What you need to do to get a Texas learner's permit
To get a Texas learner's permit, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and pass a vision screening. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed DL 44 form (process for Texas Driver License or Learner Permit). The whole process takes about 30 to 45 minutes at the office. Once you pass, you'll receive your permit on the spot and can start driving with a licensed adult in the car.
Texas has different age rules depending on whether you're under 18 or 18 and older. If you're under 18, you must hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test for a full license. If you're 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit entirely and go straight to the road test, but many people get the permit anyway to practice first.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with specific documents: a photo ID, proof where you live, proof of your Social Security number, and a completed DL 44 form.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving rules; you need to answer at least 21 out of 30 questions correctly to pass.
- If you're under 18, your learner's permit is valid for two years, and you must hold it for at least 6 months before taking the road test.
- You can practice driving with any licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat next to you.
- The fee for a learner's permit in Texas is $16, and you pay it at the DPS office when you pass your test.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity and has your photo on it. A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID all work. If you don't have a photo ID yet, you can bring an original birth certificate plus one other identity document without a photo, such as a Social Security card or school ID.
You also need proof that you live in Texas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with a parent or guardian and your name isn't on the bill, bring a signed letter from them on their letterhead, plus a copy of their ID and a utility bill or lease in their name.
Bring proof of your Social Security number. An original Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. You'll also need to fill out a DL 44 form before you go to the office, or you can fill it out there. The form is available on the DPS website to print at home, or the office will give you one when you arrive.
The written knowledge test: what to expect
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to finish. You need to answer at least 21 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, following distance, and what different road signs mean.
You can take the test in English or Spanish. If English is not your first language, you can bring a certified translator to the DPS office, though the translator cannot help you answer the questions—they can only help you understand what the questions are asking. You are allowed to take the test up to three times in one day if you fail, but you'll pay the $16 fee each time you take it.
The best way to prepare is to study the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. Many people also use online practice tests to get familiar with the question format. Spend time on the sections about traffic signs and right-of-way rules, because those appear frequently on the real test.
Vision screening and other requirements at the office
When you arrive at the DPS office, you'll take a vision screening test. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you won't be able to get your permit that day, and you'll need to see an eye doctor and come back with a vision correction certificate.
The DPS office will also take your photograph and your fingerprints for your permit. You'll answer questions about your medical history and driving history. Be honest on all of these—lying on a DPS form can result in your permit being denied or revoked later.
How long your learner's permit lasts and what it lets you do
A Texas learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it's issued. During that time, you can drive only when a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old is sitting in the front passenger seat next to you. That adult must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car with you (other than a family member).
Your learner's permit also comes with restrictions on when you can drive. If you're under 18, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you're driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You must also follow all traffic laws exactly—speeding, running a red light, or other violations while on a learner's permit can result in your permit being suspended.
If you're 18 or older when you get your learner's permit, these time restrictions do not explore to you. You can drive at any hour as long as a licensed adult is in the front seat.
What happens if you fail the written test
If you don't pass the written test on your first try, you can take it again the same day. You'll pay the $16 fee again. Most DPS offices let you take the test up to three times in one day, though some offices may have different policies—call ahead to check. After three attempts in one day, you'll need to come back on a different day to try again.
If you fail multiple times, take time to study more before your next attempt. Go through the Texas Driver Handbook section by section, and use online practice tests to find the topics you're weakest on. Many people find that focusing on road signs and right-of-way rules helps the most, since those make up a large part of the test.
Finding a DPS office near you and what to expect when you arrive
Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your zip code. Some offices are busier than others—offices in large cities often have long wait times, while smaller towns may have shorter waits. Call the office before you go to ask about current wait times, or check the DPS website, which shows wait times for many offices.
Arrive early in the day if you can, because wait times tend to be shorter in the morning. Bring all your documents in a folder so you don't lose anything while you're waiting. The office will call your name when it's your turn. A DPS employee will check your documents, have you fill out the DL 44 form if you haven't already, take your photo and fingerprints, give you the vision test, and then send you to take the written test on a computer.
The whole process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes from the time you arrive until you walk out with your permit in hand, though this varies depending on how busy the office is. If you pass everything, you'll pay the $16 fee and receive your learner's permit when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a learner's permit, or can I go straight to the road test?
If you're 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit and go straight to the road test for a full license. However, many adults get the permit first to practice driving and build confidence before taking the road test. If you're under 18, you must get a learner's permit and hold it for at least 6 months before you can take the road test.
What if I don't have a birth certificate or Social Security card?
You can order a replacement birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the county where you were born. You can order a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration. Both take time, so start the process early. In the meantime, call your local DPS office to ask what other documents they will accept as proof of identity or Social Security number.
Can someone else pick up my learner's permit for me, or do I have to go in person?
You must go to the DPS office in person. The DPS will not issue a learner's permit to anyone who is not physically present, because they need to take your photo and fingerprints and verify your identity in person.
What if I move to a different city or state while I have a learner's permit?
Your Texas learner's permit is valid only in Texas. If you move out of state, you'll need to get a learner's permit from your new state. If you move to a different city in Texas, your permit is still valid and you don't need to do anything.
How much does a learner's permit cost?
The fee for a Texas learner's permit is $16. You pay this fee at the DPS office after you pass the written test and vision screening. If you take the test multiple times, you pay $16 each time you take it.