The documents and age you need right now

To get a Texas learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old and bring five specific documents to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You cannot get a permit online or by mail — you have to go in person.

The five documents are: proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or consulate document), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and Texas address), a completed process for a Driver License or Learner Permit (Form DL-44), and proof of lawful presence in the United States (a U.S. birth certificate, passport, visa, or permanent resident card). If you are under 18, you also need a parent or legal guardian to sign the process in person.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. The DPS office will not accept documents that are expired, except for passports and visas under certain conditions. If your birth certificate is from outside Texas, bring the certified copy issued by the state where you were born.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and appear in person at a Texas DPS office with a parent or legal guardian if you are under 18.
  • Bring originals or certified copies of five documents: identity proof, Social Security proof, residency proof, a completed DL-44 form, and proof of lawful presence.
  • Expired documents will not be accepted, and photocopies do not count — the DPS office needs originals or certified copies.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued, and you can renew it if you have not yet turned 18.

What happens at the DPS office

When you arrive with your documents and parent or guardian, a DPS employee will check that everything is in order and take your photograph. You will then take a written test on a computer or paper, depending on the office. The test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass.

If you pass the written test, you will pay the permit fee (currently $16 for a two-year permit, though this can change) and receive your learner's permit on the spot. If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day or return another day at no extra charge.

The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. Bring your Social Security card and other documents in a folder so they do not get lost or damaged while you wait.

The written test: what to study

The Texas learner's permit written test covers three main areas: traffic laws and road rules, road signs and their meanings, and safe driving practices. You will see questions about speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, following distance, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs.

The test also includes questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, and what to do if you are pulled over by a police officer. You will see pictures of road signs and have to identify what they mean — for example, a red octagon is a stop sign, and a yellow diamond warns of a hazard ahead.

The best way to study is to read the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the DPS website. The handbook covers everything on the test. You can also take practice tests online through the DPS website or through third-party study apps. Most people who study the handbook for a few hours pass on their first try.

Restrictions that come with your learner's permit

Once you have your learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only teenage passengers.

You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even to text or check maps — this rule applies to all new drivers in Texas, not just permit holders. You must follow all traffic laws and speed limits. If you get a ticket or are in an accident while driving on your permit, it will affect your record and may delay when you can take your road test.

Your learner's permit is valid for two years. If you turn 18 before your permit expires, you can still use it until the expiration date. If your permit expires before you pass your road test, you can renew it at any DPS office by bringing your current permit and paying the renewal fee.

Finding a DPS office near you

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office closest to you by visiting the DPS website and using their office locator tool. You can also call ahead to ask about wait times — some offices are much busier than others, and calling ahead helps you plan when to go.

Some offices accept appointments, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the website or call before you go to find out whether you need an appointment. If an office is very busy, you may want to go early in the morning or on a weekday rather than a weekend.

What to do if you fail the written test

If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can take it again the same day or come back another day. There is no extra charge for retakes. Most people who fail study the Texas Driver Handbook more carefully and pass the second time.

If you fail multiple times, ask the DPS employee whether they can point out which topics you are struggling with. The handbook is organized by chapter, so you can focus your study on the areas where you are weakest. You can also ask a parent, teacher, or friend to quiz you on road signs and traffic laws.

After you pass: what comes next

Once you have your learner's permit, you can start practicing with a licensed adult driver. Most states recommend at least 50 hours of practice driving before you take your road test, and Texas encourages this as well. Keep a log of your practice hours so you remember how much you have driven.

You must hold your learner's permit for a minimum of six months before you are allowed to take your road test. This waiting period gives you time to build skills and confidence. After six months, you can schedule your road test at any DPS office. The road test checks whether you can actually drive safely on real roads, not just answer questions about driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I do not have a Social Security number?

No, a Social Security number is required. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a learner's permit. This can take several weeks, so start the process early if you need one.

What if I lose my learner's permit before it expires?

Go to any DPS office and ask for a replacement. Bring your ID and proof of residency. The replacement fee is usually the same as the original permit fee. You will get a new permit with the same expiration date as your original one.

Do I have to take the written test in English?

The test is available in English and Spanish at most DPS offices. When you arrive, tell the employee which language you prefer. Some offices also offer the test in other languages, so call ahead to ask.

Can my parent or guardian take the test for me?

No, you must take the test yourself. The DPS employee will watch you take it to make sure you are the one answering the questions. This is required by law.

What if I turn 18 before I pass my road test?

You can still use your learner's permit to practice driving until it expires. You do not need a licensed adult in the car with you anymore once you turn 18, but you still cannot take your road test until you have held the permit for at least six months from the date it was issued.