Texas Permit Requirements

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:

1. Be at least 15 years old
2. To be enrolled in or to complete a Texas drivers ed course
3. To be attending school, have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
   
4. Have a parent or guardian's consent (if under 18)
5. Pass a vision test
6. Pass a written test on traffic laws and signs
7. Provide proof of identity and residency (e.g. birth certificate, passport, school records)

Let’s go over each one of these Texas permit requirements in more detail.

Age Requirements

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.

Drivers Ed Requirements

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).

Parental Consent

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.

Verification of Enrollment (VOE) Requirements

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.

Testing Requirements

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.

Written Driving 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.

Vision Test

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.

Proof of Identity, Residency & SSN

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.

• For proof of identity, acceptable documents include a valid passport, birth certificate, or a government-issued ID card. The original document or a certified copy must be presented.
• For proof of residency, individuals may provide documents such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement that includes their name and address. The document should be less than 90 days old.
• If the individual is under 18 years old, they may also provide school records as proof of residency.
• Some documents such as passport or ID card must be issued by the government of the United States, or by the government of another country with the seal of the issuing agency.

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.

When You Are Over 18

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:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Complete the 6-hour drivers ed course
3. Pass a vision test
4. Pass a written test on traffic laws and signs at the DPS (note that completion of our TDLR-approved Texas adult drivers ed program waives this requirement)
5. Provide proof of identity and residency (e.g. birth certificate, passport, school records)

As the individual is 18, there is no need for a parent or guardian's consent.

When You Are Over 25

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:

1. Be at least 25 years old
2. Pass a vision test
3. Pass a written test on traffic laws and signs at the DPS (if the individual has completed the TDLR-approved Texas adult drivers ed program, this requirement is waived)
4. Provide proof of identity and residency (e.g. birth certificate, passport, school records)

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:

• The Texas Driver Handbook: This handbook is published by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and provides detailed information on the rules of the road, traffic laws, and signs that are covered on the written test. It is available online on the DPS website and also it can be downloaded for free.
• Practice tests: These are available online and provide a great way to test your knowledge and identify areas where you may need more study.
• Online study guides: There are several online study guides that provide information on the rules of the road and traffic laws, as well as practice questions to help prepare you for the written test.
• YouTube videos: Some youtubers made videos with the main points and important facts you need to know in order to pass the written test, also some of them have a Q&A section.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring to get your permit at the DPS?

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.