The Lone Star Roadmap: Your 2025 Step-by-Step Guide to a Texas Driver's License

Getting a driver's license in the great state of Texas is a journey toward freedom and independence. To ensure every new driver is safe, knowledgeable, and responsible, Texas has a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for teens, which systematically introduces driving privileges. [9, 31] For adults, the path is more direct but still requires careful attention to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requirements.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, whether you're a teen embarking on the GDL journey or an adult getting licensed for the first time in the Lone Star State.

For Teen Drivers (Ages 15-17): The Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program

The Texas GDL program is a three-phase process designed to help young drivers gain skills and experience in lower-risk settings before earning full driving privileges. [15]

Phase 1: The Learner License

This is your official entry into the world of driving, allowing you to legally operate a vehicle with a licensed adult.

Eligibility and First Steps:

• Age: You must be between 15 and 17 years old. [6, 12]
• Driver Education: You must be enrolled in and have completed the first six hours of a state-approved driver education course. [6, 20] This can be a traditional in-person class, a parent-taught course, or an online course.
• School Attendance: You must provide a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form from your high school, or proof of a high school diploma or GED. [12]

How to Apply:

1. Gather Your Documents: Before heading to the DPS office, you need:
   • A completed Application for Driver License or Identification Card (DL-14A), signed by a parent or guardian. [12, 19]
   • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or lawful presence. [19]
   • Proof of Texas residency (two documents). [19]
   • Proof of identity. [19]
   • Your Social Security card. [19]
   • Your Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964). [19]
2. Pass the Tests: At the DPS, you will need to pass:
   • A vision exam.
   • The written knowledge test, which covers traffic laws and road signs. (Many driver education courses administer this test as part of the curriculum, allowing you to skip it at the DPS).

Once you pass and pay the fee, you will receive your Learner License.

Learner License Rules:

• Supervised Driving: You must always drive with a licensed adult who is 21 years or older in the front passenger seat. [5, 6]
• No Wireless Devices: All use of cell phones, including hands-free, is prohibited, except in an emergency. [6]
• Holding Period: You must hold this license for at least six months before you can move to the next phase. [6, 9]

Phase 2: The Provisional License

This is the next level of freedom, allowing you to drive alone but with some critical restrictions.

Eligibility:

• Age: You must be 16 or 17 years old. [6]
• Permit Duration: You must have held your Learner License for at least six months. [6, 15]
• Driver Education: You must have completed the full 32 hours of classroom instruction and 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training from your driver's ed course. [24]
• Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) Program: You must complete this free, two-hour video course on the dangers of distracted driving no more than 90 days before your road test. [12, 32]

How to Apply:

1. Schedule Your Road Test: You must make an appointment for your driving test online through the DPS website.
2. Pass the Road Test: This is the practical, behind-the-wheel exam where you will be tested on skills like parallel parking and obeying traffic laws.
3. Get Your License: Upon passing the test and paying the fee, you will be issued your Provisional License.

Provisional License Restrictions:

• Curfew: You may not drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m., with limited exceptions for work, school, or emergencies. [6, 7]
• Passenger Limit: You may not drive with more than one passenger under the age of 21 who is not a family member. [6, 7]
• No Wireless Devices: The ban on cell phone use continues. [7]

Phase 3: The Full Unrestricted License

At age 18, your provisional license expires, and you are eligible to apply for a standard adult driver's license. [31] The GDL restrictions are lifted.

For Adult Drivers (Ages 18+)

The process is more streamlined for new drivers who are 18 or older.

For Ages 18-24:

1. Driver Education: You must complete a 6-hour adult driver education course. [2, 4]
2. Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) Program: You must complete this free, one-hour distracted driving course. [2]
3. Apply at DPS: Visit a DPS office with your certificates and all required identity and residency documents. [4]
4. Pass Tests: You must pass the vision exam and the knowledge test (unless waived by your driver ed course). [2]
5. Road Test: Schedule and pass your driving test. [2]

For Ages 25 and Older:

1. Driver Education (Optional): While not mandatory, a 6-hour adult driver ed course is highly recommended to prepare for the knowledge test. [2, 4]
2. Impact Program (Optional): The ITAD program is also not required but is strongly encouraged.
3. Apply at DPS: Visit a DPS office with all required identity and residency documents.
4. Pass Tests: You must pass the vision exam, the knowledge test, and the driving test. [4]

By following these steps and preparing for each stage, you'll be well on your way to safely and legally navigating the roads of Texas.