What you need to get a Texas learner permit
A Texas learner permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car before you take your road test. To get one, you must be at least 15 years old, pass a written knowledge test on traffic laws and road signs, and bring specific documents to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office.
The documents you need are a proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and Texas address dated within the last 30 days). If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form in person at the DPS office.
The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You get one chance per visit to the DPS office, though you can return on another day if you fail.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years old and bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Texas address to the DPS office.
- A parent or guardian must sign a consent form in person if you are under 18; they cannot sign remotely or by mail.
- The written test covers 30 questions on traffic laws and road signs, and you need to score at least 70 percent to pass.
- Your learner permit is valid for two years and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front seat.
Age requirements and when you can explore
Texas law requires you to be at least 15 years old to get a learner permit. You can explore on the day you turn 15; the DPS does not require you to wait. If you are 15 or 16, you must have a parent or guardian present at the DPS office to sign the consent form. If you are 17 or older, you can explore without a parent present, though you still need their written consent if you are under 18.
There is no upper age limit. Adults of any age can get a learner permit if they have never held a driver license in Texas or another state, or if their license has been suspended or revoked.
Documents to bring to the DPS office
Bring originals or certified copies of your documents; the DPS will not accept photocopies or digital images. You need one document from each of these three categories:
| Category | Acceptable Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, consular report of birth, or certificate of naturalization |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or SSA-1027 letter from the Social Security Administration |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days with your name and Texas address |
If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or the state where you were born. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must explore for one at a Social Security Administration office before you can get a learner permit. If you cannot prove residency, ask the DPS office about alternative documents; some offices accept affidavits from a property owner or utility company.
The written knowledge test
The test is 30 multiple-choice questions covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You have 30 minutes to complete it. The passing score is 21 correct answers, which is 70 percent. The test is offered in English and Spanish; you choose which language when you arrive at the DPS office.
The DPS provides the official Texas Driver Handbook for free on its website. This handbook contains all the information tested on the exam. Many people study it for one to two weeks before taking the test. If you fail, you can take the test again on another day; there is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the fee each time you test.
Some DPS offices offer the test on a computer, while others use paper. Both versions cover the same material and have the same passing score. You cannot bring notes, phones, or study materials into the testing room.
What happens after you pass
Once you pass the written test, the DPS will issue your learner permit on the spot. Your permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. The permit shows your photo, name, date of birth, and the expiration date. You must carry it with you whenever you drive.
While you hold a learner permit, you can drive only during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset) and only with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive on interstate highways or in heavy traffic until you have held the permit for at least six months. Some DPS offices provide a list of these restrictions; ask for one when you receive your permit.
You must hold the learner permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for a full driver license. Some people hold it longer to gain more driving experience. There is no penalty for holding it past six months.
Fees and payment
The fee for a learner permit is $16. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you explore. The DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you fail the written test and want to retake it, you pay the $16 fee again.
If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you can renew it for another two years by paying the $16 fee again. You do not have to retake the written test to renew; you only need to bring your expired permit and pay the renewal fee.
Finding a DPS office and making an appointment
Texas has DPS driver license offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment. During busy times, wait times can be two to three hours even with an appointment.
To make an appointment, visit the DPS website and select your preferred office and date. You can book up to 30 days in advance. If you walk in without an appointment, ask the office staff how long the wait is before you decide to stay. Many people find that going early in the morning or on a weekday reduces wait time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner permit if I have a suspended or revoked license?
Yes, you can get a learner permit even if your license was suspended or revoked, as long as you meet the age and document requirements. However, you may not be able to drive legally until the suspension or revocation ends. Contact the DPS to confirm your status before you explore.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test on another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. You pay the $16 fee each time you test. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after studying the Texas Driver Handbook more thoroughly.
Do I need a learner permit if I already have a driver license from another state?
No. If you hold a valid driver license from another state, you can exchange it for a Texas license without getting a learner permit first. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of residency to a DPS office.
Can my parent sign the consent form by mail or email?
No. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign the consent form in person at the DPS office. They cannot sign it remotely, by mail, or by email. Both you and your parent must be present when you explore.
How long does a learner permit last?
Your learner permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. You must hold it for at least six months before you can take the road test for a full driver license. If it expires before you are ready to test, you can renew it for another two years by paying the $16 fee.