Texas Driver’s License Requirements

To get a Texas driver’s license, you need to provide proof of identification, citizenship, and residency, and pay a fee of $18-$33.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
To get your Texas driver’s license, you must be at least 15 years old and be able to provide valid identification, your Social Security number, and proof of address and citizenship. Depending on the circumstances, the process may involve a driver education course, a vision test, a knowledge exam, and a road test. 
Getting your driver’s license is an exciting rite of passage no matter what state you live in. However, the process varies state by state, and there are typically additional requirements if you are a younger driver. 
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What are the requirements for a driver’s license in Texas?

You have to be at least 16 years old to get a driver’s license in Texas. To apply, you will need to head to the
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) location
of your choice and supply legal proof of the following:
  • U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence
  • Texas residency
  • Identity 
  • Social Security number
The Texas DPS has a brochure that provides extensive information as to what documents are
acceptable as proof
for the above requirements. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to schedule a time for your application. 
If you own any vehicles, you will also be required to provide proof of current registration and insurance for each one. 

What are the requirements for young drivers? 

Drivers who are
under 18 years of age
will need to complete a few extra steps in order to get their driver’s licenses. Texas has a two-phase Graduated Driver License Program for teens that begins with taking an approved
driver education course
. You can begin taking the course when you are 14, but you have to be 15 to apply for a Learner Permit.  
Consult the Texas DPS
teen driver website
for all the details, but the two phases of the program are: 
  • Phase One—Learner License: this allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21. You must be a high school graduate or currently enrolled with a satisfactory
    attendance rate
    . You will also need to supply documentation of your approved driver education course. 
  • Phase Two—Provisional Driver License: this requires you to pass a road test, and permits you to drive unsupervised under certain circumstances. You will need to have completed both your driver education course and the
    Impact Texas Drivers
    (ITD) Program. 
Both of these types of licenses will expire when you turn 18. 
MORE: How to get cheap car insurance for young drivers

What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers? 

If you have a valid out-of-state license and are just visiting, you don’t need to do anything extra to legally drive in Texas. If you have moved to the state, you have 90 days to apply for a Texas driver’s license. As long as your out-of-state license is still valid, you’ll only have to pay the fee and take a vision test. 
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How to get a driver’s license in Texas

Take the appropriate courses 

If you are a new Texas driver, you are required to complete the
Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) Program
if you will be taking the road test as part of your application. 
If you are a first-time licensee between the ages of 18 and 24, you will also need to have completed a 6-hour adult Driver Education course. However, this does not apply if you are surrendering a valid out-of-state license.

Vision test

Being able to see the road is critical, and your vision will be tested when you are at the DPS office. 
This isn’t specified in the
Texas Driver Handbook
, but sources report that you will need at least 20/40 vision in both eyes. Depending on the results of your exam, you may be required to wear contact lenses or glasses to drive. 

Knowledge exam

After you’ve taken your eye test and appropriate driver education course, you’re ready to take your Class C Knowledge Exam
Prepare for the exam by studying the
Texas Driver Handbook
. The handbook includes study and practice questions, so make good use of them! Sources report that there are 30 questions on the exam.
You must get a score of 70% or higher in order to pass your Class C Exam. 

Road test

You’re almost there! The final step is to pass the road test, which you can
schedule online
. Review your Texas Driver Handbook and make sure you have plenty of practice. Texas DPS has a
How to Prepare for a Drive Test
brochure that has a useful checklist and lots of details as far as what to expect for your road test.  
Make sure that the vehicle you bring is in safe and legal operating condition and has current registration, as this is one of the things the inspector will check. The inspector will also make sure your car has:
  • A working horn, brakes, turn signals, and lights
  • Functional windshield wipers, headlights, and seatbelts
  • Working doors and rearview mirrors
  • Adequate visibility through all windows
The road exam will take about 20 minutes to complete. You will be graded on how you perform the following actions:
  • Backing in a straight line and parallel parking
  • Approaching intersections and turning
  • Stopping in regular traffic conditions  
  • Controlling the vehicle and maintaining vehicle position (turning, stopping, etc.)
  • Observing traffic  
  • Using signals
The examiner will give you instructions to follow and will evaluate your ability to safely operate the vehicle in a variety of situations. Don’t worry—they won’t make you do anything illegal or too speed racer-y. 
If you pass the exam, all that’s left is to pay the $33 fee, submit your documents, and smile for the picture! If you didn’t pass, you can schedule a time to try again. 
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How to save money on car insurance in Texas

Now that you’ve got your license, it’s time to shop for a great rate on
car insurance
. If that sounds like less fun than your driver’s ed course, then don’t worry—
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FAQs

Getting your Texas driver’s license will require valid proof of ID, residency, citizenship, and your Social Security number.
The fee for a regular driver’s license is $33 if you are over 18, or $16 if you are 16 to 18 years old.
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