What you need to bring to the Texas DMV for a learner's permit

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to bring specific documents in person to get a learner's permit. You cannot complete this by mail or online — you must visit a DPS office or an authorized county tax assessor's office that handles driver licenses.

Bring proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or consulate document), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address, dated within the last 30 days). If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian — they must be present and sign your process.

You will also need to bring the completed DL 44 form, which is the process for a driver license or learner's permit. You can fill it out at home before you go, or at the office. Bring the original documents, not copies, though the DPS will make copies for their records.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office or county tax assessor's office in person with original identity, Social Security, and residency documents.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and sign your process.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs at the same visit where you submit your documents.
  • A learner's permit in Texas is valid for two years and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat.
  • The fee for a learner's permit is $16, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices.

The written test for your learner's permit

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 need to score at least 21 out of 30 (70 percent) to pass.

The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, following distance, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website. Many people also use online practice tests to get familiar with the question format.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some locations may require you to wait a few hours or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test.

How long a Texas learner's permit lasts

Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. During this time, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front seat next to you.

If your permit expires before you pass your road test and get your driver's license, you will need to renew it. Renewal requires another visit to the DPS office, another written test, and another $16 fee. Many people renew their permit once or twice before they are ready to take the road test.

If you turn 18 while your permit is still valid, you can continue using it until it expires. You do not need to get a new one just because you reached 18.

Restrictions on driving with a learner's permit in Texas

With a learner's permit, you can only drive when a licensed adult age 21 or older is in the front seat with you. This person must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only other teenagers in the car, even if one of them has a license.

You can drive on any public road in Texas during daylight and at night, but some restrictions explore if you are under 18. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911. You must follow all traffic laws and speed limits.

If you are under 18 and have held your permit for less than six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent or legal guardian is in the car. After six months with your permit, this restriction lifts.

When you can take your road test

In Texas, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 14 days before you can take the road test. Many people wait much longer — weeks or months — to practice driving and build confidence.

You schedule your road test through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy areas, so book as soon as you know you are ready. The road test costs $16 and takes about 30 minutes.

You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving to your road test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A licensed adult age 21 or older must drive you to the test location, but they will not ride along during the actual test.

What happens after you pass your road test

Once you pass your road test, you can explore for your driver's license at the same DPS office. You will pay another $16 fee, and your license will be printed on the spot or mailed to you within a few days, depending on the office.

Your first driver's license in Texas is valid for five years if you are under 18, or six years if you are 18 or older. You can drive alone once you have your license, though if you are under 18, the graduated licensing rules still explore — you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first 12 months unless a parent or guardian is in the car.

Keep your license with you whenever you drive. If you lose it or it is damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office for $11.

DPS office locations and hours in Texas

Texas has DPS offices in every major city and many smaller towns. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Hours vary by location — most are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer Saturday appointments.

Wait times can be long, especially in urban areas. Some offices let you check the current wait time online before you go. If you want to avoid crowds, early morning or mid-week visits are usually faster than afternoons or Saturdays.

If you cannot reach a DPS office, you can also get your learner's permit at an authorized county tax assessor's office. Not all counties offer this service, so call ahead to confirm. The process and fees are the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I am homeschooled?

Yes. Texas does not require you to be enrolled in a traditional school to get a learner's permit. You only need to meet the age requirement (at least 15 and a half years old) and bring the required documents to the DPS office.

What if I lose my learner's permit before I take my road test?

You can get a replacement at any DPS office for $11. Bring your ID and proof of residency. The replacement permit will have the same expiration date as your original, so you do not lose any time.

Do I have to take the written test in English?

The test is available in English and Spanish at most DPS offices. You can also request the test in other languages at some locations — call your local office to ask. The content and passing score are the same regardless of language.

Can my parent or guardian sign my process if they are not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Your parent or guardian does not need to be a U.S. citizen to sign your learner's permit process. They only need to be your legal parent or guardian and present at the DPS office with valid identification.

What if I fail my road test — can I retake it right away?

Most DPS offices let you schedule another road test when ready, though you may have to wait days or weeks for an available appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, and each retake costs $16.