If you’re a resident of Texas and desire to become a driver, you’re in luck! Here we will provide some information about how to become a driver and obtain your license as well as some additional information you’ll need to know.
What Are The Eligibility Requirements To Become A Driver?
If you are at least 15 years of age, but no more than 18 years of age, you can become a driver by obtaining a learner license (otherwise known as an instruction permit).
This permit allows a student to become a driver with restrictions, but it also allows the driver to gain experience and practice driving while being monitored by a licensed driver, who is at least 21 years of age with at least one year of driving experience. The learner license will expire on the individual’s 18th birthday.
For those that this applies to – you must have obtained a high school diploma or show proof of current enrollment. This information can be confirmed through a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance form, which will be presented when applying for or making a change to a license.
If you wish to become a driver in Texas, you will need to present documents that prove your identity, a Social Security Number, proof of citizenship, and proof of Texas residency. You will need to complete this application. Once you have gathered all of this, you can apply in person at any driver license office.
Know that there are fees required with you application. The fees are determined by your age and type of license you are applying for. You will also be required to pass a vision exam, and pass both the knowledge and driving tests.
What Examinations Do I Need to Take To Become a Licensed Driver?
To get a driver’s license, you will have to pass a vision exam, a knowledge exam, and a driving exam.
The vision exam consists of your vision being examined while you are at the driver license office. In order to drive, it may be state-mandated that you wear corrective lenses, especially if the lenses improve your vision or help increase the safety of your driving.
The knowledge exam is a written exam that may not be necessary depending on the driver education course your take. Taking an online drivers ed course can provide credit for the written exam. If you do take the exam, you will need a grade of 70 percent or better to pass for you to become a driver.
The driving exam can otherwise be considered as your on-road exam. The driving exam can be taken at a driver license office or through a third party skills testing school. You will be graded on your performance in the following areas:
- Manual parallel parking
- Quick stop, without skidding your tires
- Backing – back the car up in a straight line for approximately 60 feet
- Stop signs
- Traffic signals
- Use of clutch (on standard transmissions)
- Intersection observance
- Turns
- Right-of-way
- Following, passing, and proper lane observance
- Posture
If you fail the driving exam, you will need to schedule an appointment to retake the exam.
The Process For Teen Drivers Under the Age Of 25 Who Want To Become a Licensed Driver
All individuals under the age of 18 who want to become licensed driver are required to complete an approved driver’s education course. This can be obtained by taking an approved for-profit driver training school, a public school driver education, or a parent-taught driver education.
It is possible to take this course online, with Drivers Ed being a popular choice among teens seeking their license. The course is approved by the state of Texas, and will meet the 32 hour classroom instruction requirement to obtain your learner’s permit.
Once you have completed this, you may begin to prepare for the written exam. After passing the written exam, you will receive behind-the-wheel training. You must log at least 30 hours of driver training.
Once you have held your learner’s permit for six months, have completed the above requirements, and have reached the age of 16, you can take your driving test.
Upon passing your driving test, you will be provided with your provisional license. Congratulations!
The provisional license has particular rules, which includes:
- You must have held your valid learner license for at least six months unless you have reached 18 years of age
- You must be between 16 and 17 years of age
- You must have completed the behind-the-wheel portion of driver education, which includes:
- 7 hours of in-car observation sitting beside the instructor, watching the instructor demonstrate certain points of instruction
- 7 hours of in-car observation driving and demonstrating to the instructor that you have learned the points of instruction
- 30 hours of behind the wheel driving practice, of which at least 10 hours must be at night with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older in the vehicle at all times
- You must have completed the Impact Texas Teen Driver Program within the previous 90 days of taking your skills test
- You must successfully pass your driving test
- Expires on your 18th birthday
- You may not drive a motor vehicle with more than one passenger in the vehicle under 21 who is not a family member
- You may not drive a motor vehicle between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the driver to work, to attend or participate in a school-related activity, or due to a medical emergency
- You are restricted from using a wireless communications device, including a hands-free device, except in the case of an emergency
- This driver’s license will expire when you turn 18. You will need to visit your local driver’s license office within 30 days of expiring to renew it. You will then be issued a driver’s license for individuals under 21 years of age.
Once you turn 18 years old, your “provisional” status will be lifted.
Those between the ages of 18-24 are required to take the Texas Adult Drivers Ed course. This course too can be taken as on online drivers ed course.
I Drive Safely is a great choice and comes highly recommended. The course provides a great opportunity to complete your driving classes in a manner that is conducive to your schedule and comfort level. It also allows you the pleasure of skipping a potentially boring course, and avoiding lines at the DMV.
The test that is a part of this online drivers ed program waives the requirement of taking a written test in order to get your license. This six hour course can help you become a driver quickly because it can be completed quickly in the luxury of your own home.
All individuals under the age of 25 must meet the requirements of the Impact Texas Teen Drivers program. You will not be eligible to take the driving skills test without first completing this task.
Take The Process To Become A Driver One Step At A Time
The process to become a driver will be difficult at times, and will most certainly test your patience. The state provides a comprehensive handbook, which can be found here.
The Texas Driver Handbook contains an abundance of information, from obtaining your license to alcohol and drug impact on drivers. I urge you to take your time and appreciate the process.
Complete the necessary requirements only when you feel comfortable. Not only will this make your process easier and less stressful, but it also promotes safe driving habits while on the road.
With hard work, you can obtain your Texas driver’s license and hit the open road!