Get Your Learner's Permit

Requirements

To apply for your learner permit at DPS, the student must be at least 15 years old and have passed the written exam in the online course. After passing, we issue your DE-964E certificate, which proves you completed 6 hours of classroom instruction and passed the written test. There is no written test at DPS for PTDE students — you already took it in our course.

The DPS application fee is $16, payable by cash, check, or card. A parent or legal guardian must accompany students under 18 and bring their own valid ID.

Documents to Bring

DPS is strict about documentation. If anything is missing or in the wrong format, they will send you home. Double-check everything before you leave the house.

Required documents

1. DE-964E certificate — printed from the course after you pass the written test. Print in color if it has a green background.
2. PTDE receipt number — this is your 452PT... number from when the parent instructor ordered the TDLR packet. It should be on your paperwork.
3. Proof of identity — original birth certificate or valid passport. Copies and photocopies are not accepted. Hospital birth certificates do not count; it must be issued by the state.
4. Social Security document — your Social Security card, a W-2, or an SSA-1099. The name must match your identity document exactly.
5. Two proofs of Texas residency — each from a different source, dated within the last 90 days. Examples: utility bill, bank statement, school enrollment records, insurance statement. A parent's documents work if the student lives at the same address.
6. VOE form (Verification of Enrollment) — required if the student is under 18 and does not have a high school diploma or GED. Get this from your school's registrar or counselor.
7. Parent/guardian with valid ID — required for all applicants under 18. The parent must be present for the entire visit.
8. $16 application fee — cash, check, or card accepted.

Scheduling Your DPS Appointment

Book your appointment online at the Texas DPS scheduler. Choose "Apply for first time Texas DL/Permit" as the service type. Appointments can book out 2–4 weeks at popular locations, so plan ahead.

Pro tip: Same-day appointment slots are released at 9:30 AM each morning. If you need an appointment soon, check the scheduler right at 9:30 and you can often snag a slot for that same day. Also try checking multiple DPS locations — smaller offices outside major cities tend to have earlier availability.

What to Expect at DPS

Arrive about 15 minutes early with all your documents organized. The whole process typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Here is what happens:

1. Check-in — present your appointment confirmation and documents at the front desk.
2. Document review — a DPS employee verifies all your paperwork and enters your information into the system. This is where missing documents will be caught.
3. Vision test — a quick eye exam. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. If you fail, you will need to get corrective lenses and return for another appointment.
4. Photo and thumbprint — your photo will be taken for the permit card.
5. Receive temporary permit — you will leave with a paper temporary permit that is valid immediately for driving practice. The official hard card arrives by mail in 2–3 weeks.

Learner Permit Rules

Your learner permit lets you drive, but with important restrictions. These are state laws — violating them can result in a ticket or permit suspension.

• Supervised at all times — a licensed adult age 21 or older must be seated in the front passenger seat whenever you drive. No exceptions.
• No phone use — no cell phone use at all while driving, not even hands-free. The only exception is calling 911 in an emergency.
• Permit valid until 18th birthday — your learner permit expires on your 18th birthday. Complete all requirements and upgrade to a provisional license before then.