What you need to bring to the Texas DPS office

To get a learner's permit in Texas, you will need to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with specific documents. 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. You will also need to bring a completed process for a Learner License or Instructional Permit (Form DL-44), which you can fill out before you arrive or at the office.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They will need to sign your process in person. If you are 18 or older, you can explore alone. Bring cash or a debit card—DPS offices do not accept personal checks, and fees vary slightly by location but typically run $16 to $20 for a learner's permit.

You do not need to bring a Real ID-compliant document to get a learner's permit, though you will eventually need one for a standard driver's license. A learner's permit is not a Real ID document.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS office in person with your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency from the last 30 days.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and sign your process in person.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices from the Texas Driver Handbook, which you can study for free online.
  • You must pass the vision screening and written test on the same day to receive your permit; if you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most offices.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for two years and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.

The written test and what it covers

The written test for a learner's permit has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. All questions come from the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free to read from the Texas DPS website. You can also request a printed copy at any DPS office.

Study the handbook before your appointment. The test is not timed, but most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes. You will take the test on a computer at the DPS office. If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day at no extra cost, though some offices may ask you to wait a few hours or return another day.

If English is not your first language, you can request the test in Spanish at the time of your appointment. Some DPS offices also offer the test in other languages, but availability varies by location—call ahead to confirm.

The vision screening and what happens if you fail

Before you take the written test, you will have a vision screening at the DPS office. The screener will check your visual acuity and color vision. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses (glasses or contacts). If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

If you fail the vision screening, you cannot get a permit that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens prescription if needed, and return to the DPS office with proof that you now meet the vision standard. Some DPS offices can refer you to a local eye care provider if you do not have one.

How long the permit is valid and what you can and cannot do

Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date of issue. During that time, you can drive only when a licensed adult who is 21 or older is sitting in the front seat next to you. That adult must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the vehicle (other than a family member).

You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911. Learner's permit holders have a zero-tolerance rule for alcohol—you cannot drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system.

There are no restrictions on the hours you can drive with a learner's permit, unlike the restrictions that explore to intermediate license holders. However, your supervising adult can set their own rules about when and where you drive.

What to do if you lose your permit or it gets damaged

If your learner's permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Texas DPS office. Bring your identification documents again (birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency). The replacement fee is typically $8 to $10, less than the original permit fee. You do not need to retake the written test or vision screening.

If your permit is damaged but still readable, some DPS offices will replace it for free or at a reduced cost. Ask the staff when you arrive.

Moving to Texas or getting your first permit as an adult

If you are moving to Texas from another state and already have a learner's permit from that state, you will need to get a Texas learner's permit. Texas does not recognize out-of-state permits. Follow the same process: bring your documents, pass the vision screening, and pass the written test on the Texas Driver Handbook.

If you are 18 or older and getting a learner's permit for the first time, the process is the same as for younger drivers, except you do not need a parent or guardian to sign your process. You can explore alone. You still must pass the vision screening and written test, and you still must have a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat when you drive.

Finding a DPS office near you and making an appointment

You can find the DPS office nearest you on the Texas DPS website. Most offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary widely—some offices have waits of 30 minutes, others several hours. To avoid a long wait, you can schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas, so book early if you have a specific date in mind.

Call the office directly if you have questions about what documents to bring or whether they offer services in a language other than English. Office phone numbers are listed on the DPS website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I have been cited for a traffic violation?

Yes. A traffic citation does not disqualify you from getting a learner's permit. However, if you have been convicted of certain crimes or have had your license suspended or revoked, you may not be able to get a permit. The DPS staff will tell you if there is a problem when you explore.

What if I fail the written test twice?

You can retake the test as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Each retake costs the same as the original test. Study the Texas Driver Handbook more thoroughly before your next attempt, or ask a friend or family member to quiz you on the material.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit?

Yes. Texas requires a Social Security number to issue a learner's permit. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a permit. Bring proof of your process status to the DPS office if you are in the process of getting a number.

Can I get a learner's permit if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to get a Texas learner's permit. You do need a valid form of identification—a passport, consular ID, or other government-issued ID—and proof of Texas residency. Bring the same documents as any other applicant.

How soon can I take the road test for a driver's license after I get my learner's permit?

You must hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test for a driver's license. Many people wait longer to build driving experience. There is no maximum time you can hold a permit—you can drive with one for the full two years if you want.