Driver Ed Rules & Resources

Getting Your License

Complete the classroom course, behind-the-wheel training, and road test.

Ages 16 to 17 Road Test Qualifications:

• Held a valid permit for a minimum of 6 months
• Completed the 32-hours class and 14 hours of behind-the-wheel
• Logged a minimum of 30 hours of practice driving
• Have a DE-964 (Driving School) or PTDE-964 (Parent-Taught) certificate
• Have a Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) printed certificate of completion (within 90 days of the driving test date)

Ages 18 to Adult Road Test Qualifications:

• Have a valid permit
• Completed the 6-hour class (ages 18-24)
• Have an ADE-1317 completion certificate (ages 18-24)
• Have a Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) printed certificate of completion (within 90 days of the driving test date)

After completing the road test, you will be given a sealed envelope to take to the DPS to get your driver's license. If you fail the test, you must wait 24 hours before scheduling another test.

Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program

Improve your driving skills over time in lower-risk environments.

Phase One (Learner License): If you are under 18, you must hold a valid learner's license for at least six months before getting your driver's license. There is no minimum time a restricted motorcycle or moped license must be held before you can apply for a Class M license. If you transfer a valid out-of-state learner's license, you must prove you completed a driver education course to be issued a Texas learner's license. This Texas learner's license must be held for six months or until 18, regardless of how long you had the learner's license in the other state. If a learner's license is suspended during Phase One, the initial six-month period increases by the number of days of the suspension.

Phase Two (Provisional License): Once you meet the requirements to take the road test and pass it, you "graduate" to a provisional license and Phase Two of the GDL program. Until you turn 18, you may not drive with more than one passenger in the vehicle under 21 who is not a family member or between midnight and 5:00 a.m. (unless you are driving to work, to a school-related activity, or due to a medical emergency. You are also restricted from using a wireless communication device (including a hands-free) until you turn 18 or it's an emergency.