Do You Need A Learner's Permit If You Are Over 18 In Texas?

There are a lot of steps and procedures to follow when you are trying to get your driver's license. While each state is different, there are a set of rules to follow, but most of them pertain to new drivers under 18 years of age.

So, what happens if you are over 18 years old? How to get a learner's permit in Texas if you are over 18? We take on that question below!

Texas Learners Permit For Adults

For new drivers in Texas, if you are between 18 and 24 years old and are applying for a drivers license, then you are required to complete driver education training. The Texas Department of Public Safety requires this group of new drivers to complete a six-hour adult driver ed course. If you are taking a driving test for the issuance of your driver license, then you also have to take the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) program.

Once those two requirements are met, you can head to the DPS office and bring the filled out application and documents needed. Adults between 18 and 24 years old have two choices:

1. Apply for a Texas learner's permit, which includes taking and passing the knowledge test.
2. Take and pass the knowledge test AND schedule the DPS road test. If you already know how to drive and are confident about taking the DPS road test, you can go ahead and schedule it. The DPS office will schedule your road test and if you successfully pass, then you can apply for your Texas drivers license.

If you want to practice your driving before taking the road test, then you MUST obtain your learner's permit. This permit allows you to practice driving with anyone at least 21 years of age who has a current Texas drivers license. The learner's permit in Texas is also required if you are looking to take driving lessons with a professional driving instructor, which Coastline Academy offers.

Can You Get Your License At 18 Without A Permit?

Any new drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 applying for a Texas driver license are required to complete driver education training. Once those requirements are met, then they can either apply for a learners permit Texas OR take and pass the knowledge test AND schedule the DPS road test. By taking the second option, if you pass the road test, you can then apply for your Texas drivers license.

So, you can get your license at 18 without a permit. However, if you want to continue to practice your driving and possibly take driving lessons before taking your road test, then you would need to get your Texas drivers permit.

Texas Driving Permit Rules Over 18

If you choose to get your learner's permit Texas, then there are some rules you would need to follow. This driving permit Texas allows you to practice driving with anyone at least 21 years of age who has a current Texas drivers license as long as they are sitting in the front passenger seat.

Another restriction with the Texas learners permit is you are not allowed to use any type of wireless device while driving, even if it is hands-free. If you have an emergency with the vehicle while you are driving, then you can use it. If you are caught using it, then you could possibly have your learners permit in Texas suspended.

How To Get A Drivers License In Texas At 18

When applying for a drivers license in Texas, there are two phases an applicant would go through, depending on their age. After completing Phase 1 and Phase 2, you would become a fully licensed driver. If you are looking to get the process started, click here for details!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.