Frequently asked questions (FAQ) - Texas

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for driver’s license in Texas

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

The first step to obtain a driver’s license in Texas is to receive a learner’s permit. All the minors applying for the learner’s permit must meet the following criteria:

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

If you meet the criteria, you can take a written knowledge test covering a range of topics, including Texas traffic laws and safe driving techniques. Upon completion of this test, you will be issued a learner license, which will allow you to gain behind-the-wheel experience while supervised by a licensed adult of at least 21 years of age. Click here https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/documents/lrnrLicChklst.pdf for Learner License Application Checklist. After you turn 16 you can apply for a driver's license and take the road skills test. Please note, you will have to hold a learners permit for 6 months and provide proof that you have successfully completed an approved driver education course before taking the road skills test.

If you are between 16-18 years old and applied for a driver's license, you will be issued a provisional license. With the provisional license you can’t drive more than one passenger under the age of 21 and cannot use a wireless communication device, except in the case of emergencies. After you turn 18 your provisional license will expire and you will receive the non-restricted license.

If you are under the age 25, and a FIRST TIME applicant for a Texas Driver’s License, you must take an approved Adult Driver Education course BEFORE you can apply for a driver’s license.

If, under age 25 and you have a valid license from another state in the USA, you are not required to take a driver’s license education course.

If you are applying for the Texas driver’s license and you are over 18, you must follow the following steps:

• Visit your local Texas DPS location.
• Provide appropriate documents to verify your identity, Texas residency, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence status, and Social Security number.
• Bring the certificate of completion of Adult Driver Education Course If you took the Adult Driver Education Course online, please allow 7-14 working days for your certificate to be delivered to your provided address.
• Complete the “Application for Texas Driver License or Identification Card” form (http://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-14A.pdf)
• Provide either a proof of Texas vehicle registration (if you are a new Texas resident) and proof of financial responsibility for each vehicle you own or a statement that affirms that you do not own a motor vehicle.
• Pay the required fees. (Click here to see the fees http://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/fees.htm )
• Pass the vision test
• Pass both a knowledge test and a driving test (unless you are exempt). You will have to provide the vehicle.
• Keep in mind that all applicants under the age of 25 in Texas must pass a driver education course before they may apply for their first driver license.

To verify Texas residency, you will need to provide any two documents with your name and residential address on them. Click here for the list of documents

If you are not a US citizen or a green card holder, you will have to show a prove of your legal presence. The documents required depend on your visa category. Below is the list of documents you will need to present:

• Foreign passport
• U.S. visa (expired or unexpired)
• I-94

Plus

• F-1s/F-2s: Most recent Form I-20
• F-1 OPT: OPT I-20 and EAD
• J-1/J-2: DS-2019
• Other visa types: I-94

Yes, if you are between 18 and 75 years old, have a valid driver’s license from your home country AND your country recognizes the equivalent U.S. license, you may drive a private vehicle for up to one year. To find out if your country meets this requirement, also known as reciprocity, email: license.issuance@txdps.state.tx.us

The whole process usually takes more than one visit to the DPS office and wait times can be long.

• Upon arrival you will complete an application and present your documents to a clerk. If your paperwork is in order you will be given a written exam.
• Once you pass the written exam you can set an appointment for a driving skills test.
• The driving test involves an examiner riding with you as you drive a specified route.
• Once you pass both exams you will be given a vision test, thumb-printed and photographed. This is required of all Texas drivers.
• A paper driving permit will be given on site which allows you to drive legally until you receive the driver’s license.
• The license will be mailed in a few weeks.

First, the officer will inspect your car to check if the car has valid stickers/registration/documentation. Next, you will be asked to start your vehicle/ignition. Make sure to wear the seatbelt before you start the vehicle. Then the officer will ask you to flash the signal lights one by one to make sure they are working properly and you know the difference between them. During the driving test you will be asked to:

• Reverse
• Do a parallel parking/li>
• Drive around the DPS or the closest neighborhood (mostly residential areas); be careful with signaling, speed limit, applying sudden brakes/li>

While driving, avoid turning and looking at the officer every time he speaks, this can distract from the driving or watching the road. Just listen carefully and follow the instructions.

Yes, you can take the knowledge exam in Spanish when applying for a driver’s license in Texas. Knowledge tests are only available in English and Spanish. However, you have to understand road signs written in English to pass the test(s). Also, due to a limited number of Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) who are bilingual, DPS cannot guarantee driving tests will be available in Spanish at every driver license office. If a Spanish-speaking CSR is available, then the driving test may be given in Spanish.

You can bring someone to translate, but the translator may only help you to communicate with the CSR (Customer Service Representatives) before and after the knowledge or driving test is given. Translators are not allowed to help you during the tests. The CSR will use hand signals and other non-verbal cues during the driving test for applicants who do not speak English.

The knowledge exam is covering traffic laws and traffic signs areas. It contains 30 questions with multiple-choice answers. You will need to answer 21 questions correctly to pass the test (70%).

If you fail the knowledge test, you cannot retake the test the same day. After 90 days or three failed attempts, a new application and fee will be required.

A Real ID in Texas is just a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards. It’s marked with a gold star in the top right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a Real ID (or another accepted form of ID, like a passport) to fly within the U.S. or enter certain federal facilities.

To get one, you need to bring documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency to the DPS office. If your current license already has a star, you’re good to go!

In Texas, anyone who is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a qualified non-citizen and meets the requirements for a driver's license or state ID can obtain a Real ID.
To apply for a Real ID, you need to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office and provide the following:

1. Proof of Identity (one of the following):

• U.S. passport or passport card
• U.S. birth certificate
• Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

2. Proof of Social Security Number (one of the following):

• Social Security card
• W-2 or 1099 form with your full Social Security number

3. Proof of Texas Residency (two documents showing your address):

• Utility bill
• Bank statement
• Lease agreement or mortgage statement
• Texas vehicle registration or insurance card