How to Get a Texas Learner Permit

Requirements

To apply for a learner permit at DPS, the student must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 15 years old
• Be enrolled in a TDLR-approved driver education course (parent-taught or driving school)
• Have a parent or legal guardian available to attend the DPS appointment

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

If you are enrolled in a driver education course (parent-taught or driving school), there is no written test at DPS. You take the written exam in your course instead. Your DE-964E certificate proves you passed it.

Documents to Bring

DPS is strict about documentation. If anything is missing or in the wrong format, they will turn you away and you will need to reschedule. Double-check everything before you leave the house.

Required documents

1. DE-964E certificate — printed in color (green). Do not sign until DPS tells you to. Your driver education provider makes this available after you pass the written test in the course.
2. PTDE receipt number — your 452PT... number from when the parent instructor ordered the TDLR packet. Only applies to parent-taught students.
3. DL-14A or DL-14B form — fill out at home, but leave the signature lines blank. Use DL-14A if the applicant is 17 years 10 months or older; DL-14B if younger.
4. Proof of identity — original birth certificate (state-issued, not hospital) or valid U.S. passport. Copies and photocopies are not accepted.
5. Social Security Number — DPS verifies your SSN electronically. No card is strictly required, but bring your Social Security card, W-2, or SSA-1099 as backup. The name must match your identity document exactly.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Parent or legal guardian with valid ID — required for all applicants under 18. The parent must be present for the entire visit. If the designated parent instructor is not the student's parent or legal guardian, both must attend, and bring the Instructor Designation Form.
9. $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 grab 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. Missing documents will be caught here.
3. Vision test — a quick eye exam (minimum 20/40 vision required). Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.
4. Photo and thumbprint — your photo will be taken for the permit card.
5. Pay the $16 fee — cash, check, or card accepted.
6. Receive temporary permit — you leave with a paper temporary permit that is valid immediately for supervised driving practice. The official hard card arrives by mail in 2–3 weeks.

Learner Permit Driving 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 cell phone use at all — no cell phone use while driving, not even hands-free. The only exception is calling 911 in an emergency.
• BTW instruction hours restricted — behind-the-wheel instruction sessions with your parent instructor may only be conducted between 5:00 AM and 11:00 PM.
• 6-month minimum hold time — you must hold the permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test for a provisional license.
• Permit valid until 18th birthday — the learner permit does not expire after a set number of years. It remains valid until you turn 18 or upgrade to a provisional license.
• Carry your permit — you must have your permit with you whenever you drive. Show it if asked by law enforcement.

After You Get Your Permit

Getting your permit is a major milestone, but there is still more to do before you can get your provisional license. Here are the steps ahead:

1. Complete your driver education course — finish all remaining online course lessons (24 hours of classroom instruction total).
2. Log behind-the-wheel hours — 44 total hours of supervised driving (7 hours instruction, 7 hours observation, 30 hours practice including 10 at night).
3. Hold your permit for 6 months — you cannot take the road test until 6 months have passed from your permit issue date.
4. Complete ITTD — the free Impact Texas Teen Drivers course. The certificate expires in 90 days, so complete it close to your road test date.
5. Pass the road test — once you are 16 or older and meet all requirements, schedule your driving test.