What you need to get a Texas learning permit

A Texas learning permit, officially called a Learner License, lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You must be at least 15 years old, pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and bring specific documents to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You do not need to own a car or have insurance yet — the permit itself is what matters for now.

The process takes one visit to a DPS office if you have all your documents ready. You'll pay a fee (currently $16 for a learner license valid for two years), take a multiple-choice test at the office, and leave with your permit the same day if you pass. Most people pass on their first try if they study the official Texas Driver Handbook beforehand.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency to a DPS office.
  • The written test covers 50 questions on traffic laws and road signs from the official Texas Driver Handbook, and you need 42 correct to pass.
  • A learner license costs $16 and is valid for two years, but you must have a licensed adult in the front seat whenever you drive.
  • You can study for free using the official Texas Driver Handbook online or pick up a printed copy at any DPS office before your test.
  • Once you hold your learner license for at least six months and are at least 16 years old, you can take the driving test to get your full license.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth. This proves your identity and age. If you do not have one of these, a DPS office can tell you what other documents work — but bring one of the main three if you have it, because they are fastest.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. If you do not have your card, ask your parent or guardian to bring a document with your number on it.

Finally, bring two documents that prove you live in Texas. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or school enrollment letter all count. They must show your name and current address. If you live with a parent or guardian, their utility bill with your name on it works, or a school enrollment letter with your address works.

Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you to the DPS office.

The written test: what to study and how many questions

The learner license test has 50 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 42 correctly to pass — that is 84 percent. The questions come from the official Texas Driver Handbook, which the DPS publishes free online at the Texas DPS website. You can also pick up a printed copy at any DPS office.

The test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, parking rules, and safe driving practices. Questions ask you to identify what a sign means, what you should do at a red light with a turn arrow, or when you can pass another car. Most questions are straightforward if you have read the handbook.

You take the test on a computer at the DPS office. You have no time limit, though most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts. Each test attempt costs $16.

Age requirements and how long you hold the permit

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner license in Texas. There is no upper age limit — adults can get one too if they never held a license before.

Your learner license is valid for two years from the date you receive it. During those two years, you must have a licensed adult at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you whenever you drive. The adult must have a valid driver's license.

You can hold a learner license for as long as you need. Many people keep theirs for six months to a year while they practice, then take the driving test to get their full license. You do not have to rush — there is no rule saying you must move to a full license by a certain date.

Restrictions while you hold a learner license

With a learner license, you cannot drive alone. A licensed adult must be in the front seat. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with an adult present. This rule applies to all learner license holders under 18.

You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911 in an emergency. You must follow all traffic laws the same way a licensed driver does — speeding, running red lights, and other violations can result in a ticket.

These restrictions exist because new drivers have the highest crash rate of any age group. Following them during your practice time builds safe habits before you drive alone.

Where to go and how to schedule your test

Find your nearest DPS office by visiting the Texas DPS website and using their office locator tool. You can walk in without an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary. Some offices are busier than others, especially on Saturdays and after school hours on weekdays.

A few DPS offices let you schedule an appointment online. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available. If not, arriving early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter wait.

Bring all your documents, your fee ($16 in cash or card), and your parent or guardian if you are under 18. The whole process — checking in, taking the test, and getting your permit — usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.

What happens after you pass: moving toward your full license

Once you pass the written test, you receive your learner license on the spot. You can start practicing driving that day. You must hold the learner license for at least six months before you can take the driving test for your full license. You also must be at least 16 years old.

During those six months, practice in different conditions — daytime and evening, residential streets and highways, light traffic and heavy traffic. Keep a log of your practice hours if your parent or guardian asks you to. Many insurance companies offer discounts for young drivers who complete a defensive driving course, so ask about that option.

When you are ready to take the driving test, you go back to a DPS office. The test includes a vehicle inspection, a written test on road signs (shorter than the learner test), and a 20-minute drive with a DPS examiner. The fee is $16. If you pass, you get your full license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a car or insurance to get a learner license?

No. You do not need to own a car or have insurance to get the permit. You can practice in someone else's car — your parent's, a friend's, or a driving school's vehicle. Insurance is required once you get your full license and drive alone, but not for the learner stage.

Can I take the written test in Spanish?

Yes. The Texas DPS offers the learner license test in Spanish and several other languages. Tell the DPS office staff when you arrive that you want to take the test in Spanish, and they will set it up for you.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period. Each attempt costs $16. Most people who study the Texas Driver Handbook pass on the second try if they did not pass the first time.

Can I practice driving at night with my learner license?

No, not between midnight and 5 a.m. You can drive in the evening and early night with a licensed adult, but you cannot drive between those hours. This rule applies to all learner license holders under 18.

How much does a learner license cost?

A learner license costs $16 and is valid for two years. If it expires before you get your full license, you can renew it for another $16. You do not pay extra for retaking the test if you fail — each attempt is $16.