do not need to surrender your Texas license, but most states require you to get a license from your new state of residence within a certain time period.