How Do I Get My Learner’s Permit in Texas?

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Before you can obtain your driver’s license in Texas, you must get a learner’s permit. A learner’s permit will allow you to practice with an adult before you can go on to get your license. Before getting your learner’s permit, you must take a driver’s ed course and pass the Class C exam. Both our Texas Teen Online and Texas Parent Taught courses offer this test which is the equivalent of the permit test you would take at the DPS (department of public safety.) Passing this test grants you a certificate to apply for a learner’s permit.

What are the requirements to apply for a Texas learner’s permit?

If the student is between 15 and 17 years of age, they can use one of two methods to gain their learner’s permit:

• The concurrent method: The student completes the first 6 hours of classroom instruction, gets their learner’s permit, and then finishes 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. Our Parent Taught class offers this method.
• The block method: This is the style of classes we offer. 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. Our Teen Online class offers this method.

Do I need a learner’s permit if I’m over 18?

If you are between ages 18-24, the process is similar to that of a teen. You must complete an approved driver’s education course and take the class C exam. Upon completion, you may apply for a learner’s permit, or go straight go taking the road test. The DPS will allow you to take the test without having a learner’s permit. You will be scheduled for a road test and allowed to apply for your driver’s license after successfully completing the road test.

If you are over 25, you do not need to take a driver’s ed course at all. However, we highly recommend that you do (Texas Adult). You will still have to take the permit test and the road test, but you are not required to take any prior courses. 

What are the restrictions when I have my Texas learner’s permit?

• 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.

What do I need to bring to the DPS?

If you are a teen, you will need to go to the DPS and bring the following documents: 

• Proof of drivers ed 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.

Getting your learner’s permit is one of the first steps to getting on the road!

For more information on our Texas courses, please visit https://www.allstardrivereducation.com/texas-driver-education-faq/.