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 a fee. The process takes roughly 30 minutes to an hour. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must appear at a DPS office with the required documents and identification.
Texas issues learner's permits to people ages 15 and older. If you are under 18, you will also need parental or guardian consent, which you provide at the DPS office. The permit itself is valid for two years from the date of issue.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- The written knowledge test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS provides free online.
- The fee for a learner's permit is $16, paid at the DPS office when you pass the test.
- If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and sign consent forms at the DPS office.
- You can drive with a learner's permit only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat next to you.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity and age. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Permanent Resident Card, or a military ID. A school ID or library card does not count.
You also need proof of Texas residency. This can be a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government check — anything dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Texas address. A cell phone bill counts if it shows your name and address.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter from the IRS. If you have neither, you can still get a permit, but you will need to complete additional paperwork at the DPS office.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must bring their own ID and sign the consent form in front of the DPS officer.
The Knowledge Test: What to Study and How to Pass
The written test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DPS office, and you receive your result when ready.
Study the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes free and posts on its website. The handbook covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, alcohol and drug laws, and what different road signs mean. Every question on the test comes from material in this handbook.
You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you need the test read aloud because of a vision or learning disability, tell the DPS officer when you arrive, and they will arrange that accommodation.
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test.
Age Requirements and Parental Consent Rules
You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Texas. There is no upper age limit.
If you are 15 or 16, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the DPS office and must sign a consent form. The parent or guardian must bring their own photo ID. If you are 17 or older, you can go to the DPS office alone, though a parent or guardian may still accompany you.
If you are under 18 and your parents are divorced or separated, the parent with legal custody must sign the consent form. If custody is shared, either parent can sign. Bring a custody order or court document if the DPS officer asks to see it.
Finding a DPS Office and What to Expect
Texas has DPS offices in every major city and many smaller towns. Use the DPS office locator on the Texas DPS website to find the office nearest you, check its hours, and see whether it requires an appointment.
Some DPS offices accept walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's policy before you go. If appointments are required and the office is fully booked, you may need to visit a different location or wait for the next available slot.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The DPS officer will check your documents, ask you to sign forms, take your photo, and then direct you to a computer to take the test.
The Fee and How to Pay
A Texas learner's permit costs $16. You pay this fee at the DPS office after you pass the knowledge test. The DPS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you fail the test, you do not pay the fee until you pass.
The $16 fee covers the permit itself, which is valid for two years. You do not need to renew it during that time unless it is lost, stolen, or damaged.
What You Can and Cannot Do With a Learner's Permit
A learner's permit allows you to practice driving, but it comes with restrictions. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat next to you at all times. That driver must hold a valid driver's license.
You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have a licensed driver in the back seat — they must be in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must obey all traffic laws, speed limits, and road signs.
You can drive on any public road in Texas, including highways. You cannot drive a commercial vehicle or a vehicle designed to carry more than 15 passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number or an ITIN, bring a letter from the DPS office explaining that you cannot obtain one, or bring documentation of your immigration status. The DPS officer will help you complete the necessary paperwork. The process takes longer, but you can still get a permit.
What happens if I fail the knowledge test?
You can retake the test when ready at the same DPS office, or you can leave and return another day. There is no fee for retaking the test. You have unlimited attempts, though DPS may require you to wait a certain number of days between attempts if you fail multiple times — check your local office's policy.
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. You do not take a driving test (the behind-the-wheel test) until you are ready to get a full driver's license, which is a separate process that happens after you have practiced with your permit.
Can I use my learner's permit in other states?
A Texas learner's permit is recognized in most other states, but some states have different rules about who can supervise you or what roads you can drive on. Before you travel out of state with your permit, check the rules of the state you are visiting or contact that state's DMV.
How long can I keep a learner's permit before I have to get a driver's license?
Your learner's permit is valid for two years. You can keep it for the full two years while you practice. When you are ready, you can take the driving test and get a full driver's license. There is no rule that says you must get a license by a certain date.