How to get a drivers license texas

Steps to getting your Texas Driver License

Texas DPS Related Articles

Ready to get your Texas drivers license? Here's what Texas adults need to know about the state's drivers license requirements.

In Texas, the requirements for getting your license vary depending on your age. Here are the steps you should follow if you're planning to get your Texas drivers license as an adult.

Step 1: Complete a Drivers Education Course

Texas takes the safety of its drivers very seriously. For that reason, it requires all new drivers license applicants between the ages of 18 and 24 to complete a drivers education course. Adult courses are available to help new drivers meet this mandate. Though new drivers over 25 are not required to complete a drivers education course, the state's Department of Public Safety (DPS) strongly recommends that they do so.

Step 2: Complete Your Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) Requirements

As of May 1, 2017, all new Texas drivers license applicants are required to complete the state's ITD program, which is designed to teach new drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. The ITD program, which was developed by the DPS, comes in two formats. The version you're required to take is determined by your age and your drivers education experience. Here's a breakdown:

• New drivers who are 25 or older are required to complete the Impact Texas Young Drivers (ITYD) course, which consists of a one-hour video that tells the stories of real-life Texans who have been impacted by distracted driving.
• New drivers who are between 18 and 24 and who have completed an adult drivers education course can also fulfill their ITD requirements by completed the aforementioned one-hour ITYD course.
• New drivers who are between 18 and 24 and who have completed a teen drivers education course are required to take the the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) course, which consists of a two-hour video on the subject of safe driving

Step 3: Study the Texas Drivers' Handbook

Before Texas adults can get their first drivers license, they must demonstrate that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to be a safe driver. To do this, they may be required to pass both written and practical driving exams. The best way to prepare for these exams is to take an adult drivers education course. In fact, Texas adults who have completed a drivers education course may be exempt from taking a written knowledge exam. Everyone, however, is tested on their road skills before they can get their license.

Beyond taking a drivers education course, one of the best ways to prepare for the written and road skills exams is studying the Texas Drivers' Handbook. It contains tons of information on everything from road signs and right-of-way rules to crash protocol and pedestrian safety. Much of this information will be on the exams.

Step 4: Schedule Your Appointment at a DPS Office

If you've finished a drivers education course, completed your ITD requirements and studied the Texas Drivers' Handbook, then you're likely ready to schedule your testing appointment at a DPS office. When you go in for your appointment, you must bring all the required documentation. Here's the complete list of what you'll need:

• Documents verifying your identity, social security number, legal status and Texas residency
• A completed Texas drivers license application form
• Either a statement indicating that you don't own a motor vehicle or proof of your vehicle's Texas registration
• Your ITD certificate of completion
• A certificate of completion from your drivers education course if you are under the age of 25
• A form of payment to cover your license fee

Once your documents are approved, you'll be ready to take your required exams. Good luck!

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How to get a driver's license in Texas at 18-years-old?

Applying for a New Texas Drivers LicenseGetting a drivers license in Texas is easier than you think. Whether you're a teen driver, a new resident, or an adult looking to get your first license, we've outlined all the Texas driver's license requirements you need to get on the road in the Lone Star state. If you have any questions about how to get a drivers license in Texas at 18 - contact us today!

Making an appointment to apply for a drivers license at the Texas DPS comes with a full range of expectations. All new drivers in Texas are required to complete the following:

• Pass a written exam
• Pass a behind-the-wheel test
• Pass a vision exam
• Provide proof of identity
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or residency
• Supply valid vehicle registration
• Show proof of valid and adequate auto insurance
• Submit a completed drivers license application
• Pay the drivers license fee
• Agree to submit a thumb print and have your photograph taken

Drivers over the age of 25 are only expected to meet the requirements above. While an adult drivers ed course is a good idea, it's not a requirement.

Drivers Age 17 and Under

Apart from those listed above, Texas teens have a few additional requirements to fulfill before they apply for a new drivers license.

Teen drivers between the ages of 15-17 are required to complete a state-approved teen drivers education course. You must complete 32 hours of driver education, although that can be done online or in a classroom setting.

What do I need to get my license?

Completing a drivers ed course is just one step toward getting your license. Texas teens are also required to obtain a learners permit and practice driving with a licensed adult. To earn your learners permit, you must:

• Sign up for and complete the first 2 chapters of your drivers ed course
• Pass a drivers permit exam at the DPS

Once you've passed your permit exam, you can start your behind-the-wheel training. A teen's parent can apply to act as a drivers ed instructor (for parent-taught drivers ed) and help new drivers fulfill their driving practice requirement. Your behind-the-wheel driving requirement includes:

• 7 hours of driving practice with an approved instructor or parent-instructor
• 7 hours of practice with a licensed adult over the age of 21
• 30 hours of logged driving practice including 10 hours at night

Once you've completed the requirements above and passed your 16th birthday, you can go to the DPS. Be sure to bring the following:

• Your completion certificate from your drivers ed course
• Your drivers training log indicating you've fulfilled the required behind-the-wheel practice
• A "Verification of Enrollment and Attendance" form (CDD-104) from your school, or an official letter from a school administrator indicating you are currently enrolled

Drivers Ages 18-24

Can I get my license at 18 without a permit in Texas? If you think you're off the hook once you turn 18, think again. Until age 25, new drivers in Texas are required to take a drivers education course. What are the Texas driver's license requirements for 18 year olds?

• Complete a 6-hour adult drivers ed course
• Pass the final exam (which fulfills the drivers license written test)
• Present your certificate of completion to the DPS when you go to take your driving test

* $5.95 State Certificate & Handling Fee

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires every school to purchase state-issued certificate numbers. The TDLR also requires specific security features on each document so they can be validated by the Department of Public Safety when you apply for your instructional permit or license at a Driver License Office.

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