What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license

To get a Texas driver's license, you will visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes at least two visits — one to take the written exam and one to take the road test — and you cannot take both on the same day. Texas requires you to bring specific documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number before you walk in.

The fee for a five-year license is $16 if you are under 85 years old. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you will pay the fee again. Most people complete the process within two to four weeks if they pass both tests on the first attempt.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office twice: once to pass the written test and once to pass the driving test, with at least one day between visits.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a document showing your current address, and your Social Security card or a document with your SSN on it.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you must answer at least 70 percent of the questions correctly to pass.
  • For the driving test, you provide your own vehicle, and a DPS examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers and follow traffic laws on public roads.
  • If you fail either test, you can retake it after one business day, but you will pay the full fee again.

Documents you must bring to your first DPS visit

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 a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship. You will also need to bring your Social Security card or another document that shows your full Social Security number — a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form works.

You must also prove where you live. Bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement will work. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

Bring your completed process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-44). You can fill it out at home and bring it, or you can fill it out at the DPS office. If you fill it out at home, print it and sign it in front of the DPS employee — do not sign it before you arrive.

How the written test works

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean. You take the test on a computer at the DPS office.

Texas provides a free study guide called the Texas Driver's Handbook, which you can read online or pick up at a DPS office. Most of the test questions come directly from this handbook. You have 30 minutes to finish the test. If you fail, you can retake it the next business day, but you will pay the $16 fee again.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

After you pass the written test, you must wait at least one business day before you can take the driving test. You will schedule your road test appointment at the DPS office or online through the Texas DPS website. Wait times vary by location — some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks.

For the driving test, you bring your own vehicle. The car must be in safe working condition, with working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. A DPS examiner will ride with you and watch you perform basic maneuvers like backing up, parking, and turning. You will also drive on public roads and follow traffic laws. The test usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You must follow all traffic laws and demonstrate safe driving habits. If you fail, you can retake it after one business day.

What happens after you pass both tests

Once you pass the driving test, the DPS office will take your photograph and issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few business days, depending on the office. Your Texas driver's license will be valid for five years from the date it is issued. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait for your plastic card to arrive in the mail.

If you need to renew your license before the five years are up, you can do so online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your situation. Texas also offers a Real ID compliant license, which you can get by bringing an additional document that shows your Social Security number or your immigration status. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license and is required for federal air travel starting in 2025.

If you fail the driving test

If you do not pass the driving test, the examiner will tell you what you did wrong. Common reasons for failing include speeding, not coming to a complete stop, hitting a curb, or not using your turn signal. You can retake the test after one business day. You will need to pay the $16 fee again and schedule a new appointment.

You do not have to retake the written test — once you pass it, that score stays on your record. However, if you wait more than a year to take the driving test, you will have to retake the written test as well. Most people pass the driving test on their second or third attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Texas requires at least one business day between the written test and the driving test. You must pass the written test first, then schedule your road test for a later date.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

If you cannot find your original birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or the vital records office in the state where you were born. The process takes one to two weeks. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or Certificate of Naturalization instead.

Do I have to bring my own car for the driving test?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check your brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors before the test begins. You cannot use a rental car or a car borrowed from the DPS office.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid?

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You will need to renew it before it expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, depending on your situation and whether your license is expired.

What is the difference between a standard license and a Real ID license?

A Real ID license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes starting in 2025. Both cost the same, and you get a Real ID by bringing an extra document showing your Social Security number or immigration status.