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 proof of Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration. The entire 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 during business hours with your documents and be prepared to test the same day. The office will not schedule appointments for the written exam — you arrive and wait your turn.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with original documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number to take the written test.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • A vision screening happens at the DPS office on the same day as your test, and you must meet Texas vision standards or bring a corrective lens prescription.
  • Your Texas learner's permit costs $16, is valid for two years, and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat.
  • You can renew your permit by mail or online if it expires before you turn 18, but you cannot renew it after you turn 18.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Bring an original, unexpired document that proves your identity. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A school ID, library card, or expired license will not work. If you do not have one of these documents, you will be turned away and must return with the correct one.

You also need proof of Texas residency. Bring an original document dated within the last three months that shows your name and a Texas address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work. A cell phone bill or credit card statement with your name and address also counts. Bring the actual document — a photo or printout may not be accepted.

Finally, bring proof of your Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. Without one of these documents, you cannot complete your process.

How the Written Knowledge Test Works

The Texas knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, following distance, and what different road signs mean. You have 30 minutes to finish.

The test is given on a computer at the DPS office. You cannot bring notes, study materials, or a phone into the testing room. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day by paying another $16 fee, or you can return on another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Texas offers a study guide called the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and covers everything on the test. You can read it online at the DPS website or pick up a printed copy at any DPS office. Many people study the handbook for a few days before taking the test.

Vision Screening and Medical Requirements

The DPS office will test your vision on the same day as your written test. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the DPS office and wear them during the vision screening.

If you do not meet the 20/40 standard even with glasses or contacts, you can bring a corrective lens prescription from an eye doctor. The DPS will note the restriction on your permit, meaning you must wear your glasses or contacts every time you drive. Driving without the required correction is a violation.

You do not need a doctor's note or medical exam to get a learner's permit. The vision screening at the DPS office is the only health requirement.

What Happens After You Pass

Once you pass the written test and vision screening, the DPS office will issue your learner's permit on the spot. Your permit will have your photo, name, date of birth, and the expiration date. Keep it with you every time you drive.

Your Texas learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. During this time, you can drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is sitting in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have more than one passenger under age 21 in the car with you (other than a family member).

You must follow all traffic laws while driving on your permit. A traffic violation, accident, or reckless driving incident will go on your record and may affect your ability to get your full license later.

Renewing Your Permit Before You Turn 18

If your learner's permit expires before your 18th birthday, you can renew it by mail or online through the DPS website. You do not have to visit an office or retake the written test. The renewal costs $16 and extends your permit for another two years.

To renew by mail, send your current permit, a completed process form, and a check or money order to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. To renew online, log into your DPS account on the Texas DPS website and follow the steps to pay and submit your renewal.

Once you turn 18, you can no longer renew your learner's permit. You must take the full driver's license test instead, which includes both a written test and a road test.

Finding a DPS Office Near You

Texas has DPS offices in most counties. To find the office closest to you, go to the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool. You can search by city or zip code. The website shows each office's hours, address, and phone number.

DPS offices are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some offices open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location. Call ahead if you want to know how busy the office is or if there are any temporary closures. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I'm under 16?

No. Texas law requires you to be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit. If you are younger than 16, you must wait until your 16th birthday to explore.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day by paying another $16 fee, or you can come back to the DPS office on a different day. There is no waiting period between attempts, and you can retake the test as many times as you need. Most people pass on the second or third try if they study the Texas Driver Handbook.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a permit?

You need either a Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you are not may be able to access for one. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may still be able to get a permit — contact your local DPS office to ask about your specific situation.

Can someone else pick up my permit for me?

No. You must be present at the DPS office to take the written test and vision screening. The DPS will not issue a permit without your physical presence and your signature on the process.

What happens if my permit gets lost or stolen?

Go to a DPS office and ask for a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and residency again. The replacement costs $16 and you will receive a new permit with a new expiration date two years from the replacement date.