Texas Learner's Permit

Everything you need to know about getting your learner's permit in Texas and starting your journey to becoming a licensed driver.

What is a Learner's Permit?

A learner's permit is your first step toward getting a Texas driver's license. It lets you practice driving with a licensed adult before you're ready to drive on your own. This is part of Texas's graduated driver licensing system, which helps new drivers build skills safely over time.

The permit is valid for six months and gives you the supervised driving practice you need to become a confident, safe driver.

Basic Requirements

To get your learner's permit in Texas, you need to:

Be at least 15 years old
Complete a driver education course
Pass a written knowledge test
Pass a vision test
Provide required documentation (proof of identity and residency)

How to Get Your Permit

Step 1: Complete Driver Education

You'll need to finish an approved driver education course that covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have several options:

Traditional classroom courses through schools or driving schools
Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE) where your parent guides you through the course
Online courses that let you study at your own pace

Find approved driver education providers through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Step 2: Study for the Written Test

The written knowledge test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Study the Texas Driver Handbook thoroughly. Practice tests and online study guides can help you prepare.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

Before visiting the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), make sure you have:

Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport)
Proof of Social Security number
Two proofs of Texas residency
Proof of school enrollment or graduation
Driver education completion certificate

Use the DPS interactive checklist to make sure you have everything you need.

Step 4: Visit a DPS Office

Schedule an appointment at your nearest DPS office. You'll take the written knowledge test and vision test there. Once you pass both tests and submit your documents, you'll receive your learner's permit.

Permit Restrictions

Your learner's permit comes with important restrictions designed to keep you safe while you're learning:

Supervision Required

You must have a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat whenever you drive.

Curfew Hours

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless it's an emergency or you're commuting to work or a school activity.

Passenger Limits

You can only have one passenger under age 21 in the car, unless they're family members. This reduces distractions while you're learning.

No Cell Phones

You cannot use any wireless communication device while driving, including hands-free options. No texting, calling, or using apps behind the wheel.

Practice Requirements

Before you can get your provisional license, you need to complete:

30 hours of supervised driving practice
At least 10 hours of night driving

Keep a log of your practice hours. Your supervising adult should help you practice various skills like parking, merging, turning, and handling different road conditions.

The Texas DPS enforces these requirements to ensure you gain real-world experience before driving independently.

Moving to a Provisional License

After you've had your learner's permit for at least six months and you're 16 or older, you can apply for a provisional license. You'll need to:

Complete your required practice hours
Pass the driving test (road test)
Meet all other requirements

The driving test evaluates your actual driving skills in real traffic. You'll need to provide an insured and registered vehicle for the test. Once you pass, you'll get a provisional license with fewer restrictions than your permit.

Hardship Licenses for Minors

If you're 15 or older and face specific hardships, you may qualify for a Minor Restricted Driver License (MRDL). This allows you to drive for essential purposes only.

Who Qualifies?

You may be eligible if you need to drive because of:

Medical needs - caring for a family member with a medical condition
Financial hardship - your income is essential for your family
Educational needs - attending programs not accessible by public transportation

Important Restrictions

A hardship license only allows driving for the specific reason it was granted. Using it for social activities or other purposes can result in penalties. If your circumstances change, you must surrender the license to the DPS.

Permit Duration and Renewal

Your learner's permit is valid for six months. You can renew Texas licenses and permits up to two years before or after the expiration date, giving you flexibility if you need more practice time.

If your permit is suspended for any reason, the six-month requirement is extended by the number of days you were suspended.

Texas Family Purpose Doctrine

Parents should understand that under Texas law, they can be held legally responsible for accidents caused by their teen drivers. This doctrine emphasizes the importance of proper supervision and teaching safe driving habits from the start.

Tips for Safe Driving

While learning to drive:

Always wear your seatbelt
Obey speed limits and traffic signs
Avoid all distractions, especially phones
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Practice defensive driving techniques
Ask questions when you're unsure about something

Resources for Parents and Teens

The Texas Department of Public Safety offers comprehensive resources including:

The complete Texas Driver Handbook
Practice tests and study guides
Information about approved driver education providers
Parent-taught driver education materials
Behind-the-wheel practice lesson plans

Parents are encouraged to take an active role in their teen's driver education, reviewing course materials together and providing plenty of supervised practice in various driving conditions.