Obtaining a driver's license is an important step towards independence and mobility, but before getting a license, individuals must first obtain a permit. In Texas, the requirements for obtaining a permit can be confusing, but with the right information and preparation, the process can be straightforward. Here we provide a comprehensive guide on the requirements for obtaining a permit in Texas in 2023.
To obtain a Texas learners permit (also known as a learners license), an individual must meet the following requirements:
Let’s go over each one of these Texas permit requirements in more detail.
In Texas, the minimum legal driving age is 15, and this is the earliest age when you can get a learner’s permit and start driving. However, you don’t have to wait until you are 15 to start the application process. You can enroll in a driver’s education course (one of the prerequisites for a permit) as early as 14 and we strongly recommend that you do so, as it will give you sufficient time to complete the program.
If you are 18 years of age or older, please refer to the section specific for adults below as the requirements for obtaining a permit in Texas vary for individuals of different age groups.
Obtaining a permit in 2023 requires the individual to be enrolled in or to have completed a Texas driver education course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This course will typically include both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training and will provide the individual with the knowledge and skills they need to become a safe and responsible driver. Note that only a classroom portion of the driver’s education course can be completed before obtaining a Texas learners permit, the driving portion will need to be finalized once you have received your permit.
Individuals who are applying for a driver's license and are between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to complete a shorter, six-hour Texas adult driver education program. On the other hand, those who are 25 years of age or older are not legally required to take any driver education classes, but may choose to do so voluntarily. Completing a driver education course will waive the need for taking the written driving test at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
If an individual is under 18 years old, they must have written consent from a parent or guardian to apply for a Texas drivers permit. This is to ensure that the parent or guardian is aware of the individual's desire to learn to drive and that they are willing to take responsibility for the individual's actions while they are learning to drive. The individual will need to provide original documents or certified copies, notarized copies will not be accepted.
A Verification of Enrollment (VOE) is a document that verifies that a student is currently enrolled in school and attending classes. In Texas, students under 18 years old who want to apply for a learners permit must provide a VOE at the time of the application, along with the current report card for the most recent school year. The VOE form can be downloaded from the DPS website and signed by the school official. The VOE is valid for 30 days from the date of issue (90 days between the months of June through August) and should be presented to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) along with other required documents when applying for the learner's permit.
To obtain a Texas driving permit, individuals must pass two types of tests: a written test on traffic laws and signs and a vision test.
The written driving test will cover various topics such as traffic signals, speed limits, right-of-way rules, and laws regarding alcohol and drug use while driving. It's important to study and practice as much as possible before taking the test, and to use a variety of materials such as the Texas driver handbook, practice tests, online study guides, driver education courses, and YouTube videos to ensure that you are well-prepared.
The vision test is a standard test that checks for visual acuity, peripheral vision, and color perception. This test will be administered at the time of the written test.
Both tests are administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the schedule and locations for taking the tests can be found on the DPS website. It's recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled test to ensure that you have enough time to complete the necessary paperwork and to be familiar with the testing environment.
To obtain a learners permit, individuals must provide proof of their identity, Texas residency and a Social Security Number. This is to ensure that the individual applying for a permit is who they claim to be, and that they are a resident of Texas.
It is important to check the DPS website for a complete list of acceptable documents and to make sure that the documents you have are valid and up-to-date. It is also important to note that some documents, such as a birth certificate, may take some time to obtain, so it's recommended to check this requirement in advance and plan accordingly.
Technically, you do not need a Texas learners permit when you are 18, and you can apply straight for a driver’s license, omitting the permit stage. However, most people prefer to get some driving practice before taking the driving test and you cannot legally operate a motor vehicle without holding either a permit or a license. For this reason, most individuals who are 18 choose to apply for an adult Texas learner’s permit (known as a restricted license) first.
To obtain a Texas learner permit at 18 years old, an individual must meet the following requirements:
As the individual is 18, there is no need for a parent or guardian's consent.
While technically you are not required to have a Texas learners permit when you are 25, many individuals choose to apply for one as a way to gain driving experience before taking the driving test. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle without holding either a permit or a license. For this reason, most individuals who are 25 choose to apply for an adult Texas learner's permit, also known as a restricted license. To obtain this permit, an individual must meet the following requirements:
While you are not legally required to complete a drivers education course, you may want to do so to avoid having to take the written driving test at the DPS office, as students who volunteer to complete the program are exempt from the written test.
If you believe that you would rather take the test in person, make sure you prepare for the exam, as failure rates are quite high. You can use a number of materials to get you through the test:
It is important to study and practice as much as possible before taking the test, and to use a variety of materials to ensure that you are well-prepared.
When applying for a driver's license in Texas, there are certain documents that you will need to provide to the license and permit specialist. These include an Application for the issuance of a driver license, proof of U.S. Citizenship or lawful presence, evidence of Texas residency, proof of identity, a Social Security Number, proof of Texas vehicle registration, and proof of vehicle insurance. Additionally, you will need to provide a Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964 or DE-964E), a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form issued by a school, high school diploma or equivalent (GED), and evidence of successfully passing the driver knowledge exam. If you have not taken this test during the classroom portion of driver education, you will take it at the driver license office.