Get your first driver's license in Texas

By · checked

A first-time Texas driver applies by appointment at a DPS driver license office, passes the knowledge and driving tests and completes the Impact Texas Drivers video; teens take driver education, hold a learner license six months and then get a provisional license.

Your situation

How old are you?
Online or in person
No, apply in person · By appointmentAppointments are booked online. DPS says an online application step before scheduling is coming soon. Virtual issuance is for customers who already have a REAL ID-compliant record on file. DPS offers in-office driver license services by appointment only. The driving test can be taken at the DPS office or with a Third Party provider.
Cost
$33 licenseDPS fee page: Class C driver license, age 18 to 84, new, $33 for eight years. Fees include a $1 administrative fee. The driving test fee amount is not on the pages we read.
You leave with
Driver licenseTexas Class C driver license, valid eight years.

Your plan

  1. Gather your documents

    • Show accepted documents
      • Form DL-14B (Teens.)
      • Form DL-14A (Adults.)
    • Show accepted documents
      • Proof of insurance for each vehicle you own
      • A statement that you do not own a vehicle
    • Show accepted documents
      • Proof of current liability insurance (You cannot be listed as an excluded driver.)
      • Current registration sticker and two license plates

  2. Watch the Impact Texas Drivers video

    Teens take the 2-hour ITTD video, adults the 1-hour ITAD video. The certificate must be dated within 90 days of the driving test.

    Impact Texas Drivers ↗

  3. Take a free practice test

    Before the knowledge test, try our Texas Permit Practice Test: 30 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

    Start the Texas practice test

  4. Pass the knowledge and driving tests

    Book an appointment at a driver license office. Pass the written knowledge test and the driving skills test at the DPS office or with an approved Third Party provider. For the driving test, bring your learner license or a license with a B restriction.

    How to Apply for a Texas Driver License ↗

  5. Get your license

    Pay the application fee. If you hold a Texas ID card, you surrender it.

Common reasons people get turned away

  • Arriving without an appointment: DPS offers in-office driver license services by appointment only.
  • A teen without a parent or guardian, a notarized parent-signed application or waiver evidence.
  • A VOE form older than 30 days (90 in summer).
  • An ITD certificate dated more than 90 days before the driving test.
  • A test vehicle that fails inspection, such as doors that won't open, or with no current registration sticker, two plates or insurance.
  • Applying for the provisional license before holding the learner license six months; a suspension extends that period.

Offices for permits, tests and first licenses

Book an appointment at a DPS driver license office to apply and take the knowledge test. The driving test is given at the DPS office or by an approved Third Party provider, such as a driver education school. Agency source.

568 offices where you can apply for a permit or first licenseSee them on a map, search by county or show the ones open now

Largest cities with them: Houston (62) · San Antonio (12) · Dallas (9) · Fort Worth (8) · Austin (13) · El Paso (13) · Arlington (5) · Corpus Christi (5)

1 more office where you may be able to apply for a permit or first license

Neither the office's service list nor the agency says these offices issue first driver's license. Call the office before you go.

Results show offices where you can apply for a permit or first license or may be able to, nearest first, each labelled.

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Sources · checked November 4, 2026

We wrote this plan ourselves from the official pages above on the date shown. Agencies change rules without notice: the official page always wins. DMV Decoded is independent and not a government agency; we don't book appointments or take payments.