What you need to bring to the Texas DPS office

To get a Texas learner's permit, 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 1099 form), and proof of Texas residency dated within the last 30 days—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works.

If you are under 18, you also need a completed process for a Learner License or Permit (Form DL-44), signed by a parent or legal guardian. You can read this form from the Texas DPS website or fill it out at the office. Bring the original documents, not copies, though the DPS will make copies for their file.

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring legal documentation of the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will not issue a permit without proof that your current name matches your identity documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS office in person with your original birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency dated within 30 days.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign Form DL-44 at the office; they do not sign it beforehand.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs at the DPS office, and you must pass it to receive your permit.
  • The permit costs $16 and is valid for two years, but you must follow learner restrictions—driving only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.
  • Bring original documents only; the DPS will not accept copies of your birth certificate or Social Security card.

The written test: what to study and how it works

At the DPS office, you will take a written test covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. The test is not timed, but most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes.

Study the Texas Driver Handbook, which the DPS provides free online and in print at every DPS office. The handbook covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, alcohol and drug laws, and what different road signs mean. Focus on the sections marked "important" or highlighted in the handbook—these topics appear frequently on the test. You can also take practice tests on the Texas DPS website to see the types of questions you will face.

You may retake the test if you fail, but you must wait one day before trying again. Each retake costs $16. Most people pass on the first attempt if they study the handbook for a few hours beforehand.

Age requirements and restrictions for learner permit holders

In Texas, you can get a learner's permit at age 14. If you are 14 or 15, you must hold the permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a regular license. If you are 16 or older, you can take the driving test when ready after passing the written test, though you still need the permit first.

While you hold a learner's permit, you must follow strict rules. You can only drive with a licensed adult who is 21 or older sitting in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits. If you are caught driving without a supervising adult or outside the permitted hours, the DPS can suspend your permit.

You must also wear a seatbelt and may support all passengers wear seatbelts. Texting while driving is illegal for all drivers in Texas, but it is especially enforced for learner permit holders. A violation can result in a fine and suspension of your permit.

How long the permit is valid and what happens when it expires

A Texas learner's permit is valid for two years from the date of issue. The expiration date is printed on your permit card. If your permit expires before you pass the driving test for a regular license, you must renew it by visiting a DPS office again. Renewal costs $16 and requires the same documents you brought for the original permit.

If you turn 18 while holding a learner's permit, the permit remains valid until its expiration date. You do not need to renew it early just because you reached 18. However, once you turn 18, the age-based restrictions—such as the midnight-to-5-a.m. curfew—no longer explore to you, though you still must have a supervising adult in the car.

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office for $16. Bring your identification and proof of residency. The replacement permit will have the same expiration date as your original.

Finding a DPS office near you and what to expect during your visit

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices are busier than others—offices in large cities often have longer wait times, sometimes two to three hours. Smaller towns usually have shorter waits, sometimes 30 minutes or less.

You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available. If you book an appointment, you will still wait, but usually for a shorter time than walk-ins.

Arrive early in the day if possible. Most DPS offices open at 8 a.m., and the wait is typically shortest in the first hour. Bring all your documents in a folder so they are straightforward to find. The DPS staff will review your documents, you will fill out any remaining paperwork, you will take the written test, and if you pass, you will have your photo taken for your permit card. The entire process usually takes one to two hours, including wait time.

Costs and payment methods at the DPS

A Texas learner's permit costs $16. This is a one-time fee for the permit itself. If you fail the written test and retake it, each retake costs an additional $16. If you need a replacement permit due to loss or damage, that also costs $16.

The DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices. Some smaller offices may accept cash only, so call ahead if you are unsure. You cannot pay online or by mail—payment is made in person at the DPS office when you explore.

If you are a Texas resident with a low income, some DPS offices offer fee waivers or reductions. Contact your local DPS office directly to ask about this program, as availability varies by location.

What to do after you pass: next steps toward a full license

Once you receive your learner's permit, you can begin supervised driving practice. You must hold the permit for the required time—six months if you are 14 or 15, or when ready if you are 16 or older—before you can take the driving test for a regular license.

During this time, practice driving in different conditions: residential streets, highways, rain, and night driving if you are old enough. Keep a log of your practice hours if you are under 18, as some insurance companies offer discounts for documented practice. When you are ready to take the driving test, return to a DPS office with your learner's permit, proof of residency, and $16 for the test fee. The driving test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, and following traffic laws.

If you pass the driving test, you will receive a regular Texas driver's license valid for five years. If you fail, you can retake the test after one day, and each retake costs $16.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my parent or guardian sign the DL-44 form before I go to the DPS office?

No. The parent or guardian must sign the form in person at the DPS office in front of DPS staff. The DPS will not accept a pre-signed form. Both you and your parent or guardian must be present at the office together.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport instead of a birth certificate. If you do not have either, contact the Texas Vital Statistics office to order a certified copy of your birth certificate. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead. You will need your original birth certificate or passport to get a learner's permit.

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

No. Texas offers the test in English and Spanish only. If you need language support, bring someone to interpret for you, though they cannot answer questions for you or help you during the test.

What happens if I get a traffic ticket while driving on my learner's permit?

You will receive a citation just like any other driver. However, violations while on a learner's permit can result in permit suspension in addition to fines. The DPS may suspend your permit for serious violations like reckless driving or driving without a supervising adult. If your permit is suspended, you must wait until the suspension period ends before you can drive again.

Do I need car insurance to get a learner's permit?

No. You do not need insurance to obtain the permit itself. However, you must have insurance before you drive. The car you practice in must be insured, and the insurance must cover you as a driver. Talk to your parent or guardian's insurance company before you start driving to make sure you are covered.