The Amarillo DPS Office Handles Learner's Permit Testing

In Amarillo, you take your learner's permit test at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division office located at 3639 Olsen Boulevard, Amarillo, TX 79109. This is the only location in Amarillo where you can test for a learner's permit; you cannot test at a county tax assessor's office or any other satellite location.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You do not need an appointment — DPS operates on a walk-in basis, though arriving early in the morning typically means shorter wait times. The office closes for lunch between noon and 1:00 p.m., so plan accordingly if you want to avoid that window.

The address and hours can change, so call ahead at the Amarillo DPS office directly before you go. You can also verify current information through the Texas DPS website, which lists all driver license offices statewide.

Key Takeaways

  • The Amarillo DPS Driver License Division office at 3639 Olsen Boulevard is the only place in Amarillo where you can test for a learner's permit.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch closure from noon to 1:00 p.m., and does not require appointments.
  • You must bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, and proof of identity to test for a learner's permit.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • The learner's permit fee is $16 and is valid for two years from the date of issue.

What Documents to Bring to the Amarillo DPS Office

Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can bring a document issued by a federal or state agency that displays your number.

You also need proof of Texas residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Bring a form of photo identification issued by a government agency — a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you are under 18, a school ID is not sufficient on its own but can be presented alongside other documents. Bring the original documents, not copies.

The Written Test and What It Covers

The learner's permit test is a written exam of 30 multiple-choice questions covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete the test. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly — a score of 70 percent — to pass.

The test covers topics such as right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking regulations, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency vehicles and school buses. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available online through the Texas DPS website or in print at the Amarillo office.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or return on another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay the $16 fee each time you test.

Age Requirements and Parental Consent for Minors

You must be at least 15 years old to obtain a learner's permit in Texas. If you are under 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian present at the DPS office to sign the process. The parent or guardian must bring their own photo ID.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need parental consent and can explore on your own. Bring your own identification and proof of residency as listed above.

Fees and How Long the Permit Lasts

The learner's permit costs $16 and is valid for two years from the date you pass the test. You pay the fee at the time of testing, whether you pass or fail. If you fail and retake the test, you pay the fee again.

The permit allows you to drive only while supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and seated beside you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. while holding a learner's permit.

Restrictions on Driving with a Learner's Permit

A learner's permit is not a license to drive alone. You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat beside you at all times. That driver must have a valid driver's license and be physically able to exercise control over the vehicle if needed.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. under any circumstances while holding a learner's permit. You also cannot use a cell phone or other wireless communication device while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency.

Violating these restrictions can result in a ticket and may delay your ability to move forward to a provisional license or full driver's license. Keep your permit with you whenever you drive.

Moving from a Learner's Permit to a Driver's License

After you hold a learner's permit for at least six months, you can take the road test to earn a provisional license (if you are under 18) or a full driver's license (if you are 18 or older). The road test is also administered at the Amarillo DPS office.

You must schedule a road test appointment in advance. Call the Amarillo DPS office or use the Texas DPS online appointment system to book a time. Bring your learner's permit, proof of vehicle insurance, and the vehicle you will use for the test.

The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills such as starting, stopping, turning, parking, and responding to traffic signals. You must pass the road test to move forward. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the learner's permit test online in Amarillo?

No. Texas does not offer online testing for learner's permits. You must go to the DPS office in person to take the written test. The test must be administered and proctored at an official DPS location.

What if I fail the learner's permit test?

You can retake the test the same day or return another day. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts. You will pay the $16 fee each time you test. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after reviewing the Texas Driver Handbook.

Do I need to make an appointment to test for a learner's permit in Amarillo?

No. The Amarillo DPS office operates on a walk-in basis for learner's permit testing. Arrive early in the morning or mid-afternoon to avoid peak wait times. Appointments are required only for the road test, not for the written permit test.

Can my parent sign the consent form online if I am under 18?

No. If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present in person at the DPS office to sign the process. They must bring their own photo ID. Online or remote consent is not accepted.

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

You receive your learner's permit when ready after passing the test at the Amarillo DPS office. You can drive the same day. The permit is printed on the spot, and you leave with it in hand.