How do you get a drivers license in texas

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How do you get a drivers license in texas

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Texas Drivers License

Texas Drivers License

If you are a minor living in the State of Texas, getting your Texas drivers license involves a multi-step application process. Knowing which steps you need to complete can help make this process faster, easier, and much less stressful.

Don’t start this process in the dark – be prepared so that you can get your license with ease!

How do you get a drivers license in texas

Texas Graduated Drivers License Program

All minors living in the State of Texas are required to complete the Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program through a state approved Texas Drivers Ed course. This course is designed to help teen drivers slowly gain skill and experience behind-the-wheel, so that when they are issued a non-restricted license, they can safely operate a motor vehicle on Texas highways.

Texas Learners Permit

For minors, obtaining a learners permit is the first step in the process that will eventually lead to becoming a fully licensed driver. In order to apply for a learners permit, individuals must:

  • Be at least 15 years old
  • Have consent from a parent or legal guardian
  • Completed the required classroom portion of the Texas parent taught drivers ed course
  • Provide proof of a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form, high school diploma, or GED

Assuming you meet these requirements, you will then take a written test covering a range of topics including Texas traffic laws and safe driving techniques. Upon completion of this test, the DPS will issue your learners license.  A licensed adult of at least 21 years of age can then supervise you while you gain behind-the-wheel experience. This is your first step to getting your Texas drivers license.

Minor Restricted Drivers License (MRDL)

Commonly referred to as a “hardship license,” the MRDL is similar to the learner license, except it is issued to individuals who have a qualifying hardship. Acceptable hardships, which would make it necessary for a minor to drive a motor vehicle, include:

  • Economic hardship
  • Death-related emergencies
  • Sickness, illness, or disability in the family
  • Enrollment in a vocational education program

You can contact the Texas DPS if you have any questions regarding you’re eligibility for a MRDL.

Texas Provisional License

Once a minor turns 16 years old, he or she can apply for a Texas drivers license.  The DPS will issue a provisional driver license to the minor until he or she turns 18 years old. Though similar to a standard operator’s permit, the provisional license includes some restrictions. These restrictions include:

  • Individuals may not drive with more than one passenger under the age of 21
  • Individuals may not use a wireless communication device, except in the case of emergencies

The DPS will issue a non-restricted license when the driver reaches 18 years of age and the provisional license expires.

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Updated November 2022

Ultimate Guide to Getting your Driver License in Texas

Here's the ultimate guide to getting your driver's license in Texas. We've simplified the entire process for you so you can save time.

What You’ll Need to get your Texas Driver License

How do you get a drivers license in texas
Application for Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-14A)

 Proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of lawful U.S. presence, and proof of Texas residency

  • Full list of accepted documents

 Proof of Texas vehicle registration and vehicle insurance OR a signed affidavit stating that you do not own a vehicle

 Out-of-state license (if applicable)

 Learner’s Permit (if under age 18 or receiving your license for the first time and wish to practice driving before the road test)

 Certificate of completion from a qualifying driver’s education course AND proof of completion of the Impact Texas Young Drivers program (if between 18 and 24 years old)

 $25 for Class C driver’s license fee

For your Learner’s Permit...

  • Texas Driver Education Certificate (Form DE-964)
  • Classroom Instructor Driver Education Affidavit (Form DL-90A)
  • Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE Form), GED, or diploma
  • $16 for Learner’s Permit fee

What You’ll Do to get your Texas Driver License

  • Step 1: Visit the DMV to apply for a Learner’s Permit (optional: make an appointment!)
    • Provide the required documents and identification
    • Pass a written test (if not completed during a driver’s education course)
    • Submit $16 Learner’s Permit fee
    • Receive your Learner’s Permit
  • Step 2: Practice driving to prepare for the road test (optional)
  • Step 3: Visit the DMV (make an appointment!)
    • Submit the required documents and identification
    • Pass the road test (if applicable)
    • Surrender your out-of-state driver’s license (if applicable)
    • Submit $25 payment
    • Receive a temporary driver’s license receipt
  • Step 4: Receive your new Texas Class C driver’s license via U.S. mail within 3 weeks

Caveats and Exceptions

  • Already hold a valid driver’s license from another state?  Then you can skip the written and road tests.
  • Under age 18?  You must complete a Texas-approved driver’s education course before you may take the written exam for the Learner’s Permit.  
  • Over age 18 and don’t need to practice driving before taking the road test?  Then you don’t need a Learner’s Permit.
  • Failed the written or road tests?  You’ll have two more chances within 90 days to pass, otherwise, you will need to begin the driver’s license application process again.

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What are the steps to getting a driver's license in Texas?

Pay the application fee. Pass the vision exam. Take and pass the knowledge and driving tests. You may complete the testing requirements at the DL office by scheduling an appointment online or through a Third Party provider.

How long does it take to get a driver's Licence in Texas?

It usually takes two to three weeks from the date of your transaction for a driver license or identification card to be mailed to you. If after using our automated system, you need help from customer service, please email Customer Service.

Is it easy to get a driver's license in Texas?

Getting a Texas driver's license if you're over 25 years old is easy. However, in some cases, you'll still need to pass a knowledge test before the state will issue you a driver's license.

Can I get my license without taking the road test in Texas?

With most driver license-related information, it all depends on your age in the state of Texas. For any new driver under the age of 18, you would need to take the road test at the Texas DPS. You would also need to complete a Driver's Ed course and pass a written exam at the DPS office.