How Do I Get My Texas Driver's License as an Adult?

Whether you’re new to driving or new to Texas, getting your Texas-state driver’s license is an essential first step to expanding both your personal and professional horizons in the Lone Star State. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or even intimidated by the licensing process - you’re not alone. Texas requires that every potential licensed driver meet certain specifications, standards, and testing requirements according to their age and driving experience. Drivers who are 18 and older at the time of their license application will need to complete a series of steps to receive their full Texas license. This article will help you navigate the Texas licensing process in a quick and easy manner - meaning you’ll get your license sooner and spend more time on the road!

Summary

If you’re over 18, you’ll need to complete the following steps to get your Texas Driver’s License:

• Complete 6 hours of Adult Driver's Education if you are 18-24 years old
• Complete the Impact Texas Adult Drivers Program within 90 days of your Driving Skills Test
• Pass the Knowledge Test
• Practice driving!
• Pass the Texas Driving Skills Test

Do You Need a Texas Permit as an Adult?

First time drivers over 18 do not need a Texas Learner License in order to apply for their full license. This means that any new Texas resident may apply for and schedule both their knowledge test and road test when they are ready. However, there are special rules for applicants who are ages 18-24.

18-24 Years Old

License applicants who are 18-24 years old and who do not hold a current, valid license from another U.S. State must take a 6-hour adult driver education course before being able to apply for their Texas driver’s license. 

25 Years Old and Over

Applicants 25 years of age and older are not required to take any Driver’s Education before being eligible to apply for their license. This being said, Coastline recommends that all new drivers enroll in both a classroom and practical driver’s education course to both ensure safety on the road.

All Applicants 18 and Over

Any applicant 18 and over who does not hold a valid license from another U.S. State and intends on taking their driving skills test at the time of application must also complete an Impact Texas Adult Drivers Program (ITD) safe driver course no more than 90 days prior to the scheduled driving skills exam. 

How to Get a License in Texas Over 18

Application

New drivers must complete a paper application for their license. This form may be printed using the link from the Department of Public Safety website or may be picked up from any DPS driver license office. 

Make an Appointment

In order to complete the license application process, you will need to visit a DPS Office. You must schedule an appointment online through this website. Note that same-day appointments are available in limited quantities at some offices, but are not guaranteed. 

Bring Your Documents and Prepare for Testing

Be certain you gather all of the required documents you will need before you visit the DPS office. These will include:

• License application
• Proof of:
• U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence
• Texas Residency
• Identity
• Social Security Card
• Payment for any application fees. Note, the DPS will accept cash, credit card, check, and money order.

You will also be required to have your photo and thumbprint taken and pass a vision exam. You will also take a written exam (knowledge test) and, if the applicant chooses to apply for their full license, a driving skills road test.

The Vision Test

The DPS uses a Snellen chart to test for visual acuity. Applicants will be asked to accurately read certain letters from a 20 foot distance. If you wear corrective lenses, please bring these to your exam and be certain to wear them for your vision test. The examiner will note that you require corrective lenses to drive and this restriction will be added to your license.

How Many Questions are on the Texas Knowledge Test?

You will be required to pass a knowledge test in order to be issued a Texas Driver License. The written test is based on information found in the Texas Driver Handbook and will test your mastery of state driving laws and safe driving practices. 

There are 30 questions on the knowledge test. You need to answer at least 21 correctly in order to pass your test. 15 of these questions will test you on your road sign knowledge. The other 15 questions will test you on your general road rules knowledge.

Each question on the Texas Knowledge Test is a multiple choice question. Be certain to read through the questions carefully and consider your options before answering. You must score at least 70% on your Knowledge Test in order to pass and move onto the driving skills portion of your testing. If you fail the written test more than three times, you will be required to pay the application fee again. 

There are a variety of resources available to help you study for your knowledge test. We suggest you read carefully through the Texas Driver’s Handbook in order to prepare for your in-person Knowledge Exam. 

Next Steps to Get Your Texas Driver’s License

After you have passed your Knowledge Test, you will be eligible to take your driving skills Road Test. Note, drivers 18 and over may progress immediately to the Road Test if the following is true:

• Any driver 18-24 has completed 6 hours of Adult Driver’s Education
• Any driver over 18 has completed the ITD Program no more than 90 days prior to application.

If you are a less experienced driver and feel you need more practice, a great option is to choose to apply for a Texas license with certain restrictions before attempting the Road Test. These restrictions are the equivalent to an under-18 Learner License. 

Can You Practice Without a License in Texas?

In short, no. 

While there is no requirement to obtain a Learner License before attempting the Road Test in Texas, any applicant 18 and older who wishes to practice before taking their driving skills exam must obtain a Texas license with permit restrictions. Pay careful attention to the expiration date on your restricted license - you will need to take your driving test or renew your document before the listed expiration date. Note, there is no mandatory waiting period after the issuance of a restricted license to any driver who is 18 and over. Restricted license holders may schedule their road test at any point after they have received their license, as long as that license remains valid.

Your restricted license is not permission to drive alone. Regardless of the driver’s age, any Restricted License holder 18 and older must be accompanied by another driver 21 years of age or older holding a valid Texas license. This accompanying driver must be seated in the front passenger seat whenever the license holder is operating the motor vehicle. Restricted License holders are not allowed to drive alone, including any transport to or from a DPS or Third-Party testing site..

The State of Texas does not require Restricted License holders 18 and over to complete any type of driver training or minimum hours behind the wheel. This being said, it is a good idea to practice your driving with a trusted loved one or, even better, a qualified driving instructor before attempting your driving skills test.

Taking the Driving Skills Test in Texas

Before making your road test appointment, be certain you are familiar with the test itself! More information about the road test may be found in the Texas Driver Handbook. You may also refer to this document in preparation for your driving skills test.

Before you set off for the road test, be certain you have the following documents with you:

• Valid Restricted License or Valid identification if taking the Driving Skills Test immediately after the Knowledge Test
• Proof of Texas vehicle registration and proof of car insurance in Texas
• Driving test fee or payment receipt (valid for 90 days only)
• Certificate of Completion for ITD Program (within 90 days of the testing date)
• If 18-24, Certificate of Completion of the 6-hour Adult Driver’s Education course (form ADE-1317)

Remember! You may be tested not only on your driving skills, but also your vehicle’s condition and your knowledge of your vehicle, including demonstration of the operation of dash controls such as your headlights, windshield wipers, emergency brake, hazard lights and defroster. Your vehicle must have two license plates (front and back), functioning horn and turn signals, and operational seat belts.

Third-Party Testing Program (TPST)

Texas allows for license applicants to complete their Driving Skills Test requirement through a Third-Party Testing site. A TPST site is an approved program run through Driver Education schools certified by the DPS to administer the driving test for Class C non-commercial driver license applicants.

What are the advantages of taking the test at a TPST site?

• Lower wait time to schedule a test
• Less intimidating than going to the DPS
• Familiarity with the driving school if the test-taker is a current or former student

Getting Your Full Texas Driver’s License

Once you pass your road test, you will be issued your full Texas Driver’s License. Drivers who are 18 years of age and older have no restriction on their driver's license aside from the ones indicated on their identification card, such as the use of correctional lenses. Remember to keep careful track of any renewal requirements and always follow the rules of the road. 

While the Texas licensing process may be intimidating, following the guide above will help to ensure a smoother and more successful experience with the Texas DPS. We at Coastline wish you the best of luck with your new license, and hope you have many happy and safe hours on the road!