Online Adult Driver's Ed for $49.00

Getting your license starts with Texas Adult Driver’s Ed. This TDLR (formerly the TEA) approved online course eliminates the need to take the written test at the DPS.

Texas driver license or Texas identification card not expired more than 2 years (proof of citizenship will be required if not previously established) Unexpired U.S. Passport book or card U.S. Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization with identifiable photograph (N-560, N-561, N-645, N-550, N-55G, N-570 or N-578).

• Approved by the Texas DPS for Driver’s Ed
• DPS written knowledge exam is included
• Convenient 24/7 access on all device types
• Certificate of completion emailed within 2 hours

Apply for a New Driver's License in Texas

If you're looking to drive legally in Texas, you need to obtain your driver's license right away.

Whether you're a new resident, a first-time driver, or a non-citizen, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) makes it simple to obtain your new license.

New to Texas?

Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

If you're new to Texas, you have 90 days from the time you moved to the state to obtain your Texas driver's license. After that, your out-of-state or out-of-country license will no longer be valid for use in TX.

In order to apply for a license as a new resident, you'll take the same steps as those outlined in “Apply for Your TX Driver's License' below, EXCEPT you will not have to take the knowledge or road tests IF:

• Your driver's license is valid and unexpired.
• Your license is from another U.S. state or territory, OR it's from France, South Korea, Taiwan or Germany.

If your license is from a country other than those listed above, you must take both the written and driving tests.

NOTE: If you have a valid learner license from one of the countries listed above and wish to upgrade to a license in Texas, you'll be required to take the road test but not the knowledge test.

New Military Residents

If you've just moved to TX and you are either active in or recently discharged from the military and your driver's license is expired, you might be able to skip the knowledge and driving tests IF:

• You present a valid military ID card.
• You present proof that your previous state that issued your license has a policy that lets military members drive with expired licenses.
  • Contact your previous state to see which documents will suffice.

Types of Texas Driver's Licenses

Texas offers the following full, non-commercial license types:

• Class C:
  • The Class C license allows you to drive regular, noncommercial passenger cars and trucks weighing less than 26,001 lbs.
• Noncommercial Class A:
  • The Noncommercial Class A license covers vehicles over 26,001 lbs. with towed vehicles weighing more than 10,000 lbs.
• Noncommercial Class B:
  • You can drive a single vehicle with a gross weight of 26,001 lbs. or more. You can also tow a vehicle under 10,000 lbs. or a farm trailer less than 20,000 lbs. This license also authorizes you to drive a bus seating 24 passengers or more.

If you're interested in applying for another type of license, check out the following pages:

• Teen Drivers
  
  • Covers licensing requirements for teen drivers, including Driver's Ed, permit, and testing requirements.
• Motorcycles
  
  • Learn how to add a motorcycle endorsement onto your license.
• Commercial Vehicles
  
  • Find out how to get your Class A, B, and C commercial driver license (CDL), as well as how to add endorsements.

Apply for Your New Texas Driver's License

Texas does not require drivers 18 years old and over to have a learner license prior to applying; however, if you are getting your license for the first time, you'll need to have a learner license to practice for your driving test. To learn all about getting a Texas learner's permit, please visit our Driver Permits in TX page.

Once you're ready to apply for your new driver's license, visit your local driver license office and:

• Submit a completed Application for Texas Driver License or ID Card (Form DL-14A).
• Present appropriate proof of ID. The TX DPS provides a full list of accepted documents, but expect to bring:
  • Proof of identity, which could include:
    • 1 primary document (e.g. passport, military ID, etc.).
      OR
      
    • 2 secondary documents (e.g. birth certificate, Certificate of Birth Abroad, etc.).
      OR
      
    • 1 secondary document AND 2 supporting documents (e.g. Social Security card, voter registration card, 1099, etc.).
  • Proof of Social Security number(e.g., Social Security card, W-2 or 1099)*.
  • Proof of lawful presence in the U.S. (e.g., birth certificate, I-94).
  • Proof of residency(2 documents) (e.g., current mortgage statement, medical card, etc.)*.
  *Note. Texas requires very specific documentation to prove identity, social security number and residency. Please check the state approved documents list to make sure you have the correct supporting documents.
• If you are a new resident, present proof of TX vehicle registration.
• Present proof of auto insurance for each vehicle you own OR an affidavit that you don't own a vehicle.
• Surrender your out-of-state or out-of-country license (if applicable).
• Present a certificate completion from a driver education course, if you are between 18 through 24 years old.
  • See “Driver Education Requirements' below if you are between 18 through 24 years old.
  • Proof of completion exempts you from taking the knowledge test.
  • This is NOT required for new residents transferring a valid, unexpired license from another state or country.
• Pass the knowledge exam and driving test (unless you're exempt).*
• Pay the $25 new driver's license fee.
  • Applicants 85 years old and over pay a $9 driver's license fee.
  • Disabled veterans may be able to waive the fee. (See “Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans' below.)

Once you've met all of the above requirements, you'll be issued a receipt which you can use to drive legally until your new license arrives. Your permanent Texas drivers license will be mailed to you within 3 weeks.

Your license expires 6 years after the issue date on your birthday.

* If you do not pass the knowledge and driving test on your first try, the driver license office will hold your application for 90 days, and you'll have 3 chances to pass the tests. If you do not pass the tests, you'll need to begin the driver's license application process over and pay a new fee.

Ace Your Exam on the First Try!

Don't leave your permit test to chance—take our free permit practice test with questions directly from the TX driver handbook. It's the fastest, easiest way to set yourself up for success!

NOTE: You may be able to schedule your appointment and/or driving test online; however, this option is not available for all offices. Check the Texas DPS online scheduling page to see if this is an option for your local office.

Driver Education Requirements

If you are applying for a first-time license in Texas and you're between 18 through 24 years old, you're required to take an adult driver education courseAND participate in the Impact Texas Young Drivers (ITYD) program.

You have different options to take adultdriver education training.
The course is 6 hours and can be taken in a classroom or online. At the completion of the course you will be given a certificate of completion.

The Impact Texas Young Drivers (ITYD) program contains a 1 hour video broken up into 4 modules that you can view at your own pace. The ITYD program is offered for free by the Department of Public Safety.

For more information about the ITYD program, take a look at the Department of Public Safety's information page.

Military Veterans and Texas Driver's Licenses

If you are a veteran, you may qualify for a fee exemption (if disabled) and may be able to add a veteran designation to your new license.

Fee Exemption

If you are a disabled veteran, the Texas DPS will waive your driver's license feeIF:

• You were honorably discharged from the military.
• You are at least 60% disabled due to military service.
• You are provided compensation from the U.S. due to your disability.

If you meet the above qualifications, you can get your fee waived by presenting one of the follow documents at the time of application to confirm your disability status:

• A signed letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that confirms your disability status.
  OR
  
• Official documentation that proving the conditions above.*

*If you get disability compensation but you don't have a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, you'll need to provide verification of your disability by your military branch.

Veteran Designation

You are eligible to get a veteran designation on your new Texas driver's license if you are a veteran who has been honorably discharged from one of the following U.S. military branches:

• Army.
• Air Force.
• Navy.
• Coast Guard.
• Marine Corps.
• TX National Guard.

To get the designation, present ONE of the following documents at your local driver license office:

• DD-214.
• DD-215.
• NGB-22.
• Letter from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs verifying your disability.

Non-Citizens and Texas Driver's Licenses

As a non-citizen, you will apply for a license in the same way as a U.S. citizen (see “Apply for Your TX Driver's License' above). However, you must prove lawful presence in the U.S. in order to obtain a driver license, and accepted documents vary based on your status.

The Texas DPS provides a full list of accepted documentation for you to check ahead of time to make sure you bring the right document(s).

You'll be issued a limited-term driver license if you are NOT one of the following:

• U.S. citizen.
• U.S. national.
• Lawful permanent resident.
• Refugee.
• Asylee.

Limited-term licenses lapse on the DHS-determined expiration date of your lawful presence.

Forms

DL-14A

This form is provided by your state's agency/department.

Please select one of the below to continue:

Email the link to this form

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Getting your license (or permit) should be a joyous occasion marked by shouts of glee and a multitude of license selfies. After all, you’re about to earn the freedom to drive!

However, the fear of what to bring can damper any occasion. No worries! The what-to-bring permit and license checklists in this post are Texas Department of Public Safety worry-busters.

Two quick notes to keep in mind:

Documents Needed For Texas Driving License

1. Texas has different laws and requirements for new drivers under the age of 18.
2. The Texas Parent Taught Drivers Ed Program (one of the Texas drivers ed programs) has some extra forms to bring (logs to track classroom and driving time)

Texas Parent Taught Drivers Ed (PTDE)

Six hours with this course and you could be in the driver’s seat! Includes Texas DPS written exam, a parent account, and behind-the-wheel training tools.

Texas Instructor Taught Drivers Ed

Get your Texas driving permit quicklywith this course. Course includes your Texas DPS written exam and gives you the option to choose your behind-the-wheel provider.

Texas Adult Drivers Ed

Pass the course and skip the DPS written test with adult drivers ed. In just six hours you could be hitting the road, Aceable style.

Texas DPS Checklists

Teens (Age 15-17) Applying for Permit

You must be at least 15 years old to get your Texas Permit. Check out this helpful video below:

Here are the essentials to bring with you to the Texas Department of Public Safety:

1. Forms From Aceable:

• DE-964 License Certificate (we email this to you)
• Aceable Classroom Instruction Log (only the first six hours for Level 1 shown if going by the Concurrent Method, OR all 32 hours of Levels 1-12 shown if going by the Block Method)

2. Forms From the PTDE Program Guide Packet from Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR):

• PTDE Program Guide Receipt Page - it's just the first page of your program guide from TDLR

If you don't have your PTDE packet, you can request onehere. If you started the course before receiving the packet, follow these steps:

1. Make sure you have an eligible parent instructor before ordering the packet.
2. Order the packet ASAP from the TDLR.
3. When you receive the packet, hang on to it for three days.
4. After three days, let us know by emailing us at to update your certificate date.

Check out this video and handy guide to learn about filling out your packet forms!

3. At DPS:

• $16 Learner License Fee (cash, credit, check, or money order)
• Application for Driver License or Identification Card
• Vision Exam

4. Others:

• Your Parent Instructor
• Parent Taught Driver Education Instructor Designation Form: you only need to print, complete this form, and bring it with you to the DPS if your parent/legal guardian is not an eligible instructor and designates another individual instead. This form is not applicable if your instructor meets the regular requirements. (Read more about instructor eligibility.)
• Proof of Texas residency (Parent Instructor must bring two forms of proof): deed, mortgage statement, valid and unexpired Texas voter registration card, utility bills, etc.
• Proof of identity and lawful US presence or citizenship: valid US passport, birth certificate, or US certificate of citizenship or naturalization
• Verification of Enrollment (VOE): This paperwork proves that you are currently attending school and your grades and attendance are in good standing. You need to fill it out and get it signed by somebody at your school’s administrative office.* If you are not in high school but are getting your GED instead, you'll need to bring the form to your GED program's office and get them to sign as the administrator.

Some schools require a waiting period between when you request the VOE and when they’ll actually issue it to you (usually 24 hours). Therefore, it’s a good idea to request the VOE from your school ahead of time (we recommend at least 3-7 days before you head to the DPS).

Documents Required For Texas Drivers License For International Students

If you get your VOE during the last week of the school year, it is good until the start of the fall semester.

During the summer, you can head to your school district’s administrative office and have them sign your VOE form.

If you are home-schooled, Write “Home School” or the name of your home school on the top left corner of the form and your county on the top right corner of the form.*

• Check the first box, indicating your student is enrolled in a home school.
• Type or print the student’s name.
• Type or print one parent’s name and phone number in Administrator/Designee section.
• Both the student and the parent must sign and date the form.

Teens (Age 16-17) Applying for a License

The paperwork you’ll need to bring to the DPS to get your license is a lot of the same stuff you brought when you were getting your permit. Just keep all of these items together in a folder or envelope.

You must have held your permit for at least six months and be at least 16 years old to get your Texas license. Here are the essentials to bring with you:

1. Forms From Aceable:

• DE-964 License Certificate (we email this to you)
• Aceable Classroom Instruction Log (all 32 hours of Levels 1-12 shown)
• Aceable In-Car Observation and Behind The Wheel Instruction Log (14 hours of driving done with the parent instructor)
• Aceable Behind The Wheel Practice Log (30 hours of driving done with any licensed adult 21 years old or older)

2. Forms From the PTDE Program Guide Packet from Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR):

• PTDE Program Guide Receipt Page - it's just the first page of your program guide from TDLR

*Check out this handy guide for filling out your forms!

3. At DPS:

• $11 Provisional License Fee (cash, credit, check, or money order)
• Application for Driver License or Identification Card
• Driving Exam (Click here for tips on preparing for your driving exam)

4. Others:

• Your Parent Instructor
• Your permit (must be held for at least 6 months)
• ITTD program certificate of completion (expires after 90 days)
• Proof of insurance - Your name does not need to be on the car insurance
• Current registration and inspection sticker
• Two license plates (front and back)
• Verification of Enrollment (VOE): This paperwork proves that you are currently attending school and your grades and attendance are in good standing. You need to fill it out and get it signed by somebody at your school’s administrative office.* If you are not in high school but are getting your GED instead, you'll need to bring the form to your GED program's office and get them to sign as the administrator.

Some schools require a waiting period between when you request the VOE and when they’ll actually issue it to you (usually 24 hours). Therefore, it’s a good idea to request the VOE from your school ahead of time (we recommend at least 3-7 days before you head to the DPS).

If you get your VOE during the last week of the school year, it is good until the start of the fall semester.

During the summer, you can head to your school district’s administrative office and have them sign your VOE form.

If you are home-schooled, Write “Home School” or the name of your home school on the top left corner of the form and your county on the top right corner of the form.

• Check the first box, indicating your student is enrolled in a home school.
• Type or print the student’s name.
• Type or print one parent’s name and phone number in Administrator/Designee section.
• Both the student and the parent must sign and date the form.

Your Driving Exam

We recommend that you make an appointment at your DPS to take your driving exam. Most DPS offices allow you to schedule a driving exam online, which is smart considering that some offices may be booked months in advance, especially during high-volume seasons like the summer and during spring break. You should schedule your driving exam as far in advance as possible.

Click here to view DPS offices near you and schedule a driving exam. When it asks for your Texas Driver License number, you can enter your Texas ID number or permit number. This is required in order for you to confirm your appointment.

If online scheduling is available, the office listing will include a link to “Schedule a driving test online” or “Get in line online.” If your local DPS does not offer this service, it could be a long wait, so you should call them.

If you fail the driving test, you are given three attempts to pass within 90 days before a new $16 fee is charged. You can go back to the DPS as early as the next day to retake the exam.

Adult (18+) Applying for a Permit

Note: Driving permits are OPTIONAL for new drivers age 18 and older in Texas. You can choose to skip straight to the driving exam and apply for your regular driver license. But if you’d prefer to practice driving before taking your driving exam, you can get a permit first. Getting a permit is a great way to work on your skills under the supervision of a licensed driver (age 21 or older) before you take the driving test. If you’re 18-24 years old, you will apply for a Texas permit. If you’re 25 or older, you will apply for a License with B-Restriction, which is basically just a different name for a permit. The application items you’ll need are the same for both permit types.

• DL-14A: Application for Driver License or Identification Card (Sometimes called the Driver License application)
• Proof of identity and lawful US presence or citizenship: valid US passport OR your official birth certificate, social security card, and Texas ID card. Click the link for more examples.
• Your social security card: If you can’t find the original hardcopy card, you’ll need to order a new one. If you haven’t been issued a Social Security Number (SSN), you’ll need to fill out the Social Security Affidavit at the DPS office.
• Proof of Texas residency (bring two): deed, mortgage statement, valid and unexpired Texas voter registration card, utility bills, etc.
• Marriage license, divorce decree, or court ordered name change: Only if you’re using a name other than what’s on your birth certificate
• Proof of Texas vehicle registration and financial responsibility for each vehicle that you own (ex: car insurance) OR a statement saying that you do not own a motor vehicle (items 15 and 16 in the DL-14A form) – Your name does not need to be on the car insurance
• Certificate of Completion from Aceable: We email this to you. Your certificate will have a ‘P’ showing that you’ve already passed the written knowledge test in our course and don’t have to take it again at the DPS.
• $25 Driver License Fee

Adult (18+) Applying for a License

You’re an adult who’s about to get more adult-y with a shiny new driver license! Here are the essentials to bring with you to the DPS:

• DL-14A: Application for Driver License or Identification Card
• Proof of identity and lawful US presence or citizenship: valid US passport OR your official birth certificate, social security card, and Texas ID card. Click the link for more examples.
• Your social security card: If you can’t find the original hardcopy card, you’ll need to order a new one. If you haven’t been issued a Social Security Number (SSN), you’ll need to fill out the Social Security Affidavit at the DPS office.
• Proof of Texas residency (bring two): deed, mortgage statement, valid and unexpired Texas voter registration card, utility bills, etc.
• Marriage license, divorce decree, or court ordered name change: Only if you’re using a name other than what’s on your birth certificate
• Proof of Texas vehicle registration and financial responsibility for each vehicle that you own (ex: car insurance) OR a statement saying that you do not own a motor vehicle (items 15 and 16 in the DL-14A form) – Your name does not need to be on the car insurance
• Certificate of Completion from Aceable: We email this to you. Your certificate will have a ‘P’ showing that you’ve already passed the written knowledge test in our course and don’t have to take it again at the DPS.
• $25 Driver License Fee

Bonus DPS Tips

It’s a good idea to make an appointment at your DPS to take your driving exam. Most DPS offices allow you to schedule a driving exam online, which is smart considering that some DPS offices may be booked months in advance for driving exams. You can look at multiple DPS locations nearest you to find the earliest date and time possible for you.

At the DPS, you’ll need to pass the vision and/or driving exams. Click here for tips on preparing for your driving exam.

Find DPS offices near you and schedule a driving exam. When it asks for your Texas Driver License number, you can enter your Texas ID number or permit number, if you have one. This is required in order to confirm your appointment.

If online scheduling is available, the office listing will include a link to “Schedule a driving test online” or “Get in line online.” If your local DPS does not offer this service, it could be a long wait, so you should call them and see if you can schedule a driving exam over the phone.

Verification of Enrollment: Some schools require a waiting period between when you request the VOE and when they’ll actually issue it to you (usually 24 hours). So it’s a good idea to request the VOE from your school ahead of time (we recommend at least 3-7 days before you head to the DPS). If you get your VOE during the last week of the school year, it is good until the start of the fall semester. During the summer, you can head to your school district’s administrative office and have them sign your VOE form. If you are home-schooled, your parent must complete the form according to its directions. If you are not in high school but are getting your GED instead, you’ll need to bring the VOE form to your GED program’s office and get them to sign as the administrator.

If you fail the driving test, you are given three attempts to pass within 90 days before a new fee is charged. You can go back to the DPS as early as the next day to retake the exam. Best of luck!