South · Learner License
How to get your learner’s permit in Texas
Texas issues learner licenses at 15 to teens enrolled in driver education — which in Texas can be taken through a school, a commercial program, or parent-taught driver education (PTDE), an option many states don’t offer.
Texas permit requirements at a glance
| Minimum age | 15 |
|---|---|
| Official name | Learner License |
| Supervised practice | 30 hours, including 10 at night (in addition to driver education behind-the-wheel time) |
| Minimum holding period | 6 months |
| Issuing agency | Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) (official source ↗) |
How easy is it to get licensed in Texas?
Our Ease Score weighs starting age, practice hours, and waiting time. See how it works & the full 50-state ranking →
- Starting age
- 15
- Practice hours
- 30 hours
- Waiting time
- 6 months
Longer bars = easier. Overall: 53/100. Easiest in the South: Arkansas (#1) . Nationally, Arkansas is #1 and Maryland is #50.
Did you know? Maine requires 70 supervised hours — the most of any state. See for yourself →
⏳ Count down to your Texas permit date · ⚔️ Compare Texas with another state · 📝 Track your practice hours
Steps to get your permit in Texas
- Confirm you’re eligible. You must be at least 15 . If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to sign your application.
- Study the official Texas driver manual. The knowledge test is based on it — download it free from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) site. Focus on road signs, right-of-way, and Texas’s specific teen-driving (GDL) restrictions.
- Gather your documents. Plan on proof of identity (certified birth certificate or valid passport), your Social Security number, two proofs of Texas residency, and — in many states — proof of school enrollment. The exact list is on the official Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) page.
- Apply, pass the vision screening, and take the knowledge test. Most offices recommend or require an appointment, and a fee applies at application — check current fees on the official site, as they change periodically.
- Practice with a qualifying supervising driver. Texas requires 30 hours, including 10 at night (in addition to driver education behind-the-wheel time). Keep a signed log — you'll certify it later.
- Hold your permit for the required period. In Texas, that's 6 months. Then schedule your road test for the next license stage.
Good to know in Texas
- Texas’s parent-taught driver education (PTDE) program lets an eligible parent serve as the formal instructor — popular in rural areas.
Texas learner’s permit FAQ
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Texas?
The minimum age is 15. Texas calls this credential the Learner License.
How many supervised driving hours does Texas require?
Texas requires 30 hours, including 10 at night (in addition to driver education behind-the-wheel time). A parent, guardian, or qualifying licensed adult must certify the hours.
How long do you have to hold a learner's permit in Texas?
The minimum holding period is 6 months before you can move to the next license stage.
Can you drive alone with a learner's permit in Texas?
No. In every US state, a permit holder must be supervised by a qualifying licensed adult seated in the front passenger seat. Driving alone on a permit can lead to citations and can delay your license.
Is Texas an easy state to get licensed in?
Texas ranks #7 of 50 on our Ease Score (53/100), which weighs starting age, required practice hours, and the permit waiting period. Arkansas is the easiest state in the nation and Maryland is the toughest.