What a Texas learner's permit is and who can get one

A Texas learner's permit, officially called a Learner License, lets you drive under supervision before you take the road test for a full license. You must have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat with you at all times. The permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it.

You can get a learner's permit in Texas if you are at least 15 years old and have not held a license in any state within the past two years. If you are under 18, you must also complete a driver education course — either classroom-based or online — before you can take the permit test. If you are 18 or older, the course is not required.

You do not need a learner's permit if you are 18 or older; you can go straight to the road test for a full license. However, many people choose to get one anyway to practice before the test.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas learner's permits are for drivers 15 and older who want to practice before taking the road test, and they last two years.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can take the permit test; if you are 18 or older, the course is optional.
  • You need to bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number (or a letter from Social Security if you do not have one) to the Texas Department of Public Safety office.
  • The permit test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • Once you have your learner's permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat, and you must follow all traffic laws and restrictions.

Documents and information you need to bring

When you go to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office to get your learner's permit, bring the following:

  • Proof of identity: a birth certificate, passport, consular report of birth, or certificate of naturalization.
  • Proof of Texas residency: a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days.
  • Your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating your number.
  • Proof of completing a driver education course (if you are under 18). This is usually a certificate or completion letter from the course provider.

If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form at the DPS office. Bring a photo ID for the parent or guardian as well.

The learner's permit test: what to expect

The permit test in Texas has two parts: a written test and a vision screening. You take both on the same day at the DPS office.

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer. 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 waiting period between attempts.

The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision correction certificate back to the DPS office before you can get your permit.

Restrictions and rules while you have a learner's permit

A Texas learner's permit comes with rules you must follow every time you drive. Breaking these rules can result in a ticket and fines.

You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you at all times. You cannot drive alone, and the supervising driver must be awake and able to exercise control over the vehicle. You must obey all traffic laws, including speed limits and traffic signals. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even if it is hands-free, unless it is a GPS device mounted on the dashboard. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical emergency. If you are under 18, you also cannot have passengers under 21 in the car unless they are family members.

If you get a ticket or are in an accident while driving on your learner's permit, it will be recorded on your driving record and may affect your insurance rates later.

How to move from a learner's permit to a full license

Once you feel ready, you can take the road test to get a full Texas driver's license. You do not have to wait any specific amount of time; you can take the road test as soon as you have your learner's permit, though most people practice for several months first.

To take the road test, go back to a DPS office with your learner's permit, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You will drive a short route with a DPS examiner who watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. The test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. If you pass, you get a full license on the spot. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting at least one day.

Your learner's permit remains valid for two years, so you have that long to take the road test. If your permit expires before you take the test, you will need to get a new one.

Cost and where to go

A Texas learner's permit costs $16. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you take the permit test. If you fail the test and retake it, you do not pay again for the same permit process.

You can get your learner's permit at any Texas Department of Public Safety office. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website (dps.texas.gov). Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You do not need to make an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary. Going early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.

What happens if you move to Texas from another state

If you already have a learner's permit or driver's license from another state, you can use it to drive in Texas while you are establishing residency. However, once you become a Texas resident, you must get a Texas license within 60 days.

If you have a valid out-of-state learner's permit, you can use it in Texas as long as you follow Texas rules (including having a supervising driver 21 or older). You do not have to get a Texas learner's permit first; you can go straight to the road test for a full Texas license if you want. However, if you want a Texas learner's permit instead, you can get one by taking the written test and vision screening at a DPS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driver education course online if I am under 18?

Yes. Texas allows both classroom and online driver education courses for people under 18. The course must be approved by the Texas Education Agency. Once you finish, you will receive a certificate of completion to bring to the DPS office when you take the permit test.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost, or come back another day. There is no waiting period. Most people who study the Texas Driver Handbook before taking the test pass on the first try.

Do I need a learner's permit if I am 18 or older?

No. If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to the road test for a full license without getting a learner's permit first. However, some people get a permit anyway to practice before the test.

Can I drive on my learner's permit at night?

Not between midnight and 5 a.m., unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical emergency. If you are under 18, you also cannot have passengers under 21 in the car unless they are family members.

What if I lose my learner's permit?

Go to a DPS office and ask for a replacement. You will need to pay a $16 fee and bring proof of identity and residency. You can get a replacement the same day in most cases.