texas drivers permit - TX
A learner license to drive allows a beginning driver to operate a vehicle with someone in the front seat that is 21 years of age or older and holds a valid license. The minimum legal driving age in Texas is 15 years of age. Please refer to the Teen Driver (See Below) information for additional requirements.
A current or new resident of Texas who is under 18 years of age must:
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Complete the requirements for an original applicant (see Requirements above).
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Present the driver education completion certificate. All applicants who have a learner’s license or a provisional (full class) driver license will be required to submit the completion certificate.
OR
Present a Parental Driver Education Affidavit (DL-90A) and Classroom Instruction and Behind-the-Wheel Record (DL-91A and DL-91B) for parent taught driver education only.
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Submit a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) (CDD-104) form, or a letter from the school administrator as a substitute for the Verification of Enrollment and Attendance form. The letter must contain the same information as the VOE form.
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Obtain parental authorization (If Parent Taught Driver Education was completed, parent must be present to sign).
NOTE: The VOE form verifies the applicant is enrolled in a public school, home school, private school or GED program. The VOE form is required for original and renewal applicants under the age of 18. VOE forms are valid for 30 days after issuance in the spring and fall semesters and for 90 days during the summer.
If you want to obtain a hardship license (Minor’s Restricted Driver License-MRDL), the minimum age is 15, but not more than 18. You must:
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Complete the requirements for an original applicant (see Requirements above).
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Complete the DL-77 MRDL application (PDF) for screening of eligibility.
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Obtain Parental Authorization Signature (parent must be present to sign).
A certificate of completion of driver education must be submitted and the hardship license must be renewed annually.
Teen and Under 25 Drivers
All drivers 18 years of age and under must meet the
licensing requirements for a learner or provisional driver license, but they are also subject to additional requirements, including graduated driver licensing and driver education.
Graduated Driver Licensing
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is designed to provide new drivers of motor vehicles with driving experience and skills gradually over time in low-risk environments. GDL requirements include such requirements as time for holding a learner license before obtaining a provisional license, and restrictions on passengers and hours of driving for provisional license holders. Read more about the Texas
GDL requirements.
Driver Education
The
Parent Taught Driver Education (PTDE) program is offered by the Department for parents, and other family members, who wish to provide instruction to their teen driver(s). Can’t decide if you want to be the instructor? View our
checklist for the differences between parent taught and commercial/public school driver education programs.
NOTE: All driver licenses, other than a learner license, issued to persons under 18 years of age will be marked “Provisional”. The provisional license will be vertical and will be dated to expire on the applicant's 18th birthday or next birthday occurring after the date of issuance. No renewal notice will be sent as the applicant must present Verification of Enrollment and Attendance from their school for each renewal.