Learn how to get your TX learner's permit or driver's license and schedule your driving test in Texas with this step-by-step guide. Discover what to expect, things you need, and how to get behind the wheel faster.
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If you are a resident of Texas and would like to drive here, you will need a Texas driver license. Here is your complete guide that you will need to follow if you want to get, replace and renew your license faster and without extra effort.
This is the usual kind of driver license. It allows you to operate a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 pounds towing a trailer not to exceed 10,000 pounds GVWR or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 pounds. However, if you plan to operate such vehicles commercially, you must get a Commercial Driver License Class C. Read Texas Driver Handbook or take a free TX DPS practice test also available in Spanish.
Allows you to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more and tow either a vehicle with a GVWR that does not exceed 10,000 pounds or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 pounds. However, if you plan to operate such vehicles commercially, you must get a Commercial Driver License Class B. Read TX Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook or take a free TX CDL practice test.
Allows you to operate a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds. However, if you plan to operate such vehicles commercially, you must get a Commercial Driver License Class A. Read TX Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook in English or in Spanish.
To apply for your non-commercial driver license you must pass knowledge and driving skills tests, complete Impact Texas Drivers Program and a driver education course unless exempt. This is your complete plan of action depending on your age.
Apply for Learner License Apply for Provisional License Apply for Full (Adult) Driver LicenseAccording to the Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program, the first step for every new driver under 18 years of age is getting a learner license and holding it for at least 6 months or till the age of 18 whichever comes first. It gives you an opportunity to drive only under the supervision of a licensed adult 21 years of age or older.
You must apply in person at any driver license office. Some offices offer phone or online scheduling. To locate a nearby office, use this map.
Forms DL14A are available at every driver license office, or you can download it here and complete at home.
Your parent or guardian will be asked to sign your application under oath in the presence of a driver license office employee. The person who signs may ask DPS to cancel your license any time before your 18th birthday.
The VOE must be obtained from your school and be signed by the school administrator. Otherwise, produce your high school diploma or its equivalent (GED).
It is a signed, original form (DE-964) that verifies that you covered the required classroom hours of driver education. You can complete it at your public school, driver training school or take a parent-taught driver education course (PTDE) starting from the age of 14. Check here all driver education options.
Depending on the results, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving if the lenses improve your vision. If the results are inconclusive, you may be referred to a doctor.
You don’t have to take this test if you completed it during your driver education course, otherwise, if you do not pass the knowledge test on your first attempt, your application will be held for 90 days. After 90 days or three failures, a new application and fee will be required.
You may use your temporary license for 45 days or until you receive your permanent license in the mail. If you do not receive your license in 45 days, contact the customer service center.
What if I have a serious reason for driving on my own? If you are at least 15 years old and can prove your necessity to drive due to a hardship, you may get a hardship license (Minor Restricted Driver License or MRDL), which will allow you to drive with some restrictions based on the hardship. To qualify, you must also complete a behind the wheel phase of a driver education course and apply together with an authorized adult (a parent, guardian, employer or county judge).
Getting a provisional license is phase 2 of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program that applies to drivers younger than 18 years of age. The provisional license will expire on your 18th birthday.
Provisional license restrictions: no driving with more than one passenger in the car under the age of 21 who is not a family member, no driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless for employment or school purposes or medical emergency, no use of a wireless communication device, including a hands-free device, except in an emergency.
It's a minimum 6 hour course provided by authorized driving schools that you can take online. Driver education is not required for individuals age 25 and older but is highly recommended. Check here for driver education options.
It is a free, 1-hour informational video that provides educational information on the dangers of distracted driving. Your ITYD course completion certificate will be valid for 90 days. If you don’t pass your driving skills exam within these 90 days, you’ll have to take the course again.
You must apply in person at any driver license office. Some offices offer phone or online scheduling. To locate a nearby office, use this map.
Forms DL14A are available at every driver license office, however, you can download it here and complete at home.
Depending on the results, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving if the lenses improve your vision and help increase the safety of your driving. If the results are inconclusive, you may be referred to a doctor.
You don’t have to take this test if you completed it during your driver education course. Otherwise, you should get a grade of 70% or better to pass.
You can schedule your driving test online if you have been registered in the Applus system by a driver license office employee. Otherwise, ask for assistance at a driver license office. Alternatively, you can schedule a driving test appointment with an authorized Commercial Driver Education school ( also known as a third party skills testing (TPST) school). Additional fees apply. If you pass the driving exam through an approved TPST school, you must present the sealed envelope prepared by the school for the exam to be waived at the driver license office.
You may use your temporary license for 45 days or until you receive your permanent license in the mail. If you do not receive your license in 45 days, contact the customer service center.
What if I fail exams? if you do not pass either your knowledge test or driving test on your first attempt, your application will be held for 90 days. After 90 days or three failures, a new application, fee and ITYD course completion certificate will be required.
You’ll have to answer multiple-choice questions testing your knowledge of road signs, rules of the road, and safe driving laws. To pass the knowledge portion of Class C driving test, you must answer 70% of the questions correctly.
Can I take the test in other languages?The tests are only available in English and Spanish, but you must be able to understand road signs written in English to pass. You may bring someone to translate, but the translator may only help you communicate with the customer service representative before and after the knowledge test.
How to prepare for the test?All questions are based on Texas Driver Handbook. Get yourself familiar with the handbook and take free practice tests available here. When you feel comfortable with your score, you are ready!
What common mistakes should I avoid?The most common mistake comes from not knowing enough information out of the manual. This happens when people study solely with practice tests. Make sure you read the handbook first. Another problem is rushing through questions. Take your time and remember what you have studied.
Can I use the handbook during the test? No. Using the manual will be considered cheating. Where is the easiest DPS office to pass my knowledge test in TX?There is no "easy" place. The easiest thing to do is be prepared. The test is computerized, and the questions are randomly picked.
What happens if I fail the test?The Texas Department of Public Safety will let you take it again as early as the next day. Don’t rush because after 3 attempts, you will have to start the application all over again.
Do I have to take the written test at a driver's license office?Yes, typically you must take the written test at a driver's license office. However, if you successfully complete an approved driver education course, you may be exempt from taking the knowledge exam at the driver's license office. You can check some driver education course options here.
The exam is going to test your ability to safely operate a vehicle and obey traffic laws. The test takes about 20 minutes.
You may take a driving exam at a driver license office or through a third party skills testing (TPST) school. You can schedule your driving test online if you have been registered in the Applus system by a driver license office employee. Otherwise, ask for assistance at a driver license office.
Driving tests are available in Spanish in some driver license offices. If you don't speak English, you may bring someone to translate, but the translator may only help you communicate with the customer service representative ( CSR) before and after the driving test is given. The CSR will use hand signals and other non-verbal cues during the driving test for applicants who do not speak English. These non-verbal cues can be explained with the help of the translator before the test.
During the driving exam, you will not be asked to do anything illegal. You must follow all the instructions given by the customer service representative (CSR). Do not carry on a conversation during the driving exam.
You will be asked to demonstrate the following maneuvers:
You fail automatically if you
After you complete the drive test, your CSR will tell you if you passed or failed. You will also get detailed feedback on the areas where you did well and the areas where you need to improve. If you do not pass the drive test, your application will be held in the driver license office for 90 days. After 90 days ─ or three failed tests ─ a new application, ITYD course completion certificate and fee must be submitted.
If you become a Texas resident and want to drive here, you must apply for a Texas driver license within 90 days after moving to Texas.
If you have a valid, unexpired driver license from another U.S. state or U.S. territory, you are not required to take the knowledge or driving skills exams.
Plan of ActionTip! All applicants under 18 must take the driving skills exam even if they hold a valid driver license from another state. Applicants who have a valid learner license from another U.S. state, do not have to take the knowledge exam. Check here how to apply for a provisional license if you are a learner license holder.
If you have a valid driver license from Canada, France, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan, you won't have to take the knowledge or driving skills exams provided that you surrender your out of country driver license. However, if you don't want to surrender your current license, you must pass all required exams. Foreign licenses not in English or Spanish will need to have a translation service.
New residents from other countries must pass the knowledge and driving skills exam. See the complete guide how to apply for your Texas driver license.
Tip! All applicants under 18 must take the driving skills exam even if they hold a valid driver license from another country. Applicants who have a valid learner license from Canada, France, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan, do not have to take the knowledge exam. Check here how to apply for a provisional license if you are a learner license holder.
