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Getting your Texas driver’s license requires completing specific steps in the correct order. The process varies by age, but understanding the path from start to finish helps you move efficiently toward your goal of legal, independent driving.

This guide breaks down the licensing process for every age group: teens 14-17, adults 18-24, and adults 25 and older. You’ll learn precisely what’s required at each stage, from driver education through your final road test.

Virtual Drivers Ed has guided thousands of Texans through the licensing process since 2004. Our TDLR-approved courses include integrated testing and instant certificate downloads, streamlining your path to licensing. Whether you’re a teen eager to drive or an adult getting licensed for the first time, we’ll help you navigate every step.

 

 

Understanding Texas License Types

Texas issues different license types based on your age and experience level. Understanding these categories helps you know what you’re working toward at each stage.

Learner’s Permit (Instruction Permit):

Available to teens at age 15 after completing initial driver education requirements. Teens can begin their driver education coursework at age 14½, giving them time to complete the classroom portion before becoming eligible for a permit. The learner’s permit allows supervised driving practice with a licensed adult aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone with a permit.

Provisional License:

Available to teens aged 16-17 who have held a learner’s permit for at least six months and completed all driver education requirements. The provisional license allows independent driving with restrictions on nighttime driving and passengers.

Unrestricted Driver’s License:

Available at age 18 for those who have held a provisional license for at least one year, or to adults 18 and older who complete appropriate driver education and testing requirements. No driving restrictions apply.

Your path through these license types depends on your age when you begin the process. The following sections detail specific steps for each age group.

 

 

Steps for Teen Drivers (Ages 14-17)

Teen drivers follow the most comprehensive licensing path, designed to build skills gradually through education, supervised practice, and restricted driving before complete independence.

Step 1: Enroll in Driver Education

Texas requires teens to complete a 24-hour TDLR-approved driver education course. Virtual Drivers Ed’s Parent-Taught Driver Education course satisfies this requirement with flexible online learning that fits your schedule.

You can begin coursework at age 14½, though you must be 15 to apply for your learner’s permit. Starting early gives you time to complete the classroom portion before you become eligible for a permit.

Step 2: Complete Initial Coursework and Pass the Written Test

Complete at least the first six hours of your driver education course, which covers essential traffic laws and road signs. The DPS written test is integrated into Virtual Drivers Ed’s course, so you take it online from home rather than at the DPS office.

Upon passing, you’ll receive your DE-964 certificate through instant download. This certificate proves you’ve completed the required coursework and passed the written exam.

Step 3: Apply for Your Learner’s Permit

At age 15 with your DE-964 certificate, visit your local DPS office to apply for your learner’s permit. Bring:

DPS will verify your documents, take your photo, and issue your instruction permit. You can now legally practice driving with a licensed adult.

Step 4: Complete Behind-the-Wheel Training

With your permit, complete 44 hours of supervised driving practice with your parent instructor, including at least 10 hours of nighttime driving. Virtual Drivers Ed provides comprehensive parent-instructor materials, including lesson plans and skill progressions.

Maintain accurate driving logs documenting each practice session. These logs prove you’ve completed the required hours and must be presented when you apply for your provisional license.

Step 5: Complete Remaining Coursework

Finish all 24 hours of online instruction while practicing driving. The coursework reinforces what you’re learning behind the wheel and prepares you for various driving situations.

Step 6: Complete Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD)

Within 90 days of your road test, complete the free Impact Texas Teen Drivers program. This two-hour video course covers the dangers of distracted driving and is required for all teen license applicants. Virtual Drivers Ed’s course includes ITTD certification.

Step 7: Pass the Road Test

After holding your permit for at least six months and reaching age 16, schedule your road test at DPS or through an authorized third-party provider. Bring a properly insured and registered vehicle, your instruction permit, ITTD certificate, and driving log.

The road test evaluates basic driving skills: turning, parking, lane changes, and obeying traffic signs. If you’ve practiced thoroughly, you’ll demonstrate the confidence and control examiners look for.

Step 8: Receive Your Provisional License

Pass your road test, and DPS issues your provisional license. You can now drive independently, subject to GDL restrictions: no driving between midnight and 5 AM except for work, school, or emergencies, and no more than one passenger under 21 who isn’t family for the first year.

At age 18, these restrictions lift automatically if you’ve maintained a clean driving record.

 

 

Steps for Adult Drivers (Ages 18-24)

Adults aged 18-24 follow a streamlined process but must still complete state-mandated driver education before obtaining a license.

Step 1: Complete Adult Driver Education

Texas law requires adults 18-24 to complete a 6-hour TDLR-approved driver education course. Virtual Drivers Ed’s Adult Driver’s Education course fulfills this requirement, offering convenient online learning in English and Spanish.

The course covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. The final exam serves as your DPS written test, so passing the course means you’ve already completed the written requirement.

Step 2: Receive Your ADE-1317 Certificate

Upon completing the course and passing the final exam, download your ADE-1317 certificate instantly. This certificate proves you’ve finished driver education and passed the written test—no need to take a separate exam at DPS.

Step 3: Complete Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD)

Complete the free one-hour Impact Texas Adult Drivers program, which covers distracted driving awareness. This requirement must be fulfilled before your road test.

Step 4: Practice Driving (Optional but Recommended)

Unlike teen drivers, adults aren’t required to complete specific practice hours. However, if you’re new to driving, practice is essential for developing safe skills.

You can apply for a learner’s permit to practice legally with a licensed adult in the passenger seat, or you may schedule professional driving lessons through a local driving school. Either approach helps you prepare for the road test.

Step 5: Gather Required Documents

Before visiting DPS, collect:

Step 6: Schedule Your DPS Appointment

Visit the Texas DPS website to schedule an appointment at your local driver’s license office. Appointments reduce wait times significantly compared to walk-in visits.

Step 7: Pass the Vision and Road Tests

At your appointment, DPS will verify your documents, conduct a vision screening, and administer the road test. Because you passed the written test through your driver education course, you won’t repeat it at DPS.

The road test evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely in traffic. Demonstrate proper control, observation, and compliance with traffic laws to pass.

Step 8: Receive Your Driver’s License

Pass your road test, pay the license fee, and the DPS issues your driver’s license. You’ll receive a temporary paper license immediately, with your permanent card arriving by mail within a few weeks.

 

 

Steps for Adults 25 and Older

Adults 25 and older aren’t required to complete driver education, though the course remains beneficial for first-time drivers. The licensing process focuses on testing rather than education requirements.

Step 1: Study the Texas Driver’s Handbook

Download the Texas Driver’s Handbook and study thoroughly. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices detailed in this handbook.

Step 2: Consider Taking Driver Education (Optional)

While not required, completing Virtual Drivers Ed’s Adult Driver’s Education course offers significant advantages. The course includes the DPS written test as its final exam, allowing you to skip the written test at DPS entirely. You’ll also gain comprehensive knowledge of Texas traffic laws.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Collect the same documentation required for younger adults:

Step 4: Schedule Your DPS Appointment

Book an appointment through the DPS website. If you didn’t complete a driver education course, plan to take the written test at your appointment.

Step 5: Pass Required Tests

Complete the vision screening, written test (unless waived by driver education completion), and road test. The written test covers material from the Texas Driver’s Handbook. The road test evaluates practical driving ability.

Step 6: Receive Your Driver’s License

Pass all tests, pay your fee, and receive your driver’s license with no restrictions.

 

 

Documents You’ll Need at DPS

Arriving at DPS with proper documentation prevents delays and return trips. Gather these items before your appointment:

Proof of Identity (one document):

Proof of Social Security Number (one document):

Proof of Texas Residency (two documents):

Driver Education Certificates:

Additional Items:

Use the DPS document checklist tool to verify you have everything needed for your specific situation.

 

 

Tips for Success at Each Step

Strategic preparation at each stage of the licensing process prevents setbacks and builds confidence.

For the Written Test:

Take DPS practice tests until you consistently score above 80%. Focus on areas where you miss questions. Virtual Drivers Ed’s courses include unlimited practice tests to ensure you’re ready.

For Behind-the-Wheel Practice:

Start in empty parking lots before progressing to residential streets, then busier roads. Practice specific maneuvers, such as parallel parking and three-point turns, repeatedly until they feel natural. Vary your practice conditions to include different times of day and weather.

For the Road Test:

Use the exact vehicle you practiced in. Arrive early to calm any nerves. During the test, exaggerate your mirror checks so the examiner sees you’re aware of your surroundings. Stay calm, follow instructions carefully, and drive as you practiced.

For DPS Appointments:

Schedule morning appointments when offices are less crowded. Arrive 15 minutes early with all documents organized. Complete any paperwork available online before your appointment to save time.

 

 

Conclusion

Getting your Texas driver’s license follows a clear path when you understand the steps for your age group. Teens build skills gradually through education, supervised practice, and restricted driving. Adults complete streamlined requirements that still ensure safe, knowledgeable drivers.

Virtual Drivers Ed simplifies the process with TDLR-approved courses that include integrated testing and instant certificate downloads. Our Texas-focused curriculum prepares you for both licensing and real-world driving on Texas roads.

Ready to start your journey toward your Texas driver’s license? Choose the course that fits your age and take the first step today.

 

 

Get Started with Virtual Drivers Ed

Teens Ages 14-17:

Enroll in Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed – Complete your 24-hour course with integrated DPS written test, ITTD certification, and comprehensive parent instructor materials—just $59.95 (regularly $99.95).

Adults Ages 18-24:

Enroll in Adult Driver’s Education – Complete your required 6-hour course with an integrated DPS written test and instant ADE-1317 certificate. Available in English and Spanish. Just $38.00 (regularly $78.00).

Adults 25+:

Take the Written Test Online – Skip the written test at DPS by completing our adult course. The final exam is your DPS written test, taken from home.

Essential Resources:

 

Questions About the Licensing Process? Contact our Texas-based support team at (833) 3-VDRIVE. We’ve helped thousands of Texans get licensed, and we’re here to guide you through every step.