7/14/2023
If you reside in the state of Texas and do not have a driver's license, you will need to take a driving test in order to legally drive a car. Depending on whether you are already 18 or still have a year to go, the procedure may vary.
If you are a minor, you can opt for a learner's license, with which you can drive accompanied by an adult.
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In Texas, everything related to driving licenses is handled through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the easiest way to get information and manage it is through their website or one of their offices throughout the state.
However, the website is not translated into Spanish, despite being one of the regions with the largest Latino population. Here we explain the different licenses you can obtain in Texas to drive a car and how to take the tests and driving exams.
How to obtain a learner's license or learner's permit?
Although in Texas you cannot obtain a learner's license until you are 15 years old, from the age of 14 you can take the six-hour driver's education course required to obtain this first permit for minors.
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According to the GDL (Graduated Drivers License) program, any new driver under the age of 18 must keep the learner's license for at least 6 months or turn 18, whichever comes first. This permit allows you to drive with your parents or someone over the age of 21.
When you turn 16, you can convert the learner's permit to a provisional driver's license, provided you have held the learner's license for at least 6 months and pass a series of tests.
How to obtain a provisional license for those under 18 years of age?
The application process for the license consists of several steps:
- You must apply in person at any Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in Texas. Some of these offices offer appointments by phone or through their website.
- Bring the required documentation, which involves presenting:
- Identification
- Social Security Number
- Permanent residency or U.S. citizenship
- DL or identification card that supports your Texas residency
- Complete the DL14A application form, which you can download or request from any DPS office.
- Bring a parent or legal guardian with you, who will sign your application under oath. This person can ask to revoke your license at any time before your 18th birthday.
- Show your Texas Driver's Certificate of Instruction, which is a signed document attesting to your hours of driver education. This can be done at driving school, a public school, or through PTDE starting at age 14.
- Present the registration of the car you will use and the car insurance in case you have your own car.
- Pay the $17 fee and have your photo taken. This payment can be made by credit/debit card, check or money order.
- You have to take the eye exam. Depending on the result, you may be required to wear corrective lenses or be referred to a specialist.
- Pass the theoretical knowledge test (if you have not already done so). When you fail your first attempt, they hold your application for 90 days. After this period or 3 failed tests, you must pay and make a new application.
- Get your temporary license, which lasts for 45 days. After this period, you should receive your provisional driver's license for minors in the mail. If not, contact customer service.
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How to obtain a Texas driver's license for adults?
Similar to the above, we can establish the sequence of this process:
- If you are under 25, you have to complete the 6-hour driver's education, which you can do online or at an authorized driving school.
- You must also complete the ITYD (Impact on Texas Young Drivers) course, which lasts one hour and is valid for 90 days. If you do not pass the road skills test within these 3 months, you will have to repeat this training.
- You must apply for a Texas driver's license in person. Some DPS agencies will let you schedule an appointment online or by phone.
- You will be asked to provide the following documents:
- Identification
- Social Security Number
- Permanent residency or U.S. citizenship
- DL or identification card that supports your Texas residency
- ITYD Certificate of Completion
- ADE-1317 (Adult Driver's Education Certificate) if you are under 25 years of age.
- If you are a new Texas resident and own a car, you must show your car registration.
- Financial proof that you do not own a car that requires maintenance, which must meet the state's minimum amount to cover each vehicle in your name.
- You must fill out form DL14A which is available at DPS offices or download it here.
- Take your photo, provide your fingerprints and pay the $26 fee (check, money order or debit/credit card).
- You must take the eye exam. Depending on the results, you may be recommended to see a doctor or wear corrective lenses for driving.
- You have to pass the theoretical knowledge test with 70% of correct answers (not necessary if you already did it during the driving course).
- Pass the driving test, whose appointment you can request online after registering in the Applus system. Otherwise, you can request assistance at the DPS office. Alternatively, you can take the test at a TPST (Third Party Skills Test) school and present the sealed envelope provided.
- Get your temporary license, which lasts for 45 days. After this time, your driver's license should arrive in the mail. If this does not happen, contact customer service.
Español: ¿Cómo obtener la licencia de conducir en Texas?