What You Need to Bring to the Texas DPS Office

To explore for a learner's permit in Texas, you will need to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person. Bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian.

You will also need to bring a completed process for a Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43). You can fill this out at home before you go, or the DPS office will provide one. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign the process. Bring cash or a debit card — DPS offices do not accept personal checks, and fees vary slightly by location but typically run $16 to $25 for a learner's permit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS office in person with your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and a parent or guardian if you are under 18.
  • The written knowledge test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • You will receive your learner's permit the same day if you pass the test, and it is valid for two years from the date of issue.
  • A learner's permit allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
  • Texas does not require a separate vision test at the DPS office if you have a current eyeglass or contact lens prescription on file with them.

The Knowledge Test and What It Covers

After you submit your paperwork, you will take a written test on a computer at the DPS office. The test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can take it as many times as you need — there is no limit on retakes, though you may have to pay the fee again.

The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle emergency vehicles, and what to do at railroad crossings. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website, or use practice tests available online. Most people pass on their first try if they study the handbook for a few hours.

Vision and Medical Requirements

Texas requires you to meet vision standards to hold a learner's permit. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to your appointment — the DPS office will test your vision with them on. If you fail the vision test, you will not be issued a permit that day and will need to see an eye doctor, then return to the DPS office with a vision correction form.

You do not need a separate medical exam or doctor's note unless you have a condition that affects your ability to drive safely. If you take medication that impairs driving or have a medical condition listed on your process, the DPS may ask you to provide a doctor's statement before issuing your permit.

Age Requirements and Parental Consent

In Texas, you must be at least 14 years old to hold a learner's permit. If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present at the DPS office and must sign your process. The adult must bring their own photo ID. If you are 18 or older, you can explore on your own without a parent or guardian present.

If you are under 18 and your parent or guardian cannot attend, you can bring a notarized consent form signed by both parents or guardians instead. This form must be notarized — a straightforward signature is not enough. The DPS office can provide the form, or you can read it from the DPS website before you go.

How Long Your Learner's Permit Is Valid

Your Texas learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. You can use it to practice driving during that entire time. If your permit expires before you pass your driving test and get your full license, you will need to renew it. Renewal costs the same as the original permit and requires you to retake the knowledge test.

If you turn 18 while holding a learner's permit, your permit remains valid until its expiration date. You do not need to reapply or pay a new fee just because you reached 18.

Restrictions While Driving on a Learner's Permit

A learner's permit in Texas comes with specific rules you must follow. You can only drive when a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older is sitting in the front passenger seat next to you. That adult must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have other learners or permit holders in the car with you as the only licensed driver.

You can drive on any public road in Texas, including highways, but you must follow all traffic laws. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, unless it is an emergency. These restrictions stay in place until you pass your driving test and receive your full driver's license.

What Happens After You Pass the Knowledge Test

If you pass the knowledge test, you will receive your learner's permit the same day. The permit is a physical card that you must carry with you whenever you drive. Keep it in a safe place — if you lose it, you will need to return to the DPS office and pay a replacement fee to get a new one.

Your next step is to practice driving and prepare for the driving test, which tests your ability to handle a car on the road. You can schedule the driving test at the same DPS office or at a different one. The DPS website shows available appointment times, and you can book online or by phone. Most people schedule their driving test a few weeks after getting their permit to allow time for practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I have been suspended or had my license revoked?

No. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot hold a learner's permit. You must wait until the suspension or revocation period ends and then reapply through the DPS. The DPS will tell you when you are may be able to access to reapply.

Do I need to take a driver education course before I explore for a learner's permit?

No. A driver education course is not required to get a learner's permit in Texas. However, if you are under 18, completing an approved driver education course can lower your car insurance rates and may be required by your school or parents.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. You will need to pay the fee again each time you take the test. Most DPS offices allow you to retake it within a few hours if you want to study more and try again.

Can I explore for a learner's permit online or by mail?

No. You must explore in person at a Texas DPS office. You cannot complete the process online or mail it in. The DPS office will take your photo, test your vision, and administer the knowledge test on the same visit.

What if I move to a different state while holding a Texas learner's permit?

Your Texas learner's permit is only valid in Texas. If you move to another state, you will need to explore for a learner's permit in that state. Your Texas permit will not transfer, but some states may waive the knowledge test if you show your Texas permit.