Texas Permits Explained: Rules for Minors and Adults
Texas has different administrative rules for minor and adult drivers, meaning your license path depends on your current age.
Teen Learner License (Ages 15–17)
The Texas Learner License permits minors to practice driving with a licensed driver over 21 years of age in the front passenger seat. Every Learner License automatically expires on the holder’s 18th birthday. If you need to keep practicing past age 18, you cannot simply extend your teen learner’s permit; you must transition to a Class C driver’s license with a ‘B’ restriction. If your permit card is lost or damaged while it is still valid, you can request a replacement for $11 rather than asking for a renewal.
Adult Learner “Permit” (Ages 18+): Class C License with Restriction B
Texas drivers aged 18 and older do not receive a traditional learner’s permit. Instead, the DPS issues a standard driver’s license carrying Restriction B. The B-restricted license works like a permit, since it allows an adult to drive with an eligible driver aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat. The B-restricted license is valid for up to 8 years and can be renewed or replaced like a full driver license.
What Happens When Your Learner’s Permit Expires?
Driving on an expired learner’s permit is illegal in Texas. Even if you are accompanied by a fully licensed adult driver, an expired permit means you no longer have legal authorization to operate a motor vehicle.
Expired Less Than Two Years
If your teen Learner License or adult B-restricted license has been expired for less than two years, you do not need to start your driver education process from scratch. Adults with an expired B-restricted license can apply for a standard renewal. If you have an expired Learner License and are now over 18, you can take the road skills test at the DPS for a full driver’s license, or if you need more driving practice, you can apply for a B-restricted license.
Expired More Than Two Years
Once a Texas driving permit has been expired for more than two years, the DPS considers the record lapsed. You will be required to apply in person as a new license applicant, submit all primary identification documents, and retake the written permit test before you can legally drive again.
How to Transition a Teen Permit After Turning 18
Turning 18 while holding a Learner License is one of the most common reasons new drivers experience a lapse in coverage. If your teen learner’s permit expires, you should schedule an appointment at a DPS office to apply for an adult license. Whether this is a full, unrestricted license or B-restricted adult permit depends on if you’re ready to take the road test. Transitioning to a B-restricted license maintains the legal mandate for a supervising driver until you take your road test. Moving to a full adult license removes all restrictions.
What Happens to an Incomplete Teen Driver Education Course?
If you started a Texas Teen Driver Education course but turned 18 before finishing it, you do not have to start over with driver’s ed. Texas allows new adult drivers to finish the teen course and use the completion certificate (DE-964) for licensing. If you prefer not to finish the teen course, you can take a streamlined, 6-hour Texas Adult Driver Education course to satisfy the state requirements for ages 18–24 and get an adult certificate (ADE-1317). Partial hours from your teen driver education course cannot be transferred.
How to Upgrade to a Provisional License
TGo upgrade from a teen learner’s permit to a Texas Provisional Driver License, schedule a DPS appointment and bring a new license application (Form DL-14B), current permit card, and driver education certificate showing completion of your classroom and behind-the-wheel hours. Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE) course students should also bring official driving logs and a Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Affidavit (Form DL-90B) from the PTDE Program Guide. You will likely need a current Verification of Enrollment (VOE) form, and will need new identification documents if your information (like name or address) has changed.
The Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) Course
To take a Texas road skills test, you must present a completion certificate for the free, 2-hour Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) online video program. Importantly, the ITTD video must be viewed after you finish your required driver education, and the ITTD certificate is only valid for 90 days. Watch the ITTD video closer to your road test date so your certificate is current.
How to Renew an Adult B-Restricted License (Ages 18+)
Adults holding a B-restricted license can renew it according to standard license renewal rules. The simplest way to renew a Texas driver license is online using the Texas by Texas - Texas.gov portal. To renew a license online, you need to meet basic eligibility requirements, to include:
- You are a U.S. citizen between the ages of 18 and 78.
- Your last renewal was completed in person at a DPS location.
- Your license expires within two years or has been expired for less than two years.
Note that renewing a B-restricted license only extends the card’s validity—it does not remove the supervising driver restriction.
Renewing a B-Restricted License in Person
If you need to renew a B-restricted license in person, book a DPS appointment online. Bring a completed license renewal application (Form DL-14A) and your current license card to your appointment. You must confirm your Social Security Number and may need proof of U.S. citizenship if the DPS has not already verified it. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may need to bring updated lawful-presence documents. If your name has changed or is not the same across identity documents, bring legal proof reflecting the change. The DPS may also request two proofs of your Texas address if it needs to be reverified.
How to Remove Restriction B
To remove Restriction B entirely, you must pass the road driving test, either at a DPS office or through an authorized third-party testing provider. When you pass the road driving test, the DPS issues an unrestricted Texas Class C Driver License. If you take the road test at a driving school, you will need to visit a DPS office with your application paperwork to process the license upgrade.
The Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) Course
New adult drivers in Texas must complete the free, 1-hour Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) online video program and bring the printed ITAD certificate to their road test appointment. The ITAD certificate is only valid for 90 days, so make sure to watch the video close to your road test date.
DPS Office Appointments
Many applicants will need to visit a DPS driver services office in person to renew or upgrade a license. To complete this process smoothly, start by booking an appointment through the online Texas Scheduler system, as walk-in availability is severely limited.
At the office, you will submit the appropriate application and supporting identity documents. If you have not yet done so, you will take a quick vision test, submit your thumbprints, and take a license photo. You will then pay the state license fee and if your application is in order, you will receive a temporary paper license. Your new license card will arrive by mail in 2–3 weeks.
For a complete list of required and acceptable documents for your license appointment, review the DPS What it takes to Apply for a Driver License brochure.
Texas License Renewal and Upgrade Fees
Fees for Texas permit renewals, duplicates, and adult transitions are set by state law and are non-refundable. The current DPS fees are:
- Provisional license (Under 18): $16
- Adult license (18+): $33
- Replacement or duplicate card: $11
Note that your license application fee keeps your file active for 90 days. Any required testing must be completed within this timeframe, or you must start a new application.
