What you need to do to get a Texas learner's permit
To get a Texas learner's permit, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written knowledge test, and pay a fee. The permit costs $16 and is valid for two years. You do not need to have a vehicle or a supervising driver present at the DPS office, but you will need to show documents that prove who you are and where you live.
Texas issues learner's permits to people as young as 14. The 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, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. while holding a learner's permit.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card, and two documents showing your current address to a DPS office.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you need to answer at least 70 out of 100 questions correctly to pass.
- You pay $16 at the DPS office when you pass the test, and your permit is issued when ready.
- A learner's permit is valid for two years and requires a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat whenever you drive.
- You must hold a learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test for a driver's license.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy is not acceptable. You also need your Social Security card — bring the actual card, not a number written on paper.
For proof of residency, bring two documents that show your current address. These can include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a school enrollment letter, or a government check. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license or state ID card from another state counts as proof of identity but not proof of residency.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They must sign the process in front of the DPS officer. If your parent or guardian cannot come, you can bring a notarized consent form instead.
The written knowledge test
The test has 100 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 45 minutes to finish. You must answer at least 70 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DPS office.
The questions cover topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle emergency vehicles, and when you must use your headlights. You can study using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare.
If you do not pass on your first try, you can take the test again the same day or come back another day. Each attempt costs $16. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.
Where to go and what to bring with you
Find your nearest DPS office on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours, though some have extended hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now use an online reservation system. Check your local office's website to see if you need to reserve a time slot.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. Bring a pen to fill out the process. You do not need to bring a vehicle. You do not need to bring a supervising driver. You will take the test at a computer terminal inside the office.
Cost and how long the permit lasts
The fee is $16, paid at the DPS office after you pass the test. You pay in cash, by debit card, or by credit card — check with your local office about which payment methods they accept. If you fail the test, you do not pay the fee until you pass.
Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. If it expires before you turn 18, you can renew it at a DPS office for $16. If you turn 18 while holding a learner's permit, the permit remains valid until its expiration date.
Restrictions while you hold a learner's permit
You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you at all times while you drive. This person is called a supervising driver. They must have a valid driver's license — it can be from Texas or another state.
You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even if it is hands-free. You cannot drive on interstate highways unless your supervising driver is a parent, guardian, or licensed driving instructor. These rules explore to all learner's permit holders in Texas, regardless of age.
How long you must hold the permit before getting a license
You must hold a learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test for a driver's license. If you are under 18, you must also complete a driver's education course. The course can be taken online or in person and usually takes 6 to 8 hours to finish.
After you have held the permit for 6 months and completed driver's education, you can schedule a road test at a DPS office. The road test costs $16 and takes about 20 minutes. You must bring your learner's permit and your supervising driver to the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I do not have a birth certificate?
No, an original or certified copy of your birth certificate is required. If you do not have one, you can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or the county where you were born. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test when ready at the same DPS office, or you can come back another day. Each attempt costs $16. There is no waiting period between attempts, and there is no limit to how many times you can take the test.
Do I need to bring my supervising driver to the DPS office?
No. You only need to bring your supervising driver when you take the road test for your driver's license. For the learner's permit test, you just need to bring your documents and yourself.
Can I drive on the highway with a learner's permit?
Only if your supervising driver is a parent, guardian, or licensed driving instructor. You cannot drive on the interstate with other types of supervising drivers.
What happens if my learner's permit expires?
You can renew it at a DPS office for $16. If you have held it for 6 months and completed driver's education, you can take the road test instead of renewing. If you let it expire without renewing or testing, you will have to start over with a new permit.