What You Need to Do to Get a Texas Learner's Permit

To get a learner's permit in Texas, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and pay a fee. You cannot do this online or by mail. The process takes one visit if you bring all required documents; most people complete it in under an hour at the office.

Texas issues learner's permits to people aged 15 and older. The permit is valid for two years from the date of issue. Once you have it, you can drive only when a licensed adult aged 21 or older is in the front passenger seat with you.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency — no online or mail option exists.
  • The written knowledge test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook before you go.
  • The fee for a learner's permit is $16, paid at the DPS office when you pass the test.
  • You must be at least 15 years old, and if you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian's consent form signed in front of a DPS officer.
  • A learner's permit is valid for two years and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency.

For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A school ID or library card does not count. If you are under 18, you must also bring your parent or guardian with you to sign a consent form in front of the DPS officer.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a document from the Social Security Administration. A tax return is not accepted.

For proof of Texas residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government check dated within the last 90 days. The document must show your name and current Texas address. A cell phone bill does not count as proof of residency in Texas.

The Knowledge Test and What It Covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass — that is a score of 70 percent. The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies.

You can study for free using the Texas Driver Handbook, which the DPS publishes online. The handbook is available in English and Spanish on the DPS website. Most people study it for a few days before taking the test. The test is given on a computer at the DPS office, and you get your score when ready.

If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake it. You have unlimited attempts, but each office may have limits on how many times you can test in one day — call ahead if you are concerned.

Age Requirements and Parental Consent

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Texas. There is no upper age limit.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must come with you to the DPS office. They must sign a Parental Consent Form (Form DL-44) in front of a DPS officer. The officer will not accept a form signed at home. If you are 18 or older, you do not need parental consent.

If you are under 18 and your parent or guardian cannot come with you, some DPS offices allow a notarized consent form, but this varies by office. Call your local DPS office to ask whether they accept notarized consent before you go.

Finding Your Local DPS Office and Hours

Texas has DPS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. The website shows the office address, phone number, and hours of operation.

Hours vary by location. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have different schedules or are closed on certain days. Some offices close for lunch. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go, especially if you are traveling a distance.

Wait times vary. Offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in cities. If you want to avoid a long wait, go early in the morning or on a weekday rather than a Friday or Saturday.

The Fee and Payment Methods

The fee for a learner's permit in Texas is $16. You pay this at the DPS office after you pass the knowledge test. The office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you fail the test, you do not pay the fee.

The $16 fee covers the permit itself and is valid for two years from the date of issue. There are no additional renewal fees during those two years. After two years, you must renew the permit or move to a driver's license.

What Happens After You Pass

Once you pass the test and pay the fee, the DPS officer will issue your learner's permit on the spot. It is a physical card that you must carry with you whenever you drive. The permit shows your name, date of birth, address, a photo, and the expiration date.

Your permit is valid for two years. During that time, you can drive only when a licensed driver aged 21 or older is in the front passenger seat with you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car (with some exceptions for family members).

When you are ready to get a full driver's license, you must pass a driving test. You can schedule the driving test through the DPS website or by calling your local office. The driving test fee is separate from the permit fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Texas requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a learner's permit. If you do not have one, you must first obtain a Social Security number from the Social Security Administration. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency to your local Social Security office.

What if I lost my birth certificate or do not have one?

You can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or from the vital records office in the state where you were born. The process takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, you can use a U.S. passport or consular report of birth abroad if you have one.

Do I have to take the test in English?

No. The DPS offers the knowledge test in Spanish and several other languages. Tell the DPS officer which language you prefer when you arrive at the office. The test content is the same regardless of language.

Can someone else pick up my permit if I cannot go back to the office?

No. You must pick up your permit in person at the DPS office where you took the test. The permit is issued when ready after you pass, so there is no separate pickup trip — you receive it the same day.

What if I move to a different state before my permit expires?

Your Texas learner's permit is no longer valid once you move out of state. You must get a learner's permit from your new state. Texas will not issue a duplicate or transfer your permit to another state.