What you need to do to get a Texas learner's permit
To get a Texas learner's permit, you need to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, provide proof of identity and residency, and pay a fee. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all learner's permits. You can take the written test at any DPS office across the state — there are over 200 of them. The whole process usually takes one visit if you bring the right documents and pass the test on your first try.
Texas issues learner's permits to people as young as 14. Once you have your permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but you cannot drive alone. Your permit is valid for two years, which gives you time to practice and prepare for your road test.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 14 years old and pass a written test on Texas traffic laws and road signs to get a learner's permit.
- Bring a valid photo ID (passport, state ID, or birth certificate with a photo document), proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or school records), and your Social Security number or Individual Tax Identification Number to your DPS visit.
- The written test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass; you can retake it the same day if you fail.
- The permit fee is $16 and your permit lasts for two years from the date you receive it.
- You must have your permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for your driver's license.
Documents you need to bring to the DPS office
Texas requires three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. For identity, bring a valid passport, a state ID card, or a birth certificate paired with another photo document like a school ID. A driver's license from another state also works.
For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, school enrollment records, or a bank statement with your current Texas address on it. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with a parent or guardian and are not on the utility bill, bring a notarized letter from them stating you live there, plus a copy of their ID and a utility bill showing their address.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or a tax document showing you applied for one. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted.
How to find a DPS office and schedule your visit
You can walk into most DPS offices without an appointment, but wait times vary widely. Some offices have short lines in the morning; others can have waits of two hours or more in the afternoon. You can check wait times online at the DPS website before you go.
To find the DPS office nearest you, visit the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code and you will see all nearby locations, their hours, and their current wait times. Many offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have different hours, so check before you go.
If you want to avoid the wait, some DPS offices now offer online scheduling. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available. Even with an appointment, arrive 15 minutes early with all your documents ready.
What happens during the written test
The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DPS office. You have 30 minutes to finish. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle emergencies, and the rules for driving with a learner's permit.
You need to answer at least 21 out of 30 questions correctly to pass — that is a 70 percent score. If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day at no extra cost. Most people pass on their second try if they study the first time. The DPS provides a free study guide called the Texas Driver Handbook on their website, and you can also find practice tests online.
The test is offered in English and Spanish. You can also request a test in other languages if you contact the DPS office ahead of time. If you have a learning disability or need other accommodations, tell the DPS staff when you arrive and they will work with you.
After you pass: getting your permit card
Once you pass the written test, the DPS office will take your photo and print your learner's permit on the spot. You will walk out with your permit the same day. Your permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. Keep it with you every time you drive — you must have it in your possession while practicing.
Your permit has restrictions. You cannot drive alone; a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be in the front seat with you at all times. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must follow all traffic laws, and any violation can result in your permit being suspended. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency.
You must hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for your driver's license. Some people wait longer to practice more, which is fine — your permit does not expire for two years.
Cost and what happens if you fail
The learner's permit fee in Texas is $16. This is a one-time fee that covers your two-year permit. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you pass the written test. There is no fee if you fail the test and retake it the same day.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready at the same office at no cost. You do not have to wait or come back another day. Most people who study the Texas Driver Handbook before they go pass on their first or second attempt. If you fail multiple times, the DPS may ask you to wait a few days before trying again, but this is rare.
If you lose your permit before it expires, you can get a replacement at any DPS office. The replacement fee is $11. Bring your ID and proof of residency, just like you did for the original permit.
What to study before your test
The DPS provides the Texas Driver Handbook for free on their website. This handbook covers everything on the written test: traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, what to do in bad weather, and the rules for learner's permit holders. Read through it at least once before you take the test.
You can also find free practice tests online on the DPS website and through other Texas driving resources. Taking a practice test helps you see which topics you need to study more. Focus on road signs and right-of-way rules — these appear on almost every test.
Study for at least a few days before your test. Most people who spend 2 to 3 hours studying pass on their first try. If you are nervous about tests or English is not your first language, give yourself more time and consider taking a practice test multiple times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I am under 14?
No. Texas requires you to be at least 14 years old to get a learner's permit. If you are younger, you will have to wait until your 14th birthday. Once you turn 14, you can go to a DPS office and start the process.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day at no extra cost. There is no waiting period between attempts on the same day. If you fail multiple times, the DPS may ask you to wait a few days, but this is uncommon. Study the Texas Driver Handbook between attempts.
Do I need to take a driver's education course before I get my learner's permit?
No. A driver's education course is not required to get a learner's permit in Texas. However, if you are under 18, you must complete a driver's education course and hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for your license.
Can I drive with my learner's permit if I am alone in the car?
No. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old in the front seat with you at all times while you are driving with a learner's permit. Driving alone is illegal and can result in your permit being suspended.
How long is my learner's permit valid?
Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. You must hold it for at least six months before you can take the road test for your driver's license. If your permit expires before you pass your road test, you will need to renew it.