Texas Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Texas learner's permit — age, fees, documents for the written test, supervised-hours rules, and what the road test itself checks — summarized from the official DPS pages and linked to the source.
TexasDPSTexas DPS — Texas Learner License as a TeenChecked 2026-07-13Official source
TexasDPSTexas DPS — Texas Learner License as a TeenChecked 2026-07-13Official source
TexasDPSTexas DPS — Texas Learner License as a TeenChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: Texas DPS — Texas Learner License as a Teen ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
The Texas licensing timeline
Each stage below carries what DPS itself publishes, the people it applies to, the page it came from, and the date we last checked it. Where DPS publishes no figure, the card says so instead of guessing one.
1Eligibility
Minimum permit age15TexasDPSTexas DPS — Texas Learner License as a TeenChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Learner license, ages 15–17; requires classroom driver ed started (6h concurrent or 24h block) and school enrollment/VOE
2Documents
DPS lists these for the knowledge-test visit:
- Completed application (DL-14B)
- Proof of identity
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
- Proof of Texas residency
- Social Security number
TexasDPSTexas DPS — Texas Learner License as a TeenChecked 2026-07-13Official source
3Required education
Texas's own published steps name a training requirement:
- Start a TDLR-approved driver education course (6-hour concurrent or 24-hour block classroom phase)
- Pass the knowledge exam (often given through the driver ed course)
TexasDPSTexas DPS — Texas Learner License as a TeenChecked 2026-07-13Official source
4Application
Learner license for applicants under 18; expires on the 18th birthday.
What the permit itself takes, once you pass:
- Texas Driver Education Certificate
- Verification of Enrollment (VOE) or diploma/GED
5Knowledge test
Questions on the official testDPS does not publish thisTexasDPSTexas DPS — Texas Learner License as a TeenChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Official passing scoreDPS does not publish thisTexasDPSTexas DPS — Texas Learner License as a TeenChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Wait before a retakeDPS does not publish a verified retake waitTexasDPSTX official knowledge-test sourceChecked 2026-08-12Official source
6Permit restrictions
Permit validityDPS does not publish a verified validity periodTexasDPSTexas DPS — Texas Learner License as a TeenChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Learner license expires on 18th birthday
Restrictions Texas puts on a new driver:
- Passenger rule: No more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member
- Curfew: No driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. except for work, school activities, or emergencies
- Cell phone: All cell phone use prohibited, including hands-free, unless it's an emergency
TexasDPSTexas DPS — Texas Learner License as a TeenChecked 2026-07-13Official source
7Supervised driving
Supervised driving for applicants under 1830 hours (10 at night)TexasDPSTexas DPS — Texas Learner License as a TeenChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Transportation Code §521.222 scopes the learner license to ages 15–17; the 30-hour behind-the-wheel requirement rides on that license. Adults 18-24 instead take a 6-hour classroom-only adult driver education course with no behind-the-wheel hour requirement (16 TAC §84.502). That is a graduated-licensing rule — an applicant who is already 18 follows a different path, so check the official source below rather than assuming this figure is yours to meet.
8Road test
Minimum permit hold6 monthsTexasDPSTexas DPS — Texas Learner License as a TeenChecked 2026-07-13Official source
9Full licence
Unrestricted driving age16TexasDPSTexas DPS — Texas Learner License as a TeenChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Provisional license with GDL restrictions until 18
How to get your permit in Texas
- Start a TDLR-approved driver education course (6-hour concurrent or 24-hour block classroom phase)
- Pass the knowledge exam (often given through the driver ed course)
- Apply for the learner license at a driver license office with documents and the $16 fee
- Hold the learner license at least 6 months while completing 30 hours of supervised practice (10 at night) and the behind-the-wheel course hours
- Complete the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) program within 90 days before the driving test
- Pass the driving test to get the provisional license
What is different about Texas
Rules that are set by Texas rather than nationally, and where they depart from what most states do. Compared against DMV Prep's verified rules for all 51 jurisdictions — unverified figures are left out of both sides of every comparison.
- Supervised-driving requirement: 30 hours here. The most common supervised-driving requirement is 50 hours (29 of 49 states we have verified).
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Texas?
You can get a learner's permit in Texas at 15. Learner license, ages 15–17; requires classroom driver ed started (6h concurrent or 24h block) and school enrollment/VOE.
How much does a Texas permit cost?
The Texas permit fee is $16. Learner license for applicants under 18; expires on the 18th birthday..
How long do you have to hold your permit in Texas?
You must hold your Texas permit for at least 6 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does Texas require?
Texas requires 30 hours of supervised practice driving for applicants under 18, including 10 at night. That is a graduated-licensing rule — an applicant who is already 18 follows a different path, so check the official source below rather than assuming this figure is yours to meet.
Where can I practice for the Texas permit test?
Right here — take a free Texas practice test, review every answer, and build readiness in your browser. The free DMV Prep app adds offline study and native reminders.
