How to Get Your Texas Driver's License (2026)

A step-by-step walkthrough of the Texas license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.

1. Make sure you're eligible

To apply for a Texas learner permit you must be at least 15 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Texas residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.

• Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
• Proof of Social Security number
• Two proofs of Texas residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
• Parent/guardian signature if under 18
• Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)

2. Pass the Texas permit knowledge test

The Texas knowledge test has 30 questions; you must answer 21 correctly (70%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and Texas-specific rules. Retake policy: If you fail the Texas knowledge test, you may retake it. DPS allows up to three attempts under one application. After three failures, you must reapply and pay the fee again. Wait at least one day before each retake and review the handbook first.

The best prep path is to read the Texas Department of Public Safety driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free TX practice test and the full 30-question exam.

3. Get your learner permit

After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a Texas learner permit. Bring the documents above to the Texas Department of Public Safety office and pay the permit application fee (currently $16).

• Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
• Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
• The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
• Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.

4. Complete your supervised practice hours

During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. Texas's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.

• Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
• Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
• Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
• Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
• Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.

5. Pass the road test and get your full Texas license

Schedule your Texas road test through the Texas Department of Public Safety. The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.

After passing, pay the license fee (currently $33 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.

The full Texas steps in order

As listed by the Texas Department of Public Safety:

1. Turn 15 and enroll in a Texas DPS-approved driver education course (32 hours classroom).
2. Complete at least the first six hours of the course before applying.
3. Gather your documents: proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, Texas residency, Social Security number, and proof of school enrollment (VOE form).
4. Schedule an appointment at your local Texas DPS driver license office.
5. Pay the $16 learner license fee.
6. Pass the vision screening at the DPS office.
7. Pass the 30-question knowledge test (or show proof your driver ed course included it).
8. Receive your Texas learner license and practice driving with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat.
9. Complete the full 32-hour course plus 30 hours of supervised driving (10 at night).
10. At age 16, after holding your learner license for at least six months, apply for a provisional license and pass the road test.

FAQ: Getting Your Texas License