Is it time to work on your Texas driver’s license?
How exciting!
But it can be a bit daunting, too.
Where do you begin?
What documents do you need?
What is the whole process like?
You’re in luck!
We’re going to show you how to get a driver’s license in Texas here.
We’ll list down ALL the requirements and steps.
So let’s begin straight away!
Texas Driver’s License Requirements
You can start your driver’s license journey as early as 15 years old.
Here’s how it will go:
- Get a learner’s license
- Get a provisional license
- Get a full driver’s license
Let’s talk about each stage in detail…
How to Get a Learner’s License in Texas
Yes, you have to be 15 years old to apply for a learner’s license.
However, you can already start some requirements at 14 years old.
That said, here are the steps to getting your learner’s license:
- Complete an approved classroom driver’s education course (driver’s ed).
| NOTE: You have four options for this: Take a traditional classroom-based driver’s ed from a state-approved school Take an online driver’s ed from a state-approved school Do a Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE) course Get driver’s ed offered in a public school |
| NOTE II: Some driver’s ed providers already provide the knowledge test. If so, you don’t have to take it again at a driver’s license office. |
- Prepare the following documents:
- A completed driver’s license application form (Form DL-14B)
- Verification of School Enrollment and Attendance (Form DL-104) signed by a school official OR a high school diploma OR an equivalent GED OR a report card for the most recent school year
- Driver Education Certificate for the classroom section
- Proof of passing the knowledge test (if applicable)
- Proof of US citizenship or legal presence
- Proof of Texas residency
- Proof of identity
- Social Security Number
- Proof of vehicle insurance (if you own a vehicle)
You can find acceptable documents to bring here.
- On your appointment, bring your parent or legal guardian. Make sure they bring identification and (for guardians) a certified court order showing guardianship.
- Submit the documents you gathered.
- Take and pass the knowledge test (unless you already took it).
- Provide your signature, thumbprint, and picture.
- Pay the $16 learner’s license fee through a credit card, personal check, cashier’s check, or money order.
- Pass a vision exam.
- Receive your temporary leaner’s license. You will get your official learner’s license in 2-3 weeks by mail.
With your learner’s license, you can start learning how to drive with these restrictions:
- You must be accompanied by a licensed adult 21 years old and above in the passenger seat.
- You are not allowed to use any wireless communication device even when it’s in hands-free mode.
How to Get a Provisional License in Texas
The next stage is a provisional license.
This will give you more driving freedom — though not yet full privileges.
Now, to get a provisional license, you have to complete these requirements and steps:
- Be at least 16-17 years old.
- Hold your learner’s license for at least 6 months (unless you already turn 18 years old).
- Complete an Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) program.
- Complete the behind-the-wheel driver’s education course. This includes:
- 7 hours of in-car observation with an instructor
- 7 hours of in-car demonstration to your instructor
- 30 hours of behind-the-wheel practice with at least 10 hours of driving at night (all hours should be supervised by a licensed driver 21 years old and above)
| NOTE: Some driver’s education schools provide the driving test for you through the Third Party Skills Test (TPST) program. If you didn’t take your driver’s ed with any of the schools with TPST programs, you can schedule for it here. Just note that the driving test fee will vary depending on the school. |
- Schedule an appointment for your driving test at a driver’s license office (if you didn’t take it yet). If you already took the test, then schedule a regular appointment.
- On your appointment, don’t forget to bring these:
- Your parent or legal guardian
- Your valid learner’s license
- A completed application form (Form DL-14B)
- Texas Driver Education Certificate
- Impact Texas Driver Program Certificate of Completion
- Proof of passing the driving test (if already done)
- A vehicle for testing with all its papers (if taking the driving skills test)
- Proof of US citizenship or legal presence in the US
- Proof of Texas residency
- Proof of identity
- Social Security Number
- Submit all your documents.
- Pay the driving test fee of $25 (if applicable).
- Take and pass the driving test (if applicable).
- Provide your signature, fingerprints, and picture.
- Pay the provisional license fee of $16 (credit card, money order, or personal or cashier’s check).
| NOTE: The $25 driving test fee will already cover the license fee, so there’s no more need to pay it if ever. |
- Pass the vision exam.
- Receive your temporary provisional license. Your official one will be sent by mail in 2-3 weeks.
It’s true that you’ll be given more freedom with a provisional license. This means that you can finally drive solo.
But you still need to follow these restrictions:
- You cannot drive between 12 am to 5 am unless (1) you have a licensed driver at least 21 years old supervising you, (2) you are driving to and from work or any school-related activities, and (3) it is a medical emergency.
- You cannot have more than 1 passenger under 21 years old who is not part of your immediate family.
- You cannot use a wireless communication device, even if it’s in hands-free mode.
How to Get a Full Driver’s License in Texas
You can upgrade your provisional license to a full driver’s license once you turn 18 years old (or 30 days before your 18th birthday).
All you need to do is:
- Renew your license online or in person. If you are renewing in person and you aren’t 18 yet, you have to bring a parent or legal guardian.
| NOTE: You can check out our complete guide on the “Texas Driver’s License Renewal” here. |
- Surrender your provisional driver’s license.
- Pay the renewal fee of $33.
- Get a temporary driver’s license. Wait for your new driver’s license to arrive in the mail.
And that’s it!
You officially have full driving privileges.
CONGRATS!
Okay, okay.
What if you’re already 18+ years old and you’re just starting the driver’s license process?
The steps are a bit different.
Let’s list them down for you here…
- Complete an approved 6-hour adult driver’s education (required for those 18-24 years old only).
- Take the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) program.
- Prepare the following documents:
- Completed application form (Form DL-14A). NOTE: This is a different form from the minor’s application form.
- Texas Adult Driver Education Certificate (if applicable)
- Impact Texas Driver Program Certificate of Completion
- Your passing score for the knowledge and driving test (if you took it at a third-party provider)
- Proof of US citizenship or legal presence
- Proof of Texas residency
- Proof of identity
- Social Security Number
- Proof of vehicle insurance
Here is a list of acceptable documents
- Schedule an appointment at a driver’s license office.
- Submit your documents.
- Provide your signature and thumbprints.
- Have your picture taken.
- Pay the application fee of $33 with a credit card, money order, or personal/cashier’s check. NOTE: The fee is only $9 if you’re already 85 years old or older.
- Pass the vision exam.
- Pay the driving test fee of $25.
- Take and pass the knowledge and driving tests.
| NOTE: You can also take this at an approved third-party driving school. The fee will depend on the provider. |
- Receive your temporary license. Your official license will be mailed to you in 2-3 weeks.
As you can see, the process is a lot faster if you’re already 18+ years old.
Also, another thing to note.
You can choose to get a learner’s license if you want to practice before taking the driving test.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get A Driver’s License in Texas
How Fast Can I Get a Driver’s License in Texas?
If you’re a minor, you will get your full license once you turn 18 years old. For adults, the process is faster – you can complete the process in just 3 months.
Can a Foreigner Get a Texas Driver’s License?
Foreigners can be issued a temporary driver’s license that is valid only during their legal stay in the state/country.
What Proof of Residency is Needed for a Texas Driver’s License?
Some examples of proof of residency in Texas include:
- Current deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, or lease agreement
- Valid voter registration card
- Utility or residential service bill dated within 90 days of your application
You can view other accepted documents here.
Can I Get My License Without Taking the Road Test in Texas?
No, all license applicants have to pass the driving skills test to get a full driver’s license.
How Do I Study for My Driving Test in Texas?
You will learn all you need to know about the driving test in the classroom portion of your driver’s education.
If you’re already 25 and above, driver’s education is no longer required. So instead, you can study the Texas Driver’s Handbook.
You can either take a driver’s ed online or in a classroom. If you are parent-taught or are already 18 and above and don’t need driver’s ed, you can prepare using the Texas Driver’s Handbook.
How Long is the Driving Test in Texas?
The driving test takes at least 20 minutes.
Here, you will have to demonstrate whatever the instructor asks. This may include:
- Safe lane changes
- Parallel parking
- Backing up
- Making proper turns
- Proper use of mirrors and signals
- And lots more!
Conclusion
Phew!
That was a lot of information.
But at least now you know EVERYTHING you need to know on how to get a driver’s license in Texas.
And yes, this is whether you’re a 15-year-old teen or a grown adult.
So go ahead and make sure to follow the steps that are required for YOU.
Good luck!