Your Guide to Getting a Learner’s Permit in Texas
Want to drive in Texas? You’ll need a learner’s permit first which allows students to practice behind the wheel with a licensed adult until they’re ready for a driver’s license. This guide outlines the process for applying for a learner’s permit in Texas for teens and adults.
How to Get a Learner’s Permit in Texas
Step 1: Enroll in a Driver Education Course
To begin the process, students must be a minimum of 15 years of age and enroll in a Driver Education program. All Star offers two convenient online programs for teens to choose from, each with a different learning style:
Parent-Taught Driver Education:
In this course, students typically complete the first 6 hours of classroom instruction, get their learner’s permit, and then finish the course along with the driving portion. This method is more popular among older students that wish to fast track their way to getting their learner’s permit.
Learn more about Parent-Taught Driver Education here.
Teen Online Driver Education
This course utilizes a block method of learning. The student completes all 32 hours of classroom instruction, gets their learner’s permit, and then finishes the driving portion. This method is more popular for younger students.
Learn more about Online Teen Driver Education here.
Step 2: Pass the Written Knowledge Test
This 30-question exam covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 21 questions correctly (70%) to pass. All Star Driver Education programs allow you to take the practice test online, so you can avoid the hassle of taking it at the DPS.
For more information on this exam, check out our blog Your Guide to Taking the Texas Class C Exam Online.
Step 3: Gather Required Documentation
If you are a teen, you will need to go to the DPS and bring the following documents:
- Proof of Driver Education enrollment or a completion certificate
- A completed Application for Driver License form (DL-14A) with your parent or guardian’s signature
- Proof of identity
- Two forms of proof of Texas residency
- Proof that you are enrolled in high school (or equivalent) as well as proof of good attendance
- Your Social Security card
- Payment for the learner’s permit
If you are over 18, you will have to have already applied for a driver’s license and passed the class C exam. Please call your local DPS for more information on what documents you will need to bring.
Step 4: Visit the Texas Department of Public Safety
To obtain your learner’s permit in Texas, visit the Texas Department of Safety (DPS) by appointment. There, you’ll need to bring the required documentation, pass a vision test, have your picture taken, and pay the required fees.
For the most up-to-date information on what to expect during your visit, check out the Texas DPS website: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/how-apply-texas-driver-license-teen.
Step 5: Receive Your Learner’s Permit and Begin Practicing
Once the DPS approves your application, you’ll be issued your learner’s permit! This permit allows you to practice driving under the following restrictions:
- While driving, you must always have a licensed adult driver (21 years or older) in the passenger seat with you at all times.
- You must have the learner’s permit for 6 months before obtaining your driver’s license unless you turn 18 (your permit will expire on your 18th birthday.)
- You may not use any wireless device, even a hands-free one, while driving (unless in the event of an emergency.)
- If your learner’s permit is suspended, the 6 month period that you hold the permit will increase by the amount of days of the suspension.
Applying for a Texas Learner’s Permit When Over 18
Driver’s 18 – 24 Years of Age
If you are between ages 18-24, the process is similar to that of a teen. You must complete an approved Driver Education course and pass the DPS-Approved Permit Test. Upon completion, you may apply for a learners permit, or go straight to taking the road test. The DPS will allow you to take the road test without having a learner’ permit. You will be allowed to apply for your driver’s license after successfully completing the road test.
Driver’s Over 25 Years Old
If you are over 25, you do not need to take a Ddriver’s Eeducation course at all. However, we highly recommend that you complete a (Texas Adult course to become a safe driver. You will still have to take the permit test and the road test, but you are not required to take any prior courses.
Get Started with All Star Driver Education Today!
Getting your learner’s permit is one of the first steps to getting on the road! At All Star, we offer innovative online Adult and Teen Driver Education programs with an engaging, proprietary curriculum
For more information on our Texas courses, please visit https://www.allstardrivereducation.com/texas-driver-education-faq/.
