What Certificate You Need and Where to Get It

Texas requires a Certificate of Attendance from an approved driver education course before you can obtain a learner's permit if you are under 18. This is not a diploma or a school transcript — it is a specific document issued by a driving school or approved course provider that proves you completed classroom instruction.

The certificate comes from one of two sources: a classroom-based driver education course or an online driver education course. Both must be approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). You cannot use a certificate from an unapproved provider, even if the course covers similar material. The driving school or course provider will give you the original certificate when you finish, and you bring it with you to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) office.

If you are taking the course through your high school, the school's driver education program will issue the certificate directly. If you are taking it through a private driving school, ask the school which certificate form they use and confirm they are TEA-approved before you enroll. The school should provide a list of what to bring to the DPS office along with your certificate.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a Certificate of Attendance from a TEA-approved driver education course before the DPS will issue a learner's permit if you are under 18.
  • The certificate comes from either your high school's driver education program or a private approved driving school, not from the DPS.
  • Bring the original certificate to your DPS office visit along with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency.
  • The DPS will not issue a permit without the certificate in hand, so complete your course before scheduling your office appointment.
  • If you are 18 or older, you do not need a certificate — you can obtain a permit by passing the written test at the DPS office.

Documents to Bring to the DPS Office

When you go to the DPS office to get your learner's permit, bring the Certificate of Attendance plus four other documents. The DPS will not process your permit process without all of them.

First, bring proof of identity. This can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization. A school ID, library card, or state ID will not work for this step. Second, bring your Social Security number — you can bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form that shows your number. Third, bring proof of residency in Texas. This can be a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document showing your current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Fourth, bring proof of lawful presence in the United States. This is usually your birth certificate or passport, but it can also be a visa, an employment authorization document, or a permanent resident card.

Bring the original Certificate of Attendance, not a photocopy. The DPS office staff will examine it and may keep it or return it depending on the office's procedure — ask when you arrive. If you lose the certificate before your DPS visit, contact the driving school or your high school when ready and request a replacement or a letter confirming you completed the course.

Steps to Follow at the DPS Office

Go to your local DPS office during business hours. You do not need an appointment in most Texas counties, but some offices use an online reservation system — check the DPS website for your county before you go. Bring all documents listed above and arrive early, because wait times vary by location and time of day.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you are there to get a learner's permit and that you have your Certificate of Attendance. They will take your documents, verify your identity and residency, and enter your information into the system. You will then take a written knowledge test on a computer or paper form. The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day — the DPS will tell you the fee for a retest.

If you pass the test, the DPS will take your photograph and issue your learner's permit on the spot. The permit is valid for two years from the date of issue. If you fail the test, you can study and return to retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts at the same office, but some offices may limit how many times you can test in one day.

Timeline and Fees

The entire process — from completing your driver education course to holding a learner's permit — usually takes two to four weeks, depending on how quickly you finish the course and how soon you can visit a DPS office.

Driver education courses vary in length. Classroom courses are typically 30 hours of instruction spread over several weeks. Online courses can often be completed in one or two weeks, depending on how much time you spend per day. Check with your course provider for their exact schedule before you enroll.

The DPS fee for a learner's permit is $16 for a two-year permit (as of 2024, though fees may change). Some DPS offices accept cash, debit, or credit card; others accept only certain payment methods. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to confirm what they accept. The fee for retaking the written test is $7 per attempt.

Driver education course fees vary widely. High school courses are usually free or low-cost. Private driving schools typically charge between $150 and $400 for a complete course, depending on whether you choose classroom, online, or a combination. Some schools offer discounts for early enrollment or for completing the course quickly.

What Happens If Your Certificate Is Expired or Invalid

A Certificate of Attendance does not expire, but it must be from an approved provider. If you completed a driver education course through a school or provider that was not TEA-approved, the DPS will not accept the certificate and will not issue a permit based on it.

If the DPS rejects your certificate, you have two options. First, you can enroll in an approved course and obtain a valid certificate. Second, if you are 18 or older, you can skip the certificate requirement entirely and take the written test at the DPS office without one. If you are under 18, the certificate is required by Texas law and there is no way around it.

If you are unsure whether your course provider is approved, contact the Texas Education Agency or ask the DPS staff when you arrive at the office. They can look up the provider's approval status while you wait.

Learner's Permit Restrictions and Next Steps

Once you have your learner's permit, you can drive only under specific conditions. You must have a licensed adult driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat at all times. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

You must hold your learner's permit for at least six months (or until you turn 18, whichever is longer) before you can take the road test for a driver's license. During this time, you build driving experience under supervision. After six months, you can schedule a road test at a DPS office. You will need to bring your learner's permit, proof of vehicle insurance, and the vehicle you will drive during the test.

Keep your Certificate of Attendance in a safe place after you receive your permit. You may need to show it later if there are questions about your permit's validity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a driver education certificate from another state?

No. Texas requires a certificate from a TEA-approved course. If you completed driver education in another state, you will need to take an approved Texas course to get a learner's permit in Texas. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the certificate and take the written test instead.

What if I lose my Certificate of Attendance before I go to the DPS?

Contact the driving school or high school that issued it when ready and request a replacement certificate or a letter on official letterhead confirming you completed the course. Bring whichever document they provide to the DPS office. The DPS may accept a letter in place of the original certificate, but call ahead to confirm.

Do I have to pass the written test on my first try to get the permit?

No. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts at the same office. Each retake costs $7. You must score at least 70 percent to pass.

Can I get a learner's permit without a Certificate of Attendance if I am under 18?

No. Texas law requires a Certificate of Attendance from a TEA-approved driver education course for anyone under 18. If you are 18 or older, you do not need a certificate and can obtain a permit by passing the written test at the DPS office.

How long does the Certificate of Attendance stay valid?

The certificate does not expire. You can use it to get a learner's permit at any time after you receive it. However, the DPS must verify that the course provider was approved at the time you took the course, so keep your certificate in a safe place.