What you need to bring to the Texas DPS office

To get a Texas driving permit (called a learner license), you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with specific documents. You cannot complete this by mail or online. Bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days).

If you are under 18, you also need a parent or legal guardian present with their photo ID. If you are 18 or older, you only need your own ID. Bring all originals — photocopies are not accepted. The DPS office will make copies for you during your visit.

If your name on your documents does not match (for example, after a marriage or legal name change), bring the court order or marriage certificate that shows the change. Without it, the office will not process your process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS office in person with your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their photo ID.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website.
  • Your learner license costs between $16 and $25 depending on how long you want it valid, and you can drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.
  • You must hold your learner license for at least 6 months before you can take the road test for a full driver license.

The written test and what it covers

At the DPS office, you will take a written test on a computer. The test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish.

You can study for free using the Texas Driver Handbook, which the DPS publishes and makes available on its website at dps.texas.gov. The handbook covers everything the test asks about: speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. Most people spend 2 to 4 hours studying before they take the test.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some offices may ask you to come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake it. You get three attempts before the DPS requires you to start the process over and pay the fee again.

Cost and how long your permit lasts

A Texas learner license costs between $16 and $25, depending on which validity period you choose. You can get a permit valid for 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or 4 years. Most people choose 1 or 2 years because you must hold the permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test anyway. The longer the validity period, the higher the cost.

You pay the fee at the DPS office when you pass the written test. The office accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. If you fail the test, you do not pay until you pass.

Restrictions on what you can do with a learner license

Once you have your learner license, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older is sitting in the front seat next to you. That person must have a valid driver license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only passengers your own age.

You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. while you hold a learner license, even with a licensed adult in the car. This rule applies to everyone under 18 with a learner license in Texas.

You must follow all regular traffic laws — speed limits, traffic signals, and parking rules — just as a full license holder does. Breaking traffic laws while on a learner license can result in a ticket and may delay when you can take your road test.

How to find a DPS office near you

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. To find the office closest to you, go to dps.texas.gov and use the office locator tool. You can search by city or ZIP code. The website shows the office address, phone number, and hours of operation.

Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the website before you go, because some offices have limited hours or may be closed for holidays. During busy times (back-to-school season or summer), wait times can be 1 to 2 hours, so arriving early in the morning often means a shorter wait.

Some offices use an online appointment system. Check your local office's page to see if you can reserve a time slot in advance. This can save you significant wait time.

What happens after you pass and get your permit

After you pass the written test, the DPS office will issue your learner license on the spot. It is a plastic card that looks like a driver license. You must carry it whenever you drive. If you lose it, you can get a replacement at any DPS office for a small fee (usually $10 to $15).

Your learner license is valid only in Texas. If you plan to drive in another state, check that state's rules — most states recognize a Texas learner license, but some have different requirements for supervised driving.

You must hold your learner license for at least 6 months before you can take the road test for a full driver license. During those 6 months, practice driving with your licensed adult supervisor as much as possible. Texas law does not set a minimum number of practice hours, but the more you practice, the more prepared you will be for the road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner license if I have a suspended or revoked driver license?

No. If you have ever had a driver license suspended or revoked in Texas or any other state, you cannot get a learner license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DPS to find out the status of your license and what you must do to restore it.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at most DPS offices, or you can schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee for retakes. If you fail three times, you must wait and start the process over, which means paying the fee again and taking the test a fourth time.

Do I need a learner license if I am over 18?

No. If you are 18 or older and have never held a driver license, you can go straight to taking the road test for a full license without getting a learner license first. However, you still must pass the written test at a DPS office before you can take the road test.

Can I drive a motorcycle on a learner license?

No. A standard learner license is for cars only. If you want to ride a motorcycle, you must get a separate motorcycle learner license, which requires a different written test. The process is similar, but the test covers motorcycle-specific rules and safety.

What if my documents show a different address than where I live now?

Bring a current proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days) along with your other documents. The DPS will update your address to your current residence. You do not need to change your birth certificate or other documents first.