Book your appointment through the Texas Department of Public Safety website or by phone

To get a learner's permit in Texas, you must schedule an appointment at a local DPS office before you show up. You cannot walk in without one. The Texas Department of Public Safety runs the appointment system online at dps.texas.gov, where you can see available times at the office nearest you and reserve a specific date and time slot.

If you prefer to book by phone, call the DPS at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-337-8935). A representative can check availability and schedule you for an appointment. Phone booking takes longer than online, but it works if you do not have internet access or need help understanding the process.

Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin. If the nearest office shows no open slots, check offices in surrounding counties — you can take your test at any DPS location in Texas, not just the one closest to your home.

Key Takeaways

  • Book your appointment online at dps.texas.gov or by calling 1-844-337-8935 before visiting any DPS office.
  • Appointments fill weeks ahead, so check multiple nearby offices if your first choice is full.
  • You can test at any DPS location in Texas, not just the one in your county.
  • Bring your proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency on the day of your appointment.
  • The appointment itself is free, but the learner's permit fee is $16 and is paid at the office on test day.

What documents to bring to your appointment

The DPS requires specific documents before you can test. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a consular report of birth abroad. You also need proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work.

For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your current Texas address. A school enrollment letter or transcript with your address also counts. If you live with a parent or guardian, their utility bill or lease with your name on it is acceptable.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present at the appointment. Bring their ID as well. If you are 18 or older, you can test alone.

How long the appointment takes and what happens during it

Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes at the DPS office. You will check in, have your documents reviewed, take a vision screening, and then sit for the written knowledge test. The knowledge test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass.

If you pass the written test, you pay the $16 permit fee on the spot and receive your learner's permit the same day. If you fail, you can retake the test at another appointment — there is no waiting period between attempts, but you will need to schedule a new appointment slot.

Bring glasses or contacts if you wear them. The vision screening checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed that day, and you will need to see an eye doctor and schedule a new appointment.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to change your appointment date or time, log back into dps.texas.gov with the confirmation number from your booking email and select a different slot. You can also call 1-844-337-8935 to reschedule by phone. Cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment time if possible, so the slot opens for someone else.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you lose the slot and must book a new one. Some DPS offices may charge a no-show fee, so contact your local office if you are unsure.

What to study before your appointment

The Texas DPS publishes a free study guide called the Texas Driver's Handbook, available as a PDF on dps.texas.gov. It covers all the topics on the written test: traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and safe driving in different conditions.

You can also take practice tests online through the DPS website or through third-party study apps. Most people spend 5 to 10 hours studying before the test. Focus on road signs and right-of-way situations, as those appear most often on the exam.

Age requirements and restrictions for learner's permit holders

You must be at least 14 years old to get a learner's permit in Texas. If you are under 18, your permit is valid for two years. If you are 18 or older, your permit is valid for five years.

While holding a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat whenever you drive. You cannot drive alone. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in emergencies. These rules explore until you pass the driving test and receive your driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person taking the test must book their own appointment or have a parent or guardian book it for them if they are under 18. The DPS requires the applicant's information to reserve the slot.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get a learner's permit. Bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a number. The DPS will accept either document in place of a Social Security card.

Do I need to take a driver's education course before my appointment?

No. A driver's education course is not required to get a learner's permit in Texas. However, if you are under 18, you must complete a course before you can take the driving test for a license. Taking the course before your permit appointment is optional but can help you pass the written test.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it when ready by scheduling another appointment. There is no waiting period. You do not pay the $16 fee again until you pass and receive your permit.

Can I take my appointment test in Spanish?

Yes. The DPS offers the written test in Spanish, Vietnamese, and several other languages. Select your language preference when you book your appointment online or tell the representative when you call to schedule.