What you need to bring to the Texas DMV

To get a learner's permit in Texas, you will need to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with specific documents. The DPS will not issue a permit based on mail or online applications — you must appear at a location near you.

Bring proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or consulate ID), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days). If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian. If you are 18 or older, you can explore alone.

You will also need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License or Permit) before you arrive. You can fill it out at home and bring it with you, or fill it out at the DPS office. Bringing it completed saves time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS office in person with your birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency dated within the last 30 days.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present; if you are 18 or older, you can go alone.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs at the DPS office — the test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for two years and allows you to drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat.
  • DPS offices are open Monday through Friday; some locations have Saturday hours, so check your local office's schedule before you go.

The written test: what to expect

At the DPS office, you will take a written test on Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly (70 percent) to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the office, and you will get your score when ready.

The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, following distance, traffic signals, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. Many people also use practice tests online to get used to the question format.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most DPS offices, though you may have to pay the test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts on the same day.

The cost and how long it takes

A Texas learner's permit costs $16 and is valid for two years from the date you receive it. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you explore. The fee does not change based on your age.

The entire process at the DPS office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is. You will wait in line, submit your documents, take the written test, and receive your permit the same day if you pass. There is no separate waiting period after you pass the test.

What your learner's permit allows you to do

Your Texas learner's permit lets you practice driving, but only under specific conditions. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat next to you at all times. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have only a younger driver in the car with you.

You can drive during daylight hours and at night, but some restrictions explore if you are under 18. You must follow all traffic laws and speed limits. Your permit is not a license — it is a step toward getting one, and it shows that you have passed the written test on traffic rules.

You can hold your learner's permit for as long as you need to practice before taking the road test. Most people hold it for a few months, but there is no minimum or maximum time. When you feel ready, you can schedule a road test with the DPS.

Finding a DPS office near you

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. To find the one closest to you, go to the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool. You can search by city or zip code, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours for each location.

Call ahead or check the website before you go. Some offices are busier than others, and a few locations have limited hours or may close for training. Many DPS offices now let you make an appointment online, which can save you time waiting in line.

What happens if you fail the written test

If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can retake it at the same DPS office. Most locations let you take the test again the same day, though you will pay the test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts.

Before you retake the test, spend time studying the Texas Driver Handbook and taking practice tests. Many people find that reviewing the questions they missed helps them pass the second time. The handbook is free on the DPS website and covers everything the test asks about.

Renewing or replacing your learner's permit

Your learner's permit is valid for two years. If it expires before you get your driver's license, you will need to renew it by visiting a DPS office again and paying the $16 fee. You will also retake the written test to renew.

If you lose your permit, you can get a replacement at any DPS office. Bring your ID and proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee. The DPS will issue you a new permit with the same expiration date as your original one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I am homeschooled?

Yes. Texas does not require you to be enrolled in a public or private school to get a learner's permit. You only need to meet the age requirement (at least 15 years old) and bring the required documents to a DPS office.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a document from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a number. Contact your local DPS office to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The Texas DPS offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. When you arrive at the DPS office, tell the staff which language you need, and they will provide the test in that language.

Do I need to take a driver's education course before I get my learner's permit?

No. You do not need to complete a driver's education course to get a learner's permit in Texas. However, if you are under 18, you will need to complete a driver's education course before you can take the road test for your license.

What if I move to a different state while I have a Texas learner's permit?

Your Texas learner's permit is only valid in Texas. If you move to another state, you will need to get a learner's permit from that state's DMV or equivalent agency. Your Texas permit will not transfer.