In the great state of Texas, you’re eligible to apply for a learner license as soon as you turn 15 years old
. But before you can take the permit test, you’ll need to complete at least six hours of a state-approved driver education course and submit proof with your application. Getting your Texas driver’s license is an important rite of passage. But before you can take your driving test and strike out solo, there’s an intermediary step—getting a learner’s permit. If you’re not sure where to start, this guide covers all the steps to getting your Texas drivers permit, as well as the regulations you’ll have to observe while you have it.
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How to get a Texas learner’s permit
In order to qualify for a learner license—as they’re called in Texas—you must be at least 15 years of age. When that all-important birthday rolls around, it’s time to apply for your first license.
But wait—don’t head straight to your nearest Texas Department of Public Safety office (Texas’s version of the DMV). Before you can apply for a learner license with DPS, you must enroll in a Texas drivers ed course
approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and complete at least six hours of instruction. An important note: although you can’t apply for your learner license until you turn 15, teen drivers can start drivers ed at age 14. You can take your course online or through a traditional driving school or your public school—or, if you prefer the DIY approach, you can complete a PTDE course (that’s Parent Taught Driver Education). It’s also a good idea to study the Texas Driver Handbook
so you have a clear understanding of all road signs and the rules of the road. If the driver training school you attend uses the block method of classroom instruction, you’ll need to finish all 32 hours before you can apply for your license. But for courses that use concurrent instruction, including most online courses or parent-taught drivers ed, you’ll be able to apply as soon as you finish the first six hours.
Your course instructions will let you know how much you need to complete before you head to DPS. Once you’ve got your proof of enrollment or completion in hand, you’re ready to apply for your Texas learner license!
What to bring to DPS
Start by scheduling an appointment
at your local driver license office to apply for your learner license. Before you go, download and complete form DL-14B
, the driver’s license application for minors. (If you’re not a minor, you’ll need form DL-14A
.) In order to get a learner license, you’ll need to bring a number of documents
to verify your identity, residency, and school enrollment: Texas Driver Education Certificate of Completion (provided by your driver’s ed course)
Application form DL-14B, including your parent or legal guardian’s signature
Verification of enrollment (VOE) and attendance from your school, or a high school diploma or equivalent (e.g. GED)
Proof of Social Security number (e.g. a Social Security card or W2 form)
Proof of identity (e.g. Texas ID or U.S. passport)
Proof of Texas residency (e.g. school transcripts, mail from a government agency)
Proof of U.S. citizenship
You’ll need to pay a $16 fee
for your learner license—you can pay by credit card, cash, check, or money order. You’ll also get your fingerprints taken, get a sweet driver’s license photo, and take a vision test to ensure that you meet the vision requirements for safe driving. In addition to submitting documents, you’ll have to take a 40-question multiple-choice knowledge test. In order to pass and receive your learner license, you must get 70% or higher (i.e. at least 28 questions correct) on the written test. If you paid close attention during the classroom portion of your driver education course, you should be all set to ace the knowledge exam—just get plenty of rest the night before so you’re ready to focus!
MORE: How education level affects car insurance
Texas learner’s permit regulations
Once you have your learner license in hand, you’re ready to hit the road—but not without proper supervision!
Texas state law sets the following limits on drivers with learner licenses:
You must have a licensed adult 21 years old or older in the front passenger seat at all times
To move up from your learner license to a provisional driver’s license—the next step in the graduated drivers license program—you must complete:
Seven hours of in-car driving instruction
Seven hours of in-car driving observation
30 hours of behind-the-wheel training
Once you’ve checked the boxes above and have held your learner license for at least six months, you’re ready to schedule your road test and get your provisional license
! The only exception to this rule is if you turn 18 before the six months are up. In that case, you’ll be able to apply for a provisional license early. In order to become a fully-licensed driver
in the state of Texas, you’ll also need to take Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD), a free two-hour video course on distracted driving
. Because new drivers have a statistically higher rate of accidents and violations than Texas adult drivers, this course is an important way to improve your driving skills and avoid an expensive accident that could raise your Texas car insurance costs
! MORE: How to get cheap car insurance for young drivers
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