Overview
One of the first things new drivers learn about Texas is the naming quirk: the state's driver tests are run by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), not a "DMV." The process itself follows the familiar path — knowledge test, learner license, road test — but Texas adds its own graduated license rules for drivers under 18. This guide lays out the whole process with hard numbers based on official Texas DPS sources (the DL-7 driver handbook and the DPS website). Texas rules change, so always verify the current details on dps.texas.gov before you apply.
Quick Steps at a Glance
1. Meet the age and identity requirements (learner license at 15 for minors; adults 18+ apply directly).
2. Pass the knowledge test — 30 questions, 21 correct to pass (70%), per the official DPS handbook.
3. Hold the learner license through the graduated phase (minors: 6 months plus driver education).
4. Pass the road test in a registered, insured vehicle.
5. Pay the DPS fees (check the official fee schedule — they change) and get your license.
1. Who Can Apply: Age and Identity Requirements
Minors (under 18). Texas teens can apply for a learner license at 15, provided they are enrolled in or have completed a driver education course approved by the state. The graduated license program then works in phases: the learner phase, a provisional license phase, and finally a full license at 18. A parent or guardian must sign the application (Form DL-14A) and verify the teen's practice hours.
Adults (18 and older). Adults apply for a Class C driver license directly at a DPS office — no learner phase is required, but you still take the same knowledge test and road test.
Documents. You will need proof of identity and legal presence, a Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency. The accepted document list is published on the official DPS "Driver License Eligibility and Documentation Requirements" page — the list changes, so check it before your visit. Texas also offers the REAL ID license, which is required for boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities.
2. The Written Knowledge Test
The Texas knowledge test is run by the DPS and covers road signs, right-of-way, speed limits, and Texas-specific rules: the 0.08% BAC limit for drivers 21 and older (zero tolerance for anyone under 21), the texting ban (reading, writing, or sending texts while driving is illegal), the Move Over law requiring drivers to slow down or change lanes for stopped emergency, tow, and TxDOT vehicles, and school bus stop rules (red flashing lights mean stop in both directions, except on divided highways).
Per the official Texas DPS driver handbook, you must score 70% or better to pass any knowledge exam — that is 21 correct out of 30 questions. The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish (the official handbook has a Spanish edition, DL-7S). Ask for the language version you are most comfortable with.
Practice before you go: work through the free Texas DPS practice test until you are consistently scoring above 80%. Spanish speakers can train with the free Texas DPS practice test in Spanish.
3. Getting Your Learner License
Once you pass the knowledge test, you receive a learner license. In Texas, a learner license allows driving only while supervised by a licensed adult 21 or older (for minors, a parent, guardian, or licensed instructor).
For minors, the graduated rules are:
- Hold the learner license for at least 6 months before moving to the provisional license.
- Complete a driver education course (classroom) and a behind-the-wheel component (with a licensed driving school or parent-taught program).
- Log supervised practice hours as required by the DPS driver education program.
After the learner phase, minors get a provisional license, which comes with restrictions — such as limits on passengers and late-night driving — until they turn 18. The exact restrictions are listed in the official DL-7 handbook, and they are enforced by DPS.
Adults can use the learner license for practice and take the road test as soon as they are comfortable — there is no minimum holding period for applicants 18 and older.
4. The Road Test
The road test is scheduled through the DPS (appointments are made on the official DPS scheduling system). You will need:
- Your learner license and proof of identity.
- A vehicle with valid registration and insurance, and working lights, horn, signals, mirrors, and brakes.
One Texas-specific note: for drivers under 18, the road test is often administered through a licensed driving school rather than a DPS office — confirm the arrangement with your DPS office or driving school when you schedule. Adults typically test at a DPS office.
The examiner evaluates vehicle control, lane changes, right-of-way, signaling, and parking. If you fail, Texas allows a retake after a short waiting period with a retest fee — confirm the current policy on the official DPS site.
5. License Fees
Texas DPS fees for the application, the knowledge test, and the road test are set by the state and change regularly — always check the official DPS fee schedule for current amounts. Minors should also budget for driver education courses, and each test retake carries its own fee.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Texas test called DMV or DPS?
DPS — the Texas Department of Public Safety runs driver testing. Many people search "texas dmv" anyway, so both phrasings matter when you study.
How many questions are on the Texas knowledge test, and what is the passing score?
Per the official Texas DPS driver handbook, you must score 70% or better — that is 21 correct out of 30 questions. Confirm the current format on the DPS site before your exam.
Does Texas offer the written test in Spanish?
Yes. The DPS offers the knowledge test in multiple languages, including Spanish — the official handbook has a Spanish edition, DL-7S.
Can a minor drive alone with a learner license?
No. Texas learner licenses require a licensed adult 21 or older in the vehicle. Minors also follow the graduated program: 6 months in the learner phase, driver education, then a provisional license with its own restrictions until age 18.
Where can I practice for the Texas knowledge test?
The free Texas DPS practice test uses the real exam format, and the Spanish-language version covers the same content for Spanish speakers.
Official sources: Texas Department of Public Safety (dps.texas.gov) · Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7 / DL-7S) · TX DPS practice-test page data (verified against official handbook by research review R-20261030-014). Items marked "check the official site" are subject to change and should be verified before your exam.