What Texas requires for a new driver license

Texas requires six things before you can get your first driver license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, a completed process form, a passing score on the written test, and a passing score on the road test. You do not need all of these on the same day — you can pass your written test first, then come back later for the road test — but the Department of Public Safety (DPS) will not issue your license until you have completed every step.

The order matters. Most people start by getting a learner permit, which requires identity, Social Security, residency, and the written test. Once you have the permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult and then schedule your road test. After you pass the road test, you go back to the DPS office to exchange your permit for your full license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring original or certified documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency to your first DPS visit.
  • A learner permit requires passing the written test but not the road test, and you can get it before you are ready to drive on public roads.
  • Your learner permit is valid for one year, and you must pass the road test before that year ends or you will have to retake the written test.
  • The road test includes a vehicle inspection, a written portion about vehicle safety, and driving on public streets with a DPS examiner.
  • Texas charges separate fees for the learner permit and the driver license, and fees vary depending on how long you want your license to last.

Documents you need to bring to the DPS office

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies do not work. For identity, Texas accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a military ID. If you do not have any of those, you can bring a combination of secondary documents like a school ID, a work ID, or a Social Security card, but the DPS office will tell you which combinations they accept.

For Social Security, bring your Social Security card or a W-2 form or tax return with your full Social Security number on it. For residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your name and a Texas address — a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter all work. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a signed affidavit from the person whose name is on the document, plus that person's ID.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you, along with their ID and proof of their relationship to you (usually a birth certificate). If your parent cannot come, you can bring a notarized consent form signed by both parents or guardians, plus a copy of their IDs.

The learner permit: written test and restrictions

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which the DPS provides free online and at every DPS office.

Once you pass, you get a learner permit valid for one year. With a learner permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. If you are under 18, you also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These restrictions stay in place until you pass your road test and get your full license.

If your learner permit expires before you pass the road test, you will have to retake the written test. You do not lose the permit automatically — it just stops being valid — but you cannot drive with it anymore.

The road test: what happens and how to prepare

The road test has three parts. First, a DPS examiner inspects your vehicle to make sure the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, and mirrors all work. Bring the vehicle you plan to take the test in — you cannot borrow a car on test day. Second, you answer a few questions about vehicle safety and maintenance. Third, you drive on public streets while the examiner watches and scores you on things like lane control, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws.

The entire test takes about 30 to 40 minutes. You need to score at least 70 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you have to wait at least one day and pay the fee again. Many people fail because they are nervous or because they have not practiced enough — the DPS recommends at least 10 to 20 hours of practice driving with your learner permit before you take the test.

Bring your learner permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle registration to your road test appointment. If you do not have proof of insurance, you cannot take the test. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, bring a notarized letter from the owner giving you permission to use it for the test.

Fees and how long your license lasts

The learner permit costs money, and the driver license costs money — these are separate fees. The exact amount depends on how long you want your license to last. Texas offers licenses valid for 4 years, 6 years, or 8 years. A 4-year license costs less than an 8-year license. If you are under 18, your first license will be a Probationary License, which lasts until you turn 18, and then you can renew it as a regular license.

The DPS website lists current fees, and fees can change. Call your local DPS office or check their website before you go in, so you know how much to bring. Most offices accept cash, check, and card, but call ahead to confirm what your office takes.

Probationary licenses for drivers under 18

If you are under 18 when you pass your road test, you do not get a regular driver license — you get a Probationary License. This license has extra restrictions that stay in place until you turn 18. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. You cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car unless a parent or guardian is also in the vehicle.

These restrictions are separate from the learner permit restrictions — they explore to your Probationary License even after you turn 18, until you renew your license as an adult. Once you turn 18 and renew, you get a regular license with no restrictions.

What to do if you fail the written or road test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most DPS offices, or you can come back another day. You have to pay the fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, but you have to pass it before you can take the road test.

If you fail the road test, you have to wait at least one day before you can retake it. Your learner permit stays valid while you practice and retake the test, as long as the permit has not expired. If your permit expires, you have to retake the written test before you can take the road test again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the road test, but each attempt costs money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. You must go to a DPS office in person to take the written test. The DPS does not offer online or mail-in testing for driver licenses. You can study at home using the Texas Driver Handbook, but you have to show up to the office to take the actual test.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas driver license?

Yes. Texas law requires proof of a valid Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a driver license. You would need to explore for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration first.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?

You get your license the same day you pass the road test, before you leave the DPS office. The examiner will take your learner permit and issue your driver license on the spot. You will have your license in hand when you walk out.

What if I move to a different Texas county after I get my learner permit?

Your learner permit is valid statewide, so you can move and still use it. You do not have to update your address until you renew your license. However, if you want to update your address before then, you can go to any DPS office and request a replacement permit with your new address.

Can someone else take the road test in my place?

No. You must take the road test yourself. The examiner needs to watch you drive to score your skills. Sending someone else or having someone else drive the vehicle during the test will result in an automatic failure and could lead to other legal consequences.