Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Texas Learner’s Permit

Getting your Texas learner’s permit is an exciting first step toward becoming a licensed driver. Whether you’re a teenager preparing for your first taste of freedom or a parent helping your child navigate the process, this guide is here to walk you through every detail—from eligibility and paperwork to practice tests and what happens after you pass.

This step-by-step guide is beginner-friendly and packed with resources, links, and study tools to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.

📺 Want to study smarter? Check out our YouTube channel for free video walkthroughs and practice test tutorials.

📝 Take the Free Texas Permit Practice Test Here

🔗 Important Links Before You Start

🟢 Step 1: Check If You’re Eligible

To apply for a Texas learner’s permit (also called a learner license), you must:

Be at least 15 years old
Be enrolled in or have completed a Texas-approved driver education course
Have a parent or guardian’s permission (if under 18)
Reside in Texas

📌 Note: If you’re under 18, you’ll go through the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program.

📘 Step 2: Enroll in a Driver’s Education Course

If you’re between 14 and 17, Texas law requires you to complete a state-approved driver’s ed program. You can take this through:

Your high school
A private driving school
A parent-taught driver education (PTDE) program

Your course will include:

32 hours of classroom instruction
7 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
7 hours of observation

You’ll need to complete the first 6 hours of classroom instruction to get your learner’s permit.

✅ Once you’ve done this, you’ll receive a DE-964 certificate, which you must bring to your DPS appointment.

📄 Step 3: Gather Your Required Documents

Before heading to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), make sure you have all your documents ready.

Documents you need:

Proof of Identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
Proof of Social Security Number (e.g., Social Security card)
Proof of Texas Residency (2 documents, such as a utility bill or school report card)
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence
DE-964 certificate from your driver’s ed provider
Verification of Enrollment (VOE) from your school (if under 18)
Application for Driver License (DL-14A)
Parent or legal guardian (they must sign off at the DPS)

📥 Download the DL-14A Form here

💵 Step 4: Pay the Fee

The cost of a Texas learner’s permit (as of 2025) is approximately $16 and is valid for 6 years. However, for teens under the age of 18, the learner license typically lasts until they are eligible to upgrade to a provisional license.

💡 Tip: Some DPS offices only accept certain forms of payment—bring cash and card just in case.

👀 Step 5: Pass the Vision Exam

At your DPS visit, you’ll be given a quick vision screening. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. To pass:

You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye
If you fail, you may be asked to see an eye doctor for a detailed report

🧠 Step 6: Take the Texas Written Knowledge Test

Now it’s time for the written test—but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

What to Expect:

25 multiple-choice questions
Topics include traffic laws, road signs, safe driving, and penalties
You must answer at least 20 questions correctly (80%) to pass
Test is taken on a computer at the DPS

💡 Use our free resource to prepare:
👉 Free Texas Permit Practice Test

📚 What to Study for the Written Test

All test questions come from the Texas Driver Handbook. It’s essential to focus on:

Traffic signs and signals
Right-of-way rules
Speed limits
Alcohol and drug laws
Safety equipment (seat belts, child seats)
Distracted and defensive driving
Emergency situations

📘 Download the Texas Driver Handbook PDF

🎥 Bonus: Watch walkthroughs of common questions on our YouTube channel

❌ What Happens If You Fail?

If you don’t pass the test on the first try:

You’ll be allowed to retake the test
DPS may limit you to 3 attempts per application
You may have to wait a day or more between attempts
You may need to repay the fee after a certain number of tries

🎉 Step 7: Get Your Learner’s Permit!

Once you pass your vision and written exams, you’ll receive your learner’s permit, officially called a Texas learner license.

Here’s what you can now do:

Drive only with a licensed adult (age 21+) in the front seat
Practice driving during daytime and nighttime hours
Complete your behind-the-wheel practice hours

📌 Important Restrictions for Learner Permit Holders

You may not use a phone or any handheld device while driving
You must always have your permit and a licensed adult with you
You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless it’s for school, work, or emergency
All passengers must wear seat belts

🛠 Tools to Help You Succeed

Here are free resources to make studying easier:

📅 What Happens Next?

Once you have your learner’s permit, you’ll need to:

Complete all your behind-the-wheel hours
Hold your permit for at least 6 months
Stay violation-free
Schedule your driving test to get your provisional license at age 16+

💡 Final Tips to Stay on Track

Start practicing immediately with a qualified adult
Take our practice tests until you score 90%+
Watch 1–2 YouTube tutorials daily for a few weeks
Review the handbook weekly
Bookmark our site for updated study tools and cheat sheets

✅ Summary Checklist

✔️ Be 15+ years old
✔️ Enroll in an approved driver’s education course
✔️ Complete first 6 hours of classroom instruction
✔️ Gather all required documents
✔️ Pass the vision and written exams
✔️ Pay the fee
✔️ Get your Texas learner’s permit and start practicing!

🚦 Ready to Begin?

Start with our free practice test to see how ready you are:
👉 Free Texas Permit Practice Test

Then subscribe to our YouTube channel for video-based learning!

With the right tools and preparation, you’ll be holding your Texas learner’s permit in no time.