What Are The Driving Age Requirements In Texas?

As our driver's ed program teaches, driving is a privilege and not a right. Because of that, there are a set of responsibilities that every driver must follow. Each state is different, but the state of Texas has put in place strict age requirements and restrictions when it comes to the right to drive.

Graduated Driver License Program

In the state of Texas, any prospective driver under the age of 18 must go through the Graduated Driver License Program (GDL Program). With this initiative, new drivers go through different phases of driving privileges before they can earn the right to a full, unrestricted drivers license.

Age Requirements In Texas

When it comes to teenagers in the state of Texas, they can start a driver's education course as soon as they turn 14 years old. However, they have to wait until they are 15 years of age to be eligible for a learner license. With the learner license, teens are given the ability to drive their vehicle with the sole purpose of learning to drive. With a learner license, they are required to drive with a licensed passenger over the age of 21 at all times.

Timing Requirements In Texas

With each phase in the GDL Program, there are timing issues. The new drivers must complete each phase within certain time restrictions, which are:

• Intermediate License - Six months after holding a learner license
• Provisional License - One year after holding an intermediate license without any road violations
• Unrestricted License - When a provisional license holder turns 18 and they do not have any major violations

Each phase has its own requirements and restrictions, but if you make it through with no major road violations, you should expect to get a full Texas driver's license by the time you are 18 years old. As always, if you have any questions that Coastline can help you with, please reach out to our friendly support staff.