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, pass a written knowledge test, and pass a vision screening. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The whole process takes about an hour, and the permit costs $16 and is valid for two years.

Texas does not allow you to take the knowledge test online or by mail. You must show up at a DPS office with your documents ready. If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian to sign a Parental Consent form (Form DL-44) in front of the DPS officer.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to take the knowledge test.
  • If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the Parental Consent form (Form DL-44) at the DPS office.
  • The knowledge test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices from the Texas Driver Handbook.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for two years and costs $16.
  • You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring one document from each of these three categories: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN.

Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. A school ID or library card will not work. If your name has changed since the document was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

Proof of residency must show your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank statement, or a government check. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count.

Proof of Social Security number or ITIN can be a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN and bring a letter from the IRS showing your ITIN. If you have neither, you can sign an affidavit at the DPS office stating that you don't have one, but this may delay your permit.

What the knowledge test covers and how to study

The Texas knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies. You have 30 minutes to finish.

The test is based on the Texas Driver Handbook, which you can read for free on the Texas DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. The handbook is also available in Spanish. Most people study the handbook for a few days before taking the test. You can take practice tests on the DPS website to see what kinds of questions to expect.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake it. Most people pass on their first or second try.

The vision screening at the DPS office

As part of getting your permit, you will take a vision test at the DPS office. You must be able to read the eye chart from 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot get your permit until you see an eye doctor and bring a signed statement from the doctor saying your vision meets Texas standards.

The vision screening takes about two minutes. It is not a full eye exam — it is just a check to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely.

How to find a DPS office and what to expect when you arrive

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. The website also shows the current wait time at each office, updated throughout the day.

Go early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon if you can — mornings and early afternoons usually have shorter waits than late afternoons. Bring all your documents in a folder so you don't lose them. When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. A DPS officer will call your number when it's your turn.

Tell the officer you want to get a learner's permit. The officer will check your documents, have you sign the process (Form DL-44), and ask you some questions about your address and driving history. If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must be there to sign the form. Then you'll take the vision screening and the knowledge test. If you pass both, you'll pay $16 and receive your permit on the spot.

What happens after you get your permit

Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. While you have your permit, you must follow Texas's learner's permit rules: you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you at all times, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (except in an emergency).

You can practice driving with your permit holder as much as you want. Most people practice for several months before taking the driving test to get their license. When you're ready, you can schedule a driving test at a DPS office. The driving test costs $16 and takes about 20 minutes.

If you're 18 or older

If you're 18 or older, you do not need a parent or guardian to sign your permit process. You can go to the DPS office alone with your documents. You still must pass the knowledge test and vision screening, and the permit still costs $16 and lasts two years.

However, if you're 18 or older and have never held a license in any state, Texas still requires you to have a learner's permit before you can take the driving test. You cannot skip straight to the license test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a permit if I don't have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you have an ITIN, bring a letter from the IRS showing your ITIN. If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, you can sign an affidavit at the DPS office. This may delay your permit, so plan extra time.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra cost, or come back another day. Most people pass on their second try. Study the Texas Driver Handbook before you retake it, and use the practice tests on the DPS website to focus on the areas where you struggled.

Do I need to make an appointment at the DPS office?

Most DPS offices do not require appointments for learner's permits. You can walk in during business hours. Check the Texas DPS website for your office's hours and current wait times before you go.

What if my parent or guardian can't come with me to the DPS office?

If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must be present to sign the Parental Consent form. You cannot get your permit without their signature. If your parent or guardian cannot go in person, you will need to wait until they can.

How long is my learner's permit valid?

Your Texas learner's permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. After two years, it expires and you must renew it or take the driving test to get your license.