RoadVisa Beta

How to get a driving licence in Texas

Getting a car licence from scratch, country by country.

Car licence, Class C

Getting your licence in Texas

Knowledge test questions30
Pass mark (70%)21 correct
Time for the knowledge test~30 min
Licence fee, includes the tests$33
Driving test feeIncluded
Driving test length~15–20 min

Ages 18–24 take the knowledge test as part of the adult driver education course.

Before you start driving

2
Learner licenceRequired under 18. Adults don't need one, but can ask for it.
Medical checkNo doctor's exam. DPS tests your vision.

Required lessons

3
Driver education (under 18)32 hours of classroom instruction and 14 hours behind the wheel, plus 30 hours of supervised practice (10 at night).
Adult driver education (18–24)A 6-hour approved course. It replaces the DPS knowledge test.
Impact Texas videoA free 1-hour video before the driving test (valid 90 days).

Good to know

8
Minimum ageLearner licence from 15 with driver education. Provisional licence at 16. Restrictions end at 18.
Licence validity8 years.
Exam languagesKnowledge test in English or Spanish.
If you fail3 attempts within 90 days, then pay again.
Automatic or manualNo restriction.
New driversUnder 18: no driving midnight–5 am, only 1 passenger under 21 who isn't family, and no phone use.
Already have a licence from abroad?Licences from France, Germany, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and Canada: no knowledge or driving test. Others take both tests. Ages 18–24 also need the 6-hour adult driver education course.
Also worth knowing
  • Book the driving test early: big-city DPS offices have long waits.
  • Parallel parking is part of the test: practise it.

Step by step

  1. Driver educationUnder 18: the full course. 18–24: the 6-hour adult course. 25+: optional.
  2. Knowledge and vision testAt DPS, or the course's final exam.
  3. Impact Texas videoWatch it and print the certificate.
  4. Driving testAt DPS in your own insured, registered car: parking, backing up and traffic rules.

Tips From driving schools and examiners

  • A dangerous or illegal manoeuvre at any point ends the test on the spot, and it counts as a fail.
  • The examiner checks your car first: both number plates, horn, indicators, brake lights, seatbelts, a working speedometer, and current registration, inspection and insurance. Anything missing means no test.
  • Indicate about 100 feet before you turn or change lanes, check your mirrors often, and look over your shoulder for blind spots.
  • Ask your questions before you set off. Once the test starts, the examiner can't chat.
  • Practise with someone who gives you directions and points out your mistakes, the way the examiner will.

Based on: Texas DPS: How to prepare for a drive test (DL-60) ↗

Official links

Texas DPS: Driver licence services ↗Texas Transportation Code ↗Last checked 20 Oct 2026
Wrong information? Help us fix itTell us what's incorrect and we'll check it against the official sources.

About: This page

Frequently asked questionsCoverage, sources and how RoadVisa works.

Why isn't my country listed?

RoadVisa is still growing. It covers 42 countries and all 50 US states plus Washington, D.C. so far, and more are added step by step. Each country is checked against its own official sources, in its own language, before it goes live.

Why isn't Africa covered?

Many African licensing authorities publish little detail about their driving rules online, so we can't yet check the answers against official sources. We'll add African countries as official information becomes available.

Where does the information come from?

From official sources only: licensing authorities, ministries, police and government websites, read in each country's own language. Every answer links to its sources and shows when it was last checked.

What's the difference between Visiting and Moving?

Visiting covers short stays such as holidays and business trips, when you keep your home licence. Moving covers becoming a resident, when most countries want you to exchange your licence or take tests by a deadline.

What is an International Driving Permit?

A translation of your licence in a standard format. It's only valid together with your own licence, and you get it in the country that issued your licence, usually from a motoring club or the licensing authority. RoadVisa tells you when a country expects one.

Does RoadVisa cover motorcycles or trucks?

Not yet. The answers are about car licences: category B in Europe, and the local equivalent elsewhere, such as Class C or D in most US states. Other licences may follow later.

Is RoadVisa official?

No. RoadVisa is an independent guide and isn't linked to any government or licensing authority. The authority that handles your application always has the final word.

Is RoadVisa free?

Yes, RoadVisa is free to use.

I found a mistake. What should I do?

Use "Wrong information? Help us fix it" above. We check every report against the official sources and correct the answer.

About RoadVisa and disclaimerWho we are, and how to use this information.

An independent guide. RoadVisa is a private project. It is not run by, linked to or approved by any government, licensing authority (such as a national road traffic agency or a US DMV), embassy or driving school.

Information only, not legal advice. RoadVisa sums up official rules in plain English. It does not replace the official rules, and it is not a decision about your case. Only the authority that handles your application can decide that.

Rules change. Every answer shows when it was last checked and links to the official source. Check that source before you drive, book a test, move or apply. If RoadVisa and the official source differ, follow the official source.

Your situation matters. The answer can depend on your residence status, licence category, age and when your licence was issued. If you're unsure, ask the licensing authority or your embassy.

Car hire and insurance. Car hire companies and insurers can set their own rules, for example asking for an International Driving Permit even where it isn't required. Check with them too.

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