Driving Test Practice

How to get a driver's license in Texas

This page explains, step by step, how to get your first Texas driver license for a regular car and which documents to bring. It is based on the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, its forms and the Texas Driver Handbook.

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Checked against the official sources on 2026-09-29. Requirements can change: always confirm with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) before you go.

If you are under 18

  1. Start driver education

    Texas teens get a license in 2 phases: first a learner license, then a provisional license. You can start the classroom part of driver education at age 14, but you can apply for a learner license only from age 15. You can take driver education in one of these ways:

    • At a certified driving school, in a classroom
    • Online, with a certified driving school
    • At a public school (only some public schools offer it)
    • Parent-taught: with a parent or guardian who has a valid, unexpired Texas driver license

    Source: [2] [4]

  2. Finish the first classroom hours

    Before you apply for a learner license, finish the classroom hours for your method: 6 hours (concurrent method) or 24 hours (block method). With the concurrent method, you finish the other 18 hours while you practice driving. You will need a Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964, DEE-964 or DE-964E) that shows you finished the classroom part.

    Source: [2] [4]

  3. Bring a parent or guardian

    A parent or legal guardian must come with you to the office. Instead, you can bring the application signed by your parent or guardian in front of a notary. Or you can bring proof that you do not need their permission, for example if you are emancipated (legally independent from your parents). If you have no guardian, your employer or a county judge may sign. The person who signs can ask DPS to cancel your license at any time before you turn 18.

    Source: [2] [27]

  4. Apply for your learner license (age 15 to 17)

    Apply at a driver license office when you are 15 to 17 years old. You do not take a driving test for a learner license. Along with your documents (see "Documents to bring" below), bring:

    • Your Texas Driver Education Certificate
    • A high school diploma, a GED, or a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form. For a VOE, you must be enrolled in a public, private or home school and meet an attendance requirement. Ask your school to fill out and sign the form. A VOE is valid for 30 days after it is issued, or for 90 days if it is issued in June, July or August.
    • Proof that you passed the knowledge test. If you did not take it during driver education, you take it at the office.

    Source: [2] [27] [1]

  5. Practice for at least 6 months

    When you get your learner license, you receive a temporary permit so you can start driving right away. Always drive with a licensed adult who is 21 or older, has at least 1 year of driving experience and sits in the front passenger seat. This adult cannot be intoxicated, asleep, or busy with anything that stops them from watching and reacting to your driving.

    • Do not use a phone while driving, not even hands-free, except in an emergency.
    • Keep the learner license for at least 6 months, unless you turn 18. It expires on your 18th birthday.
    • If your license is suspended, the 6 months get longer by the number of days of the suspension.

    Source: [2] [27]

  6. Finish the driving part of driver education

    The behind-the-wheel part of driver education includes:

    • 7 hours sitting beside the instructor and watching the instructor show the lesson points
    • 7 hours driving and showing the instructor what you have learned
    • 30 hours of driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night, with a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the car at all times

    Source: [3]

  7. Watch the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) video

    ITTD is a 2-hour video. It is part of the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) program. Watch it after the behind-the-wheel part of driver education and within 90 days before your driving test. You need a desktop or laptop computer to watch it. Bring the certificate to your driving test: you cannot take the test without it.

    Source: [3] [5] [6]

  8. Pass the driving test

    Everyone under 18 must take the driving test. You can take it at a driver license office or at a driver education school certified by DPS. This is called Third Party Skills Testing (TPST). If you take it at a school, give DPS the results in a sealed envelope when you apply for your license. If the school uses the TPST Submission Portal, your papers are sent to DPS online. If they are approved, you can finish and pay online, and you do not have to visit a driver license office.

    Source: [27] [18] [3]

  9. Get your provisional license (age 16 or 17)

    You can get a provisional license when you are 16 or 17 and have held your learner license for at least 6 months. Your Texas learner license is enough as proof of identity. The license is marked "PROVISIONAL" and expires on your 18th birthday. Until then, you must follow these limits:

    • Do not drive with more than 1 passenger under 21 who is not a family member.
    • Do not drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m., except for work, school activities or a medical emergency.
    • Do not use a phone while driving, not even hands-free, except in an emergency.

    Source: [3] [27] [23]

If you are 18 or older

  1. Take adult driver education if you are 18 to 24

    If you are 18 to 24 years old and applying for your first Texas driver license, you must complete a 6-hour adult driver education course. If you are 25 or older, driver education is not required. If you are older than 25 and applying for the first time, DPS highly recommends it.

    Source: [1] [18]

  2. Apply at a driver license office

    Apply in person. At the office you pay the fee, have your vision checked and take the knowledge test. After certain driver education courses, you do not have to take the knowledge test at the office (see "At the office" below). If you want to practice driving legally first, DPS gives you a Class C license with the same limits as a learner license.

    Source: [27] [1]

  3. Watch the Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) video

    ITAD is a 1-hour video. It is part of the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) program. It is required if you are 18 to 24 and must take adult driver education, or if you are 25 or older. You must finish it before the driving test. The certificate is valid for 90 days, and you cannot take the driving test without it.

    Source: [5] [27]

  4. Pass the driving test

    You must take a driving test if you have never been licensed in any U.S. state or territory. If you are younger than 25, bring proof of driver education to the test. For the adult course, this is the Adult Driver Education Certificate (ADE-1317 or ADEE-1317). See "The tests" below for what else to bring.

    Source: [26] [17]

Moving to Texas with a license from another state or country

New Resident Guide →

  • You have 90 days

    After you move to Texas, you can drive with your valid, unexpired license from another U.S. state, a U.S. territory, a Canadian province or a qualifying country for up to 90 days. To transfer an out-of-state license, you must visit a driver license office in person.

    Source: [7] [15]

  • What is waived (18 or older)

    If you are 18 or older and your out-of-state license is valid or expired for no more than 2 years, you do not take the knowledge or driving tests. You also do not need the ITD course or adult driver education. If your out-of-state license is valid and unexpired, you still need proof of Texas residency, but you do not have to show that you lived in Texas for 30 days. DPS may still ask for a driving test at any time.

    Source: [7] [9] [26]

  • What you surrender and register

    You must surrender (hand in) your out-of-state license. Before you apply, register all your vehicles with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. New residents who surrender an out-of-state license must show proof of Texas vehicle registration, or state that they do not own a vehicle that must be registered. A registration receipt from the tax assessor-collector of the county where you live is accepted as proof.

    Source: [7] [1] [27]

  • If you are under 18

    If you surrender a valid license or permit from another state, you get the same type of Texas license. With a valid license or learner license from another U.S. state, a U.S. territory or a Canadian province, you do not take the knowledge test, but everyone under 18 must take the driving test. If you are 15 or older and bring an instruction permit (learner permit) from another state and a VOE form, you get a Texas learner license. You must hold it for at least 6 months from the date it is issued, or until you turn 18. To move up to a provisional license, you must also complete the ITD course and pass the driving test.

    Source: [7] [27] [2]

  • If your license is from another country

    Texas has license reciprocity (a mutual agreement) with France, Germany, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan. If you have a valid, unexpired license from one of these countries, the knowledge and driving tests may be waived. This does not apply if you choose to keep your foreign license. If you are under 18, you must still take the driving test, and you may also have to take the knowledge test. If your license is from any other country and you have never been licensed in a U.S. state or territory, you must take the driving test. A license that is not in English or Spanish must be translated by a translation service or your consulate before you arrive in Texas.

    Source: [7] [27] [26]

Documents to bring

  • What every applicant needs

    DPS's brochure "What it takes to Apply for a DL or ID Card" (DL-57) lists all accepted documents. The REAL ID Document Check tool on the DPS "Apply for a Texas Driver License" page asks you questions and makes a personal list of the documents you need. In short, you need:

    • Proof of U.S. citizenship, or proof of lawful presence if you are not a U.S. citizen
    • Proof of identity
    • Proof of Texas residency
    • Your Social Security number
    • Proof of insurance for each vehicle you own, or a statement that you do not own a vehicle
    • New residents who surrender an out-of-state license: proof of Texas vehicle registration

    Source: [1] [8]

  • Proof of identity

    You can prove your identity with 1 primary document, 2 secondary documents, or 1 secondary document plus 2 supporting documents. Only proof of residency documents may be photocopies. Examples from the DPS list:

    • Primary: a valid, unexpired U.S. passport book or U.S. passport card
    • Primary: a Texas driver license or Texas ID card that has not been expired for more than 2 years
    • Primary: an unexpired photo document from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), such as a Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or an Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
    • Secondary: an original or certified copy of a birth certificate from a U.S. state, a U.S. territory, the District of Columbia or a Canadian province (no laminated copies or photocopies; Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010 are not accepted)
    • Supporting: your Social Security card (the actual card), or a Form W-2 or 1099

    Source: [8] [21]

  • U.S. citizenship or lawful presence

    Bring 1 document from the category that fits you. For example, a U.S. citizen can use a valid, unexpired U.S. passport book or passport card, an original or certified copy of a birth certificate from a U.S. state, a U.S. territory or the District of Columbia, or a U.S. Citizenship Certificate or Certificate of Naturalization with a photo (N-550, N-560, N-561, N-570 or N-578). If you are not a U.S. citizen, DPS cannot issue your license until the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) verifies your period of lawful presence. If this check is not immediate, getting your card may be delayed.

    Source: [10] [22]

  • Social Security number

    Write your Social Security number on the application. DPS checks it electronically with the U.S. government. If you are not eligible for a Social Security number, you fill out a Social Security Number Affidavit (Form DL-13), a signed statement that you get at the office.

    Source: [11]

  • Proof of Texas residency: 2 documents

    Bring 2 printed documents that show your name and your home address in Texas. One of them must show that you have lived in Texas for at least 30 days. Bills and pay stubs must be recent: check the date limit in the DL-57 brochure (in the official links below). Examples from the DPS list:

    • A utility or residential service bill
    • A current deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, or residential rental or lease agreement
    • A current car insurance policy, statement or card
    • A pre-printed paycheck or pay stub

    Source: [9] [21]

  • Residency: special cases

    Mail with a forwarding address label or a stick-on address label on the envelope is not accepted. If you cannot show 2 documents, you may be able to use a Texas Residency Affidavit (Form DL-5) instead. It comes from someone who lives at the same address, together with their ID and their own 2 proofs of residency.

    Source: [21] [9]

  • If your name has changed

    The name and date of birth must match on all your documents. If your name is different on your documents, bring documents that show the legal name change. They must be originals or certified copies, not laminated, and not photocopies. A foreign marriage license that is not in English must come with a certified English translation. Accepted documents include:

    • Marriage license
    • Divorce decree
    • Original or certified copy of a revised birth certificate
    • Court order for a name change

    Source: [8] [7]

REAL ID

  • What REAL ID is

    Since May 7, 2025, only REAL ID compliant cards are accepted for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight (a flight inside the U.S.) or entering secure federal buildings. A card without the REAL ID star can still be used for state purposes, such as driving, banking and voting.

    Source: [12]

  • How to recognize it

    Texas has issued REAL ID compliant cards since October 10, 2016. They have a star inside a circle in the upper right corner. Newer cards show a black, laser-engraved star instead of a gold star.

    Source: [12] [13]

  • Documents, and one card only

    REAL ID rules require proof of identity, date of birth, Social Security number, lawful status and main home address. DPS says the Texas license process meets these rules, whatever your age. Texas law lets you hold a driver license or an ID card, but not both: if you have a Texas ID card, you surrender it when you get a driver license.

    Source: [12] [1]

At the office

  1. Make an appointment

    All in-office driver license services are by appointment only. Book online with the Texas DPS scheduler at txdpsscheduler.com.

    • You can book up to 6 months ahead.
    • You can choose any driver license office, not only the one in your county.
    • Arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before your appointment.
    • If you arrive without an appointment, you can use a self-service kiosk in the office to book one for the same day (if one is free) or for another day.

    Source: [14] [15]

  2. Fill out the application

    Use Form DL-14A if you are 17 years and 10 months or older, or Form DL-14B if you are younger. Fill it out in ink and answer the medical history questions. Do not sign it until a notary or a DPS employee tells you to. You must sign it by hand, in ink.

    Source: [24] [25] [27]

  3. Show your documents, photo and thumbprints

    Give the license and permit specialist your completed application and your documents. Your photo is taken, and you give your signature and thumbprints.

    Source: [1]

  4. Pay the fee

    You must pay the fee before any tests are given. Your payment is good for only 90 days. The end date is on your payment receipt. The current amounts are on the DPS fees page (see the links below).

    Source: [27] [17]

  5. Take the vision and knowledge tests

    Your vision is checked, and you take the knowledge test. After certain driver education courses, you do not have to take the knowledge test at the office. The driving test can be taken at the office or at a driver education school certified by DPS (TPST).

    Source: [1] [27] [18]

  6. Get your temporary license

    After you pass all the tests you need (including the driving test, if you must take one; see "The tests" below), you get a temporary driver license so you can drive legally while you wait for your card. You may use it for 45 days or until your card arrives by mail. Check the information on it for mistakes before you leave the office.

    Source: [1] [27]

The tests

  • Knowledge test

    The knowledge test is a written test on traffic laws and safe driving. You need a score of 70 percent or better to pass. DPS gives it only in English or Spanish, and you must understand road signs written in English. The Texas Driver Handbook is written to help you qualify for your license.

    Source: [1] [27] [19]

  • Vision test

    Your vision is checked at the driver license office. Depending on the results, you may have to wear corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) while driving. If the results are not clear, you may be sent to your doctor.

    Source: [27]

  • Help with language

    You may bring someone to translate, but only before and after a test, never during it. During the driving test, the specialist uses hand signals and other non-verbal signs if you do not speak English. The driving test may be given in Spanish if a Spanish-speaking specialist is available, but this is not guaranteed. If you have a hearing impairment, you can ask DPS for a certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter: request one online, or contact your local driver license office at least 4 business days before your visit.

    Source: [19]

  • Booking the driving test

    You must apply for your license before you can book a driving test. The driving test is given only after you pass all your other tests. Book it online with the Texas DPS scheduler, up to 180 days ahead. You need your assigned driver license number to book.

    Source: [16] [27] [17]

  • What to bring to the driving test

    • Your Texas learner license, or your Texas driver license with a "B" restriction. If you lost it, bring 1 approved identity document.
    • The driving test fee, or your payment receipt if you already paid
    • Your ITD certificate of completion
    • If you are younger than 25: proof of driver education
    • Proof of current liability insurance for the test vehicle
    • A vehicle for the test (see the next cards)
    • If you are not allowed to drive in Texas yet: a licensed driver to drive the car to the office, and to drive you away if you do not get a license

    Source: [17] [16] [27]

  • The car you test in

    You must bring a vehicle with valid registration and insurance. You do not have to be on the insurance policy, but you cannot be listed as an excluded driver. Before the test, the specialist checks the car for:

    • 2 license plates, front and back (a single out-of-state plate or temporary plates are accepted; dealer plates are not)
    • A current registration sticker and an unexpired inspection (a newly bought car with both metal plates but no sticker is accepted if you show the Buyer's Receipt)
    • Unexpired insurance
    • A working horn, speedometer, seat belts and brake lights
    • Turn signals on the front and back
    • At least 1 rearview mirror, inside or outside
    • Driver and front passenger doors that open normally
    • Windshield wipers, headlights and taillights, depending on the weather and time of day

    Source: [16] [17] [26]

  • Testing in a rental car

    If you want to take the driving test in a rental car:

    • You must be listed on the rental agreement as an authorized driver.
    • Check that the rental company allows its cars to be used for driving tests. Some rental agreements do not.
    • You must show proof that the rental car has liability insurance: either accept the liability damage waiver when you rent it, or show that your own auto liability insurance covers rental cars.

    Source: [17]

  • During the driving test

    The test takes about 20 minutes. No pets or unauthorized passengers may be in the car. You will not be asked to do anything illegal, and you must follow the specialist's instructions. You are graded on 4 basic skills: control, observation, positioning and signaling. You may also be graded on:

    • Parallel parking (you may use a back-up camera, but not an automatic parking function)
    • Backing up about 60 feet, slowly and as straight and smoothly as possible
    • A quick stop at about 20 mph (miles per hour) without skidding

    Source: [26] [27]

  • Results and retakes

    A dangerous or illegal move stops the test at once and is an automatic fail. Your application is not approved if you break the law, refuse to follow instructions, drive dangerously, have a crash, or lose more than 30 points. After the test, you are told whether you passed or failed, and you get detailed feedback on what you did well and what to improve. If you do not pass on your first try, your application is kept for 90 days. After 90 days or 3 failed tests, you need a new application and a new fee.

    Source: [26] [27]

After you pass

  • Your card comes by mail

    Your permanent card usually arrives by mail within 2 to 3 weeks. You can check its mailing status on the DPS website (see the official links below).

    Source: [1]

  • Carry your license and keep your address current

    Always carry your license when you drive. Show it when a police officer, a judge or anyone in a crash with you asks for it. Report a change of address to DPS within 30 days.

    Source: [27]

  • How long it is valid

    A Texas driver license is valid for up to 8 years. Some people get a shorter term, for example when their lawful presence must be verified. You can renew up to 2 years before your license expires. At least once every 16 years, you must go to an office for a vision test and a new photo, signature and fingerprints.

    Source: [20] [27] [14]

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Sources

  1. Apply for a Texas Driver License — Texas Department of Public Safety
  2. Texas Learners License as a Teen (Teen Drivers Phase I) — Texas Department of Public Safety
  3. Texas Provisional License as a Teen (Teen Drivers Phase II) — Texas Department of Public Safety
  4. Choosing a Driver Education Course — Texas Department of Public Safety
  5. Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) Program — Texas Department of Public Safety
  6. Impact Texas Drivers Portal — Texas Department of Public Safety
  7. Moving to Texas: A Guide to Driver Licenses and IDs — Texas Department of Public Safety
  8. Identification Requirements — Texas Department of Public Safety
  9. Texas Residency Requirement for Driver Licenses and ID Cards — Texas Department of Public Safety
  10. U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence Requirement — Texas Department of Public Safety
  11. Social Security Number (SSN) — Texas Department of Public Safety
  12. Federal Real ID Act — Texas Department of Public Safety
  13. DPS Rolls Out New Driver License Design — Texas Department of Public Safety
  14. Driver License Services - Appointments — Texas Department of Public Safety
  15. Section 1: Applying for or Renewing a Driver License, Identification Card, or Commercial Driver License — Texas Department of Public Safety
  16. Section 2: Scheduling A Road Test — Texas Department of Public Safety
  17. Schedule your Driving Test Appointment — Texas Department of Public Safety
  18. Third Party Skills Testing Program — Texas Department of Public Safety
  19. Testing in Other Languages — Texas Department of Public Safety
  20. Driver License — Texas Department of Public Safety
  21. What it takes to Apply for a DL or ID Card (DL-57, rev. 03/2026) — Texas Department of Public Safety
  22. What to bring with you when applying for a Texas Driver License or Identification Card (DL-15) — Texas Department of Public Safety
  23. What to bring with you when applying as a Teen Driver for your Provisional Driver License (DL-68) — Texas Department of Public Safety
  24. Texas Driver License or Identification Card Application, Adult (DL-14A) — Texas Department of Public Safety
  25. Texas Driver License or Identification Card Application, Minor (DL-14B) — Texas Department of Public Safety
  26. How to Prepare for a Drive Test (DL-60, rev. 03-2026) — Texas Department of Public Safety
  27. Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), Revised January 2026 — Texas Department of Public Safety