What You Need to Do to Get a Learner's Permit in Garland

To get a learner's permit in Garland, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and provide proof of identity and residency. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. The Garland DPS office is located at 2101 W. Kingsley Road, Garland, TX 75041, and you can walk in during business hours — no appointment is required, though wait times vary.

The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes from check-in to receiving your permit, assuming you pass the test on your first attempt. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no additional cost, but you must wait at least one day before your second attempt if you fail a second time.

Texas issues learner's permits valid for two years from the date of issue. The permit allows you to drive only when a licensed adult age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat with you.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card, and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to the DPS office in Garland.
  • The written knowledge test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices; you must answer at least 42 of 50 questions correctly to pass.
  • The permit fee is $16 and is paid in cash or card at the DPS office when you pass the test.
  • If you are under 18, you must also bring a signed parental consent form (Form DL-43) or have a parent present to sign it at the office.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for two years and allows supervised driving only with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat.

Documents You Must Bring to the Garland DPS Office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy is not accepted. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or permanent resident card (green card) instead.

Bring your Social Security card (original, not a copy). If you do not have one, you can explore for one at your local Social Security Administration office before visiting DPS, or you can bring a letter from the SSA stating you have applied and are awaiting your card.

Bring proof of your current address in Texas. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and Garland address. A driver's license or ID from another state does not count as proof of residency.

If you are under 18, bring a signed parental consent form (Form DL-43) or bring a parent or legal guardian to sign it at the office. The form must be signed in front of a DPS employee. You can read Form DL-43 from the Texas DPS website before you go, or pick one up at the office.

The Knowledge Test: What to Expect

The written test has 50 multiple-choice questions covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 42 questions correctly (84 percent) to pass. The test is administered on a computer at the DPS office, and you have 30 minutes to complete it.

The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language, contact the Garland DPS office at least one week in advance to request an interpreter.

You can study for the test using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is available free online at the Texas DPS website or in print at the Garland office. Many people also use practice tests available through the DPS website or third-party study apps. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at no cost, but you must wait at least one day before a second retake.

Age Requirements and Parental Consent

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Texas. There is no upper age limit.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the parental consent form (Form DL-43) in front of a DPS employee. If both parents have custody, only one signature is required. If you are in foster care or under court guardianship, bring documentation of that status and the guardian's signature.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need parental consent. Bring only your own identification and residency proof.

Fees and Payment Methods

The learner's permit fee is $16. Payment is accepted in cash or by debit or credit card at the Garland DPS office. There are no additional fees for retaking the test if you fail.

The $16 fee covers the two-year validity period of the permit. If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at the DPS office for an additional $10 fee.

Hours and Location of the Garland DPS Office

The Garland DPS office is located at 2101 W. Kingsley Road, Garland, TX 75041. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed on Sundays and state holidays.

No appointment is required. Walk-in service is available during all business hours, but wait times are typically shortest early in the morning or on Saturday mornings. If you arrive near closing time, you may not be served if there is a long line.

You can call the Garland office at (469) 326-6000 to ask about current wait times before you go, though staff may not always be able to answer when ready.

Restrictions and Rules for Learner's Permit Holders

With a learner's permit, you may drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat with you. The supervising driver must have a valid driver's license and be physically able to exercise control over the vehicle if needed.

You cannot drive alone, even for a short distance. You cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. You must obey all traffic laws, including speed limits and traffic signals. Any traffic violation while driving with a learner's permit can result in a fine and may delay your road test.

You must keep your learner's permit with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce it, you may be cited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I have a traffic ticket or criminal record?

A traffic ticket does not disqualify you from getting a learner's permit. A criminal conviction may disqualify you; contact the Garland DPS office at (469) 326-6000 to ask about your specific situation before you visit.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day at no cost. If you fail a second time, you must wait at least one day before trying again. There is no limit to the number of times you can retake the test, but each retake after the second failure may have a small fee — contact the office to confirm current policy.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a state ID?

Yes. Texas DPS requires both a Social Security card and proof of identity (birth certificate or passport). A state ID alone does not meet the identity requirement for a learner's permit.

Can I use a digital copy of my birth certificate on my phone?

No. You must bring an original or certified paper copy of your birth certificate. Digital images are not accepted.

How long does it take to get the permit after I pass the test?

You receive your learner's permit when ready after passing the test and paying the $16 fee. It is printed on the spot, and you can drive home with it (with a supervising adult in the front seat).