How to Get a Driving Permit in Texas

What You Need to Know About Texas Driving Permits

A Texas driving permit is a document issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that allows you to practice driving under supervision before you take your road test. The permit is not a license — it does not let you drive alone. You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old sitting next to you at all times, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

Texas offers two types of permits: a learner permit (also called a learner license) for drivers under 18, and a commercial learner permit for those training to drive commercial vehicles. This guide covers the standard learner permit, which is what most new drivers need.

The process has two parts: first you pass a written test at a DPS office, then you wait a waiting period before you can take your road test for a full license. The entire timeline from permit to license typically takes several weeks to several months, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests.

Key Takeaways

You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to take the written test for a learner permit in Texas.
You need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to explore at a DPS office.
The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
After you pass the written test, you must wait at least 14 days before you can take your road test for a full license.
Your learner permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued.

Age Requirements and When You Can Start

You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to take the written test for a learner permit. You do not have to wait until you turn 16 to begin the process. Many drivers take the test a few months before their 16th birthday so they have their permit ready when they become may be able to access for a full license.

Once you have your learner permit, you can drive when ready — there is no additional waiting period before you can start practicing. However, you cannot take your road test for a full license until you have held the permit for at least 14 days. If you are under 18, you must also have held the permit for at least 14 days and completed a driver education course (either classroom or online) before you are allowed to take the road test.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

You will need to bring original documents or certified copies to a DPS office. Do not bring photocopies or digital images on your phone — the DPS office must see the actual document. Here is what you need:

Proof of identity: A U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or state ID card. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents such as a school ID plus a Social Security card.
Proof of residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A school ID or work ID does not count as proof of residency.
Proof of Social Security number or ITIN: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you have an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, bring your ITIN letter from the IRS.
Completed process: Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card). You can fill this out before you go to the office or at the office itself.

If you are under 18, you will also need a completed Parental Consent Form (Form DL-43) signed by a parent or legal guardian. Some DPS offices allow you to bring this form with you already signed; others require the parent or guardian to sign it in person at the office. Call your local DPS office to find out which applies to you.

The Written Test: What to Expect and How to Prepare

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly (70 percent) to pass. You have 30 minutes to complete the test. The questions are multiple choice, and you take the test on a computer at the DPS office.

The test covers these main topics: right-of-way rules, speed limits and safe speeds, parking rules, traffic signals and signs, following distance, lane changes, turns, backing up, driving in bad weather, driving at night, pedestrian safety, and what to do at an accident scene. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website. Many people also use practice tests online to get familiar with the format.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most DPS offices, though some offices may require you to wait a few hours or come back another day. There is no additional fee to retake the test. You can take the test as many times as you need until you pass.

Fees and How Long the Permit Is Valid

The fee for a learner permit in Texas is $16. This is a one-time fee paid when you pass the written test. You pay at the DPS office before you leave. The DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Your learner permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. If you do not take your road test and get a full license within those two years, your permit expires and you will have to take the written test again. If you turn 18 before your permit expires, the rules change slightly — you no longer need a driver education course to take your road test, but you still must wait the 14-day minimum.

The 14-Day Waiting Period and Road Test Scheduling

After you pass the written test and receive your learner permit, you must wait at least 14 days before you can take your road test. This waiting period is required by Texas law and cannot be waived. If you are under 18, you must also complete a driver education course (either a classroom course or an online course) during this time or before you take the road test.

You can schedule your road test online through the DPS website, by phone, or in person at a DPS office. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy areas, so schedule as soon as your 14-day waiting period is about to end. The road test itself takes about 30 minutes, and you must bring your learner permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving for the test.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least 14 days between attempts. There is a fee each time you take the road test (the fee varies by location but is typically around $15 to $25).

Restrictions and Rules While You Have a Learner Permit

While you hold a learner permit, you must follow these rules:

A licensed driver at least 21 years old must be in the front seat next to you at all times.
You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
You cannot use a cell phone or other wireless communication device while driving, even if it is hands-free.
You cannot drive on limited-access highways (interstates) unless a licensed driver 21 or older is with you and you have held your permit for at least 30 days.
You must wear a seat belt at all times.
If you are under 18, you cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the vehicle (other than a family member) unless a licensed driver 21 or older is present.

Violating these rules can result in a ticket, and a ticket while you hold a learner permit can delay your road test or result in your permit being suspended. If you get a ticket, contact the DPS office to find out what steps you need to take.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes is bringing documents that do not meet the DPS requirements. Photocopies, digital images, and expired documents will not be accepted. Make sure your proof of residency is dated within the last 30 days — an old utility bill will not work. If you are under 18, have the Parental Consent Form signed before you go to the office, or call ahead to confirm whether a parent needs to sign it in person.

Another mistake is not studying for the written test. The test is not difficult, but it does require you to know Texas-specific traffic laws. Spend time with the Texas Driver Handbook and take practice tests online. A third mistake is scheduling your road test too soon after getting your permit. You must wait the full 14 days, and if you are under 18, you must complete driver education first. Rushing this step often results in failing the road test and having to wait another 14 days to retake it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. You must take the written test in person at a DPS office. The test is administered on a computer at the office, and a DPS employee must be present to verify your identity and supervise the test. You cannot take it remotely or at a third-party location.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at most DPS offices, though some offices may ask you to wait a few hours or return another day. There is no additional fee. You can take the test as many times as you need. Many people pass on the second or third attempt after studying the Texas Driver Handbook more carefully.

Do I need a driver education course to get a learner permit?

No. A driver education course is not required to get a learner permit. However, if you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you take your road test for a full license. If you are 18 or older, you do not need driver education to take the road test.

Can I drive on the highway with my learner permit?

You can drive on limited-access highways (interstates) only if you have held your permit for at least 30 days and a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front seat with you. During your first 30 days with a permit, you should practice on regular roads and in your local area.

What happens if my learner permit expires before I take my road test?

Your learner permit is valid for two years. If it expires before you take your road test, you will have to take the written test again and pay the $16 fee again. You will receive a new permit with a new two-year expiration date. To avoid this, schedule your road test well before your permit expires.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.