Quick summary
An out-of-state learner permit doesn't transfer to Texas. Your teen exchanges it for a Texas learner license at DPS, and the 6-month holding period restarts from the Texas issuance date — no credit for time held in another state. What happens next depends on prior driver education: with no documentation, full Texas driver ed is required (24 classroom hours plus 44 driving hours); with proof of classroom completion, DPS evaluates case-by-case; with full driver ed completed plus 6+ months of permit time, only the free ITTD course and the driving test remain. A full out-of-state license (not a permit) exchanges directly for a Texas provisional license.
If your family recently moved to Texas and your teen has a learner's permit from another state, you're probably wondering what still counts. The short answer: your teen will need to exchange their permit for a Texas learner license at DPS, and some requirements will start over.
For a complete walkthrough including document checklists, DPS appointment tips, and detailed scenario breakdowns, see our full out-of-state permit guide.
Already Have a Full License?
If your teen holds a full provisional license from another state — not just a learner's permit — they can exchange it directly for a Texas provisional license at DPS. No additional driver education, no waiting period. This is the best-case scenario.
Three Scenarios for Permit Holders
What your teen needs to do depends on what driver education they've already completed.
No Proof of Prior Driver Ed
Your teen has a permit but no documentation of driver education from your previous state.
Required: Full Texas driver education — 24 hours of classroom instruction plus 44 hours of behind-the-wheel practice. You can complete this through parent-taught driver ed (PTDE) or a commercial driving school. For the parent-taught route, you'll need a PTDE packet ($20 from TDLR) before instruction can begin.
Proof of Classroom Completion
Your teen completed classroom driver ed in another state and has documentation (certificate, transcript, or completion letter).
Required: DPS evaluates on a case-by-case basis. If they accept prior classroom hours, your teen may only need 44 hours of behind-the-wheel practice through a Texas driver education program (either parent-taught or driving school). Bring all documentation from your previous school.
Completed Driver Ed + 6 Months with Permit
Your teen completed full driver education in another state and held their permit for six months or more.
Required: ITTD course (free, 2 hours online) plus the driving skills test at DPS. This is the fastest path. Bring all completion certificates and your teen's previous permit showing the issuance date.
Key Things to Know
- Behind-the-wheel hours do not transfer. All 44 hours must be completed in Texas through a Texas driver education program, regardless of hours logged in another state.
- Out-of-state driving history counts. If you choose parent-taught driver ed, the instructor must hold a current Texas driver's license, but out-of-state driving history counts toward the 3-year experience requirement. You'll need an official driving record from your previous state. See course eligibility requirements.
- PTDE packet required for parent-taught only. $20 from TDLR, must be received before instruction begins. Not needed if you enroll with a driving school.
- Close to 18? If your teen turns 18 before the 6-month wait ends, they can apply for a license at 18 without waiting out the full holding period.
Next Steps
- Read the full out-of-state permit guide for document checklists and detailed scenarios
- Check your eligibility for parent-taught driver ed
- View pricing for our TDLR-approved online course ($60)
- Contact support if you have questions about your specific situation