Texas Drivers License Application
Applying for a drivers license in any state may be a confusing and overwhelming experience, especially if you have never been licensed before. Applying for a Texas drivers license is even more confusing now, since some of the licensing regulations have been recently changed, but the official drivers handbook still displays outdated information. If you are using official sources of information when researching the process of applying for a drivers license in Texas, make sure you read the DPS website as it gets updated more frequently than the handbook. You can also call the DPS directly and they will instruct you how you can apply for a Texas driving license.
Due to the fact that the application procedure largely depends on the age of the applicant, we've broken the instruction into three separate sections, you can just pick your age and go straight to the licensing instructions that apply to you.
Texas Driver's License - Under 18 Years of Age
If you are under 18 years of age, you will need to comply with the Texas graduated driver's license program. The program was developed in response to high crash rates among teen drivers and it features a number of addition requirements and restrictions that concern only drivers under the age of 18 years.
Applying for a Texas driver's license start by enrolling in a Texas driver's education course. You usually have a choice between taking the course at your high school, a local driving school or completing one the Texas parent taught drivers ed classes online. Keep in mind that you do not need to complete the whole course at this point, you just need to sign up and take at least six hours of lessons.
Once done with the first six hours of lessons, you can visit your local DPS office and apply for a Texas learners permit. The application procedure will include taking a Texas permit test that covers the state driving rules, road signs and safe driving practices. You can take a Texas drivers practice test to see if you are prepared for the real thing.
Once you pass the permit test and are issued with a Texas drivers permit, you can start your behind the wheel practice with parents. Please note that you cannot drive alone at this stage and must have another drivers with a valid Texas driver's license seated next to you at all times while driving. There are also other Texas permit restrictions for your to observe.
You must hold your Texas learners permit for at least six months before you can apply for a Texas drivers license. During this period, you have to complete the drivers education course you have signed up for. If you are convicted of a moving violation, the permit holding period is restarted and you have to wait another six months before you can take a Texas driver's license test.
Taking the drivers test is the final step for those applying for a Texas drivers license. The test will assess how well you are able to control a vehicle and whether it is safe to let you drive alone on public roads. Once you complete the test, you are issued with a provisional drivers license that still comes with certain driver's license restrictions (make sure to check these restrictions in the official drivers handbook). Provisional driver's license restrictions will be removed once you turn 18.
Texas Drivers License - 18 to 24 Years of Age
If you are between 18 and 24 years of age, applying for a Texas drivers license start by taking a drivers education course. However, you need to take a Texas six hour drivers ed class, it is different from the one taken by teen drivers, so make sure you sign up for the right thing. The class must be fully completed and you need to obtain a certificate of completion before you can visit the DPS and apply for a Texas drivers permit.
At the DPS, you will be required to take a Texas drivers permit test. If you feel that the drivers education course that you isn't enough for passing the test, you can read the official Texas drivers license handbook and take some drivers license practice tests that will help you learn the wording used by the DPS.
Once you pass the exam, you can start practicing driving, provided there is another driver at least 21 years of age who holds a valid Texas driver's license seated next to you. You cannot drive alone under any circumstances. There is no minimum holding period for your permit and you can take a drivers license test and get your drivers license as soon as you feel confident enough behind the wheel.
Texas Drivers License - 25 Years of Age and Older
If you are at least 25 years old, you do not have to take any classes prior to applying for a drivers license. However, this does not mean to that you cannot take a drivers education course, there is no law that would stop you from doing so.
You will have to start by applying for a Texas drivers permit first. The DPS requires you to take a learners permit test before you can be issue with a permit. The test covers the state driving rules and road signs and you can learn these rules by reading the drivers license book. Texas drivers license practice tests won't hurt either, especially considering the fact that you can obtain them free of charge.
Once you pass the test and receive your drivers permit, you can get behind the wheel and start practicing driving. You should remember that your permit does not grant you full driving privileges and you must have another licensed driver supervise you at all times. The supervising driver must be at least 21 years of age and be seated next to you, being prepared to take control of the vehicle should anything happen. Once you gain enough driving experience, you can schedule your Texas road test and receive a full unrestricted Texas driving license.
