Getting a Texas Driver License

By Javier Marín, Editor·Last reviewed September 2026·How we check this

A Texas Class C driver license is the standard non-commercial license for cars, light trucks under 26,000 pounds, and small trailers. The application is run by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), not by a DMV — and Texas pairs a federal REAL ID-compliant card with one of the longest renewal cycles in the country.

Eligibility

The minimum age for an unrestricted Class C license is 18. Texas drivers under 18 must move through the state's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program: a learner license at 15, a provisional license at 16, and full privileges at 18. A 17-year-old who has completed all GDL phases and held a provisional license for at least six months can also apply for an unrestricted license.

Documents required

For a federally compliant Texas REAL ID license, you'll bring documents proving four things:

U.S. citizenship or lawful presence — a U.S. passport or original birth certificate works for citizens.
Identity — typically the same passport or birth certificate, plus a secondary ID such as a Social Security card.
Social Security number — the SSA-issued card, a W-2, or a current pay stub showing the full SSN.
Texas residency — two documents from two different sources, both showing your Texas address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, voter registration, bank statement).

You'll also complete Form DL-14A, the Application for Texas Driver License or ID Card, at the DPS office or in advance.

Fees

The standard fee for a first-time Texas Class C license issued for the full 8-year cycle is $33. A 6-year provisional license for drivers under 18 costs $16. CDL fees are higher and are detailed separately by DPS. Fees are paid by card or check at the DPS office.

Knowledge test

The Texas written exam draws 30 multiple-choice questions from the current Texas Driver Handbook. You must answer at least 21 correctly (a 70% threshold). Topics emphasized include the 0.08% BAC limit, hands-free phone rules, "Move Over/Slow Down" requirements for emergency vehicles, school bus stop-arm rules, and right-of-way at four-way stops. The test is offered in English and Spanish, with translated versions in additional languages at most large offices.

Road test

The driving skills exam runs about 20 minutes on streets near the DPS office. The examiner evaluates:

Pre-drive vehicle inspection (signals, brakes, horn, mirrors).
Three-point turns and parallel parking on roads where space permits.
Lane changes with proper signaling and head checks.
Stopping smoothly at controlled intersections and railroad crossings.
Speed control in residential and arterial zones.
Backing in a straight line for at least 50 feet.

Drivers who completed an approved driver education course and have a Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964) may be eligible for the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) waiver of the road test at a third-party tester — but DPS still issues the final license.

License delivery and the 8-year cycle

You'll leave the DPS office with a paper temporary license valid for 60 days. The permanent card is mailed in 2-4 weeks. The standard adult Texas Class C license is now valid for 8 years. Renewals alternate between remote (online or by phone) cycles and in-person cycles requiring a fresh vision screening — see Texas license renewal for details, and review Texas insurance minimums before you drive away.