What You Need to Know Before You Start
A Texas driver's permit — officially called a learner license — lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You cannot drive alone. The permit is a separate document from a full driver's license, and you must hold it for a set period before you can take the road test for an unrestricted license. Texas issues two types: a learner license for drivers under 18, and a learner license for drivers 18 and older who have never held a license in any state.
The process involves passing a written test at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, paying a fee, and meeting age and residency requirements. You will need specific documents to prove your identity and Texas residency. The whole transaction typically takes 30 minutes to an hour at the DPS office, though wait times vary by location.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years old (or 18 if you have never held a license) and a Texas resident to get a learner license.
- Bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or school enrollment), and proof of Social Security number to your DPS visit.
- You will take a written test covering traffic laws and road signs; the test is offered in English and Spanish, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
- A learner license costs $16 and is valid for two years; you must wait 30 days before taking the road test for a full license if you are under 18.
- You can renew your learner license once without retesting if it expires before you turn 18 or before you pass your road test.
Age and Residency Requirements
You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner license in Texas. If you are 15 or 16, you can hold a learner license and practice driving. If you are 17 or older and have never held a driver's license in Texas or any other state, you can also get a learner license, though the rules for how long you must hold it before testing differ.
You must be a Texas resident. The DPS defines residency as living in Texas for at least 30 days before you explore. If you are a minor, your parent or legal guardian must be present at the DPS office when you explore. If you are 18 or older, you can explore alone.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You will need three categories of documents:
- Proof of identity: An original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a consular report of birth abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization.
- Proof of Texas residency: A current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, school enrollment record, or government mail with your name and current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days.
- Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one before your DPS visit, or you can explore for a learner license without one — you will receive a temporary number from DPS.
If you are a minor, your parent or guardian must also bring their driver's license or ID to verify their identity. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document showing the change.
The Written Test and What It Covers
The written test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You get one attempt per visit; if you fail, you can retake it on a different day, and you will pay the $16 fee again.
The test covers traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, what to do at traffic lights and stop signs, how to handle pedestrians and bicycles, and rules for driving in bad weather. You can study using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free and available online at the DPS website or in print at any DPS office. Many people also use practice tests available through the DPS website or third-party study apps.
You cannot bring notes, phones, or study materials into the testing room. The DPS provides scratch paper and a pencil. If you need testing accommodations due to a disability, contact your local DPS office at least two weeks before your visit to arrange them.
Fees and How Long Your Permit Lasts
A learner license costs $16 and is valid for two years from the date of issue. If your learner license expires before you pass your road test or turn 18, you can renew it once without retaking the written test. The renewal fee is also $16. After one renewal, you must retake the written test if you need the license again.
Payment is cash or card, depending on the DPS office. Some offices accept both; others accept only one method. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to confirm what they take.
How Long You Must Hold Your Learner License Before Testing
The waiting period depends on your age. If you are under 18, you must hold your learner license for at least 30 days before you can take the road test for a full driver's license. If you are 18 or older and have never held a license, there is no mandatory waiting period — you can take the road test as soon as you pass the written test, though DPS recommends practicing first.
The 30-day rule for minors is a safety requirement and cannot be waived. If you pass your written test on January 15, the earliest you can schedule your road test is February 14. You do not need to return to the DPS office during this waiting period; the clock starts automatically when your learner license is issued.
Restrictions While Driving on Your Learner License
A learner license comes with strict rules. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front passenger seat at all times. You cannot drive alone, even for a short trip. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must obey all traffic laws, including speed limits, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.
If you are under 18, you also cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car (other than a family member), and you cannot drive in a way that violates your learner license restrictions. Violating these rules can result in a ticket, and it can affect your ability to take your road test on schedule.
Where to Go and How to Schedule Your Visit
You do not need an appointment at most Texas DPS offices. You can walk in during business hours and wait your turn. However, some offices offer online scheduling through the DPS website, and scheduling can reduce your wait time. Check your local office's website or call ahead to see if appointments are available.
DPS offices are located in every county. You can find your nearest office and its hours on the Texas DPS website. Bring all required documents and arrive early if you are going without an appointment, as wait times can be long during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Bring a pen for filling out the process form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner license if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?
No. If you have an active suspension or revocation in Texas or any other state, you cannot get a learner license. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or waiting out the suspension period. Contact the DPS or the state that issued the suspension to find out how to clear it.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day or on a different day. You will pay the $16 fee again each time you test. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test, but you must pass before you can get your learner license. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after studying the Texas Driver's Handbook.
Do I need a learner license if I already have a license from another state?
No. If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Texas, you can transfer it to a Texas license without getting a learner license first. You will need to visit a DPS office with your out-of-state license and proof of Texas residency, but you will not retake the written test.
Can I renew my learner license online?
No. You must renew your learner license in person at a DPS office. You can renew it once without retaking the written test if it expires before you turn 18 or before you pass your road test. Bring your expiring learner license and proof of Texas residency to renew.
What if I lose my learner license before it expires?
You can get a replacement at any DPS office. Bring proof of identity and proof of Texas residency. The replacement fee is $11. You will receive a new card with the same expiration date as your original license.