What You Need to Do to Get a Texas Learner's Permit

To get a learner's permit in Texas, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and pay the fee. You cannot complete this online or by mail. The permit allows you to drive under supervision — typically with a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat — and is valid for two years from the date of issue.

The process itself takes one visit if you bring all required documents and are prepared for the test. Most people complete it in under an hour, though wait times at busy DPS offices can extend that. You will leave with your permit the same day if you pass.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency to a DPS office.
  • The written knowledge test covers traffic laws and safe driving practices from the Texas Driver Handbook, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • The fee is $16 for a two-year permit, paid at the DPS office when you pass the test.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for two years and must be renewed if it expires before you turn 18 and obtain a full driver's license.
  • Restrictions on a learner's permit include no driving alone, no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., and no use of a cell phone while driving.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A passport, consular report of birth abroad, or certificate of naturalization also works if you do not have a birth certificate. This document proves your identity and age.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one at the DPS office, but this adds time to your visit.

Bring two documents that prove you live in Texas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A school enrollment letter or property tax bill also counts. Both documents must show your current address.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian. They must be present and sign the process. If your parent or guardian cannot attend, you can bring a notarized consent form signed by them, though this is less common and some offices may require the parent in person anyway — call ahead to confirm.

The Knowledge Test and What It Covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice 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.

Questions come from the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes free online and in print at any DPS office. The handbook covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, following distance, what different road signs mean, and how to handle hazardous conditions like rain or night driving. You can study the handbook before your visit — there is no penalty for taking time to prepare.

You take the test on a computer at the DPS office. You have no time limit, though most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost. If you fail a second time, you must wait at least one day before trying again.

Fees and Payment

The learner's permit costs $16 and is valid for two years. You pay this fee at the DPS office after you pass the knowledge test. Payment is cash, check, or card — confirm what the specific office accepts when you call to check wait times.

There is no separate fee to retake the test if you fail on your first or second attempt the same day. If you return on a different day after failing twice, you do not pay again to take the test, only to issue the permit once you pass.

Restrictions on Your Learner's Permit

A learner's permit comes with specific rules you must follow. You cannot drive alone — a licensed driver at least 21 years old must be in the front seat with you at all times. This person is responsible for supervising your driving.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a court-ordered activity. You cannot use a cell phone, including hands-free, while driving — this includes texting, calling, or using navigation apps.

You must wear a seat belt and may support all passengers wear one. You cannot tow a trailer. If you are under 18, you cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the vehicle unless they are a family member. These rules are enforced by police, and breaking them can result in a ticket and may delay your path to a full license.

How Long a Learner's Permit Lasts and Renewal

Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date of issue. If you turn 18 before your permit expires, you can still use it until the expiration date. You do not need to renew it early.

If your permit expires before you obtain a full driver's license, you must get a new one by returning to a DPS office, passing the knowledge test again, and paying the $16 fee. You cannot drive on an expired permit.

If you lose your permit, you can get a replacement at any DPS office for $11. Bring your ID and proof of residency, the same documents you brought for the original permit.

Finding a DPS Office and Scheduling Your Visit

You can visit any DPS office in Texas — you do not have to go to the one in your county. DPS offices are located in most cities and many smaller towns. Find the office nearest you and its hours on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov.

Most DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not need an appointment, but you can call ahead to ask about current wait times. Some offices are busier than others; visiting early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter waits than late afternoon or Saturday.

Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Arrive with time to spare — if you are rushed, you may forget a document and have to return another day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit before I turn 15?

No. Texas law requires you to be at least 15 years old. You must bring a birth certificate or other proof of age to the DPS office, and they will verify your age before allowing you to test.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake it 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 how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt after the second requires a new visit to the DPS office.

Do I need to take a driving test to get a learner's permit?

No. A learner's permit requires only the written knowledge test. A driving test (the road test) is required later when you explore for a full driver's license, usually after you have held your permit for at least six months.

Can my parent sign a notarized consent form instead of coming to the DPS office with me?

Some DPS offices accept a notarized parental consent form if your parent cannot attend, but policies vary by location. Call the DPS office you plan to visit and ask whether they require a parent in person or will accept a notarized form.

What if I move to a different state before my permit expires?

Your Texas learner's permit is not valid outside Texas. If you move, you will need to get a learner's permit in your new state. Texas does not have reciprocal agreements with other states for learner's permits.