What You Need to Do to Get a Texas Learner's Permit
A Texas learner's permit (also called a learner license) is a document that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. To get one, you must be at least 15 years old, pass a written knowledge test at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, and provide proof of identity and residency. The whole process usually takes a few hours on the day you test, and the permit itself costs $16 and is valid for two years.
You do not need a permit to take driver's education classes, but you do need one before you can take the road test for your full license. Most people get their permit first, practice for several months, then move on to the road test.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years old and bring proof of identity and Texas residency to a DPS office to test for your learner's permit.
- The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices from the Texas Driver Handbook, which you can read online for free before you go.
- You must pass the written test with a score of at least 70 percent to receive your permit on the same day.
- Your learner's permit is valid for two years and costs $16; you can renew it once if you have not yet turned 18.
- With your permit, you must have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat whenever you drive.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth. You also need one document that shows your current Texas address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. If you live with a parent or guardian, bring their ID as well.
If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document. If you are a non-citizen, bring your permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa. DPS will not accept a photocopy of your birth certificate unless it is certified by the issuing county or state office.
Bring your Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration if you do not have a card. You will also need to fill out a DL 44 form (process for Texas Driver License or Learner License) before you test. You can fill it out at home and bring it, or fill it out at the DPS office.
How the Written Test Works
The test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You have 30 minutes to finish. The questions come from the Texas Driver Handbook, which you can read for free on the DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. Most of the test covers what the handbook covers, so reading it before you go is the best way to prepare.
You must score at least 70 percent (21 out of 30 questions correct) to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake it. Many DPS offices let you retake it right away; some ask you to wait a few hours or come back another day. Call ahead to ask what your local office does.
The test is offered in English and Spanish. You can also request an interpreter if you need one, but call the DPS office at least a week ahead to arrange it.
What Happens After You Pass
If you pass the written test, you will receive your learner's permit the same day. The permit is a physical card that you must carry whenever you drive. It shows your name, date of birth, address, and a photo taken at the DPS office. Your permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued.
You can renew your permit once before you turn 18 if it expires and you have not yet taken your road test. After you turn 18, you cannot renew a learner's permit — you must take the road test to get your full license.
Rules for Driving With Your Learner's Permit
With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you at all times. That person must have a valid driver's license in their hand or in the vehicle. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only a passenger under 21 in the car.
You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment, and even then a licensed adult must be with you. You must wear a seat belt, and all passengers must wear seat belts too.
You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even to text or check messages. You also cannot drive on a limited-access highway (interstate) unless a licensed adult is in the front seat with you. Some interstates in Texas allow permit holders to drive on them; ask your DPS office or check the DPS website for the current list.
Where to Go and How Long It Takes
Find your nearest DPS office on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have different hours. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours before you go, because some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days.
You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but some offices now use an online system to reserve a time slot. Check your local office's website to see if you need to reserve ahead. Even with a reservation, plan to spend 1 to 2 hours at the office from the time you arrive until you leave with your permit.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. Arrive early if you can, because offices get busy in the afternoon and on Fridays. If you fail the test, you can usually retake it the same day, but ask the staff when you arrive.
What to Study Before Your Test
The Texas Driver Handbook is the only study material you need. It covers traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and what to do in bad weather or emergencies. You can read it online at the DPS website, or pick up a free printed copy at any DPS office or public library.
Many people study the handbook for a few weeks before they test. Others read it once and take the test a few days later. The more time you spend with the material, the more confident you will feel on test day. Pay special attention to the sections on road signs and right-of-way, because those show up a lot on the test.
You can also find practice tests online through the DPS website or through free study apps. These are not official tests, but they give you a sense of what the real test looks like and help you find the topics you need to study more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my learner's permit if I am homeschooled?
Yes. You do not need to be enrolled in a school or driver's education class to get your learner's permit. You only need to be at least 15 years old, pass the written test, and bring proof of identity and residency to a DPS office.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day at most DPS offices, or come back another day. There is no extra fee. Most people who fail study the handbook a bit more and pass on their second try. Ask the DPS staff which topics gave you trouble so you know what to focus on.
Do I have to take driver's education before I get my learner's permit?
No. You can get your learner's permit without taking a driver's education class. However, if you are under 18 and want to get your full license, you will need to complete a driver's education course before you take the road test. Check with your school or a local driving school for course options.
Can I drive on the highway with my learner's permit?
It depends on which highway. Some limited-access highways in Texas allow permit holders to drive on them with a licensed adult in the front seat. Others do not. Check the DPS website or call your local DPS office to find out which highways near you allow learner's permit holders.
What happens if I get pulled over while driving with my learner's permit?
Hand the officer your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle registration. If you broke a rule (like driving without a licensed adult in the front seat), you could be ticketed. If the licensed adult in the car broke a rule, they could be ticketed. Always follow the rules of your permit to avoid trouble.