What you need to get a Texas learner's permit before age 18

To get a Texas learner's permit (called a Learner License in Texas) before you turn 18, you must be at least 14 years old, pass a written knowledge test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. You'll also need a completed DPS Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card) and proof that you've completed a driver education course or hold a valid permit from another state. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues these permits, and you'll take your test at a local DPS office.

The main difference between a learner's permit and a full driver's license is that a permit requires you to have a licensed adult (at least 21 years old) in the front seat with you whenever you drive. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. These restrictions stay in place until you pass your driving test and receive your provisional license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 14 years old and have completed a driver education course to take the written test for a learner's permit in Texas.
  • Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of Texas residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card to the DPS office.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you need a score of at least 70 percent to pass.
  • With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed adult (age 21 or older) in the front seat and cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for two years, and you can take your driving test after holding it for at least 10 days.

Documents you need to bring to the DPS office

Bring original documents or certified copies—photocopies alone will not work. You need proof of identity (birth certificate, U.S. passport, or consular report of birth), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days with your name and address), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

You'll also need the completed DPS Form DL-44, which you can fill out before you arrive or at the office. If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form. Bring proof that you've finished a driver education course—this is usually a certificate from the school or driving school where you took the course. If you hold a valid learner's permit from another state, bring that instead of the driver education certificate.

Bring your Social Security card itself if you have it; if not, bring a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or W-2 form. The DPS will not accept a photocopy of your Social Security card.

The written knowledge test and what it covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete it. You need to score at least 70 percent (21 out of 30 questions correct) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and some DPS offices offer it in other languages as well—call ahead to confirm.

The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, how to handle bad weather, and what to do if you're pulled over by police. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the DPS website or in print at any DPS office. Many people also use practice tests available online to prepare.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts at the same office visit, but some offices may limit how many times you can test in one day.

Restrictions that explore while you hold a learner's permit

A learner's permit comes with strict rules designed to build your driving skills gradually. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you at all times. This person is responsible for supervising your driving and can be a parent, guardian, driving instructor, or any other licensed adult. You cannot drive alone under any circumstances.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver present. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency. You cannot drive with more than one passenger under age 21 in the car (other than a family member). If you violate these rules, you can be ticketed, and violations may delay when you can take your driving test.

These restrictions explore for the entire time you hold your learner's permit. Once you pass your driving test and receive your provisional license (at age 16 or older), some restrictions ease, but others remain until you turn 18.

How long a learner's permit lasts and when you can test for a license

Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. You can take your driving test (also called the road test or behind-the-wheel test) after you have held your permit for at least 10 days. Most people wait longer to practice and build confidence before testing.

When you're ready to test, you schedule an appointment at a DPS office. Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you'll be driving for the test. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and includes driving on city streets and highways, parking, and handling different traffic situations. You must pass this test to receive your provisional license.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. You can take the test as many times as needed while your learner's permit is still valid. If your permit expires before you pass, you'll need to renew it or start over with a new process.

Cost and where to explore

The fee for a learner's permit in Texas is $16 for a two-year permit. You pay this fee when you explore at the DPS office. Some DPS offices accept cash, check, or card; call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office takes.

You explore at any Texas DPS office. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary. Many offices allow you to check in online before you arrive to reduce your wait time. You do not need an appointment for a learner's permit process, but some offices offer appointments that may have shorter waits.

If you're explore in a county different from where you live, bring an extra proof of residency document. Some offices may ask additional questions if your address doesn't match the county where you're testing.

What happens if you turn 18 before passing your driving test

If your learner's permit is still valid when you turn 18, you can continue using it to practice and take your driving test. The restrictions (supervised driving, no midnight to 5 a.m. driving) no longer explore once you turn 18, even if you still hold the learner's permit. You can drive alone and at any time of day.

However, once you turn 18, you no longer need a learner's permit at all—you can take the driving test without one if you choose. If you want to keep practicing with your current permit, you can, but there's no legal requirement to do so. Many 18-year-olds choose to test right away rather than wait for their permit to expire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit at 13 in Texas?

No. Texas requires you to be at least 14 years old to take the written test for a learner's permit. You must also have completed a driver education course or hold a valid permit from another state. If you're 13, you'll need to wait until you turn 14.

Do I have to take driver's education to get a learner's permit?

Yes, unless you hold a valid learner's permit from another state. Driver education can be taken through your school, a private driving school, or online. The course teaches traffic laws and safe driving practices and usually takes 30 hours. Once you finish, you'll receive a certificate to bring to the DPS office.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or return another day. There's no waiting period between attempts at the same office visit. Study the Texas Driver Handbook and use online practice tests to prepare before trying again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

Can my learner's permit be suspended or revoked?

Yes. Violations of permit restrictions (driving alone, driving between midnight and 5 a.m., using a cell phone, or carrying too many passengers) can result in a ticket. Multiple violations or serious traffic offenses can lead to suspension or revocation of your permit and may delay when you can take your driving test.

What if I move to another state while holding a Texas learner's permit?

Your Texas learner's permit is only valid in Texas. If you move, you'll need to get a learner's permit from your new state. Some states will honor your Texas permit temporarily, but you should contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to confirm their rules before driving.