Learners Permit requirements for DPS

• 15 and 17 years of age
• Completed the required hours for the driver education classroom instruction based on the method you selected, concurrent (6 hours) or block (24 hours)
• Provide a high school diploma, its equivalent (GED) or completed Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE form)

VOE Requirements:

• Enrolled in a public, private, or home school with at least 90% attendance in the past semester.
• A signature (a stamped or computer-generated signature of a school official is acceptable)

A VOE is valid for 30 days from issuance or 90 days from issuance between months of June through August.

Unable to Obtain a VOE form:

• Provide last report card with name, attendance record, and grades if you apply in the summer and are still enrolled.
• Provide proof of active enrollment in a high school equivalency exam preparation program for the last 45 days.

A Learner License has the following restrictions:

• You must have a licensed adult 21 years or older in the front passenger seat when driving.
• No cell phones allowed.  All cell phones use is prohibited, including hands-free devices unless it's an emergency.
• If your license is suspended at any time while you hold a learner license, the initial six-month period increases by the number of days of the suspension.  This is to make sure you hold a valid learner license for a full six-months.

A Learner license must be held for at least six months unless you turn 18; it will expire on your 18th birthday.

How to apply for your Learner License
 

1. Visit Driver License Services – Appointments to schedule an appointment at your local driver license office.  Bring a parent, legal guardian or evidence to waive parental authorization (Example:  emancipated)
2. Complete the application, available online or at the driver license office.
3. Provide the following documentation to the license and permit specialist:
   1. Completed driver license application form
   2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence (if not a U.S. Citizen)
   3. Proof of Texas Residency.
   4. Proof of Identity.
4. Social Security Number (verified electronically)
5. Texas Driver Education Certificate showing classroom completion.
   1. Certified Driver Training Schools – (DE-964/DEE-964)
   2. Parent Taught Driver Education – (DE-964/DEE-964)
   3. Public School Driver Education - (DE-964E/DEE-964E)
6. Evidence of successfully passing the driver knowledge exam (If you have not taken this test during the classroom portion of driver education, you will take it at the driver license office).
7. Provide a high school diploma, it’s equivalent (GED) or completed Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE form)
8. Provide Biometric Information (signature and thumbprints)
9. Have your picture taken.
10. Pay the application fee.
11. Pass Vision Exam.

When you get your learner license, you will receive a temporary permit to drive right away.  Double-check the information on it before you leave, let the specialist know if there are any mistakes.

 

Your official learner license will usually arrive by mail within 2 – 3 weeks. You can track it on our mailing status webpage.