There’s nothing more exciting to a teenager than the thought of acquiring their driver’s license and experiencing their first taste of road freedom. However, in order for these spunky future drivers to prepare for the road, the state of Texas requires they abide by the rules of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program. Teens between the age of 15 and 17 are required to pass all “levels”of the GDL program. Here is the quick overview of the two stages, ages, and other requirements:
| Learner’s License | Provisional License | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | Minimum Duration | Supervised Driving Hours | Minimum Age | Nighttime Driving Restrictions | Passenger Restrictions |
| 15 yo | 6 mo | 30 day/ 10 night | 16 yr | 12am – 5am | No more than 1 under 21 |
Phase 1 – Learn & Practice
The first step in the Texas Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program involves enrolling into a driver’s educational class. This can usually be completed as a high school course and started at the age of 14. Once an individual turns 15, they may apply for a learner license or a minor restricted driver license (MRDL) for teens and their families who are experiencing hardships.
Learner Licenses
The following applies to learner licenses:
- The teen must be at least 15 years old and must have completed driver’s education.
- Requires the teen log 30 hours of daytime driving and 10 hours of nighttime driving before applying for a provisional license.
- Teen must have a learner’s license for at least 6 months before applying for a provisional license
- Requires an adult of at least 21 years of age to be in the front passenger seat of the vehicle at all times while the minor is driving.
To apply for a learner license, the following must be taken to a local driver’s license office:
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- Documents verifying identity, citizenship, and residency in the state
- A completed application for TX driver’s license
- A parent or a legal guardian
- A finished Verification of Enrollment and Attendance form (VOE), a high school diploma, or a GED
- An original form that’s signed and proves that the required 32 classroom hours have been completed in a driver training school, public school, or through a Parent-Taught Driver Education program.
Minor Restricted Driver Licenses (MRDL)
A minor restricted driver license (MRDL) is granted to individuals who have a specific need to drive. The state considers the following as hardships that would qualify a teen for an MRDL:
- Failure or refusal to issue a license will result in an unusual economic hardship for the teen’s family.
- The license is necessary because of the illness of a member of the teen’s family and the need to commute in relation to the medical hardships.
- The license is necessary because the teen is enrolled in a vocational education program and requires a driver’s license to participate in it.
The MRDL expires on the teen’s next birthday and is available to teens that are at least 15 years old, are able to prove the existence of a qualifying hardship, have completed the required driver’s education, and can provide all the forms and information needed for a regular learner’s license with the exception of filling out an MRDL application instead of a VOE.
Phase 2 – Practice & Test
Provisional License
When the driver turns 16 years old, they will be able to apply for the provisional license if they are in fact eligible. This license will expire when the driver turns 18. In order to qualify, teens must:
- Have maintained a learner license or a MRDL for at least 6 months and logged a total of 40 hours of driving (30 in the day and 10 at night).
- Have successfully completed the required 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training of driver education in addition to the classroom training received to obtain the learners license or MRDL
- Must have completed the Impact Texas Teen Drivers course
- Taken and successfully passed a driver’s test administered directly by the state or through an authorize school.
It is essential that the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) certificate of completion document is provided in addition to the same things needed to apply for a learner license or MRDL listed in the sections above. The provisional license expires when the driver turns 18. From there, the driver can apply for a standard Texas driver’s license.
GDL Saving Lives
Since its implementation, the Graduated Driver License program has helped to reduce crashes amongst teens nationwide. GDL programs are not implemented on a national level but rather on a state level. Each state chooses its own age, time, and educational requirements. As such, there is data to support that states who implement strict GDL requirements see a higher reduction in teen crashes. According to the IIHS, if the state of Texas were to implement the strongest restrictions on 5 components of GDL requirements, they could see a reduction in teen crashes of up to 44%! That means:
- Moving the learners license phase to a minimum age of 16 instead of 15
- Increasing behind-the-wheel practice hours from 44 to 70
- Set earlier nigh time driving restrictions: 8pm instead of midnight
- Moving the provisional license phase to a minimum age of 17 instead of 16
Come on, TxDPS, tighten up on your GDL requirements! Sure you may get a few thousand tweets from hormone-deranged teens with nothing better to do than speed type on their smartphone, but at least less teens will go on their last drive.
190 comments
Hi I’m 15 almost 16. I’ve had my permit for 9 months and have completed all my hours of practice. Am I able to take my drivers test at 15 a few months before my birthday or do I have to be 16?
Please contact your local DMV to make sure of the requirements in your state.
My provisional license expired a few days ago when I turned 18. I read on the Texas DPS website that people under 18 need a VOE to renew it. However, since I’m now 18 and renewing my provisional license to a regular drivers license, would I still need a VOE?
Sorry, but we don’t deal with driver’s licenses.
Hi! I’m turning 18 in a couple days and the DPS is closed in my birthday. Is it possible to get my license renewed the day before I turn 18? Or will I have to wait until the Labor Day weekend is over?
Hello Sarah. You can renew your TX driver’s license up to a year before expiration and up to two years after it expires.
Hi im 17, and im about to get my permit in approx 1 week. But the problem is i turn 18 after that in 2 months. I understand that there is a 6 month permit holding period. If i turn 18 while im supposed to hold it for 6 months , am i allowed to take the provisional test right after i turn 18 or wait the 6 months
Hello Ryan. There are also other requirements you will need to fulfill to get a license if you are under 21 years old. Refer to your local DPS agency for further information about getting a driver’s license in TX.
I turned 18 recently and my provisional drivers license expired recently. Do I have to take a written part of the test to get a new drivers license?
Hello Christian. From the information you have provided it appears that you could still renew your license but you will need to confirm it with your local DPS agency.
Hi, I got my permit just over a year ago through a driving school in Houston. There were 7hr of driving and 7hrs of observation that I had to complete with the school but because of academic overload and inconvenient drive times at the driving school I only completed some of them. By the time I was able to schedule for drive times with the school my course had expired and they required for me to take the $400 course all over again. I decided not to because it is a waste of money, since I’ve gotten my permit I’ve driven over 32hrs with my parents and documented them on the sheet/log that the school had given me. Right now I’m in a state of confusion I’m not formally enrolled in an online parent taught driver’s ed neither at a driving school. Can I take my driving test and get my license without needing to pay for either of these classes? Because an online driver’s ed is pointless since I already have a permit.
Hello Noor. In TX, all minors are required to complete the Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program before getting a license. You will need to contact your local DPS agency for further information about this process.
I am seventeen years old and I moved from California to Texas. I have a California drivers license, but it’s been over 90 days and I haven’t been behind the wheel in Texas at all. I’m supposed to take the driving test if I want a Texas drivers license, but my question is am I allowed to drive with a parent for a while before I take it even though I still have a California drivers license?
Hello Grace. A new residents with a valid out-of-state drivers license have 90 days to transfer it to TX. You will need to contact your local DPS agency for furtehr instructions since you are beyond the deadline.
Hello,
I have my provisional driving test today and my legal guardian/parent cannot make it to the appointment. Could I use a written consent from them or some other document? I am going with my sister who is 19.
Hello Nolia. The driving test require candidates to show up with a legal guardian/parent for approval. You will need to contact your local DPS agency for further instructions about your case.
I took an in class teen driving course, passed the knowledge test, and got my learners permit when I was 16 years old and have been driving with it since then, but I never fully completed the course so I wasn’t able to take the DPS drive test. I recently turned 18 in July and my learners permit expired. I just started an adult online driving course, so will I need to renew my learners permit before I can go take the drive test? And if so, how do I renew a leaners permit as an adult?
Hello Cas. From the information you have provided you may be able to renew your learners permit but you’ll still need to complete a driving education course prior the test. You should contact your local DPS agency for more information about adult (18+) licenses and its requirements. Good luck!
My daughter turns 18 on a Saturday. Can we renew on the Friday before or do we have to wait until the Monday after? Thank you.
Hello Greg. Hello TexasTornado! From what you explained, it appears that your daughter can renew her license either Friday or Monday. You will need to contact your local DPS for information about renewal requirements. Good luck!
MY NIECE IS 15 SHE WILL BE 16 NEXT MONTH. I NEED TO GET HER INTO DRIVERS ED, HOWEVER HER MOM AND I HAVE A TEMPORARY GUARDIANSHIP PAPERS THAT WE SIGNED BUT THEY ARE NOT THROUGH COURT. IM WORRIED THIS WILL HOLD HER BACK FROM GETTING HER PERMIT. THANK YOU
Hello Stephanie. It seems that you need further guidance on who can be the legal guardian of your niece for this particular procedure. You are strongly advised to contact your local DMV agency and present your case for further instructions.
I am 17 and just got my Learner’s License in June, but I’m turning 18 in August. I heard that I have to hold my Learners License for 6 months. When I turn 18, do I still have to hold my learner’s license until the 6 months are up? Or can I take the road test before I turn 18 (when my permit expires) and get my Adult license when I turn 18? If so then, I can just skip the provisional Driver’s license.
Hello Jen. When you reach 18 years old, you will need to comply with other requirements to be eligible for a driver’s license. Please contact your DMV agency in TX for further information about their requirements. Good luck.
I am 17 years old and I just obtained my permit last week. However, I turn 18 in 5 months (before the 6 months waiting period), in which my permit will expire. What should I do?
Hello Ethan. From the information you have provided you may be able to apply for a non-restricted license. Note that there are other requirements and restrictions that you must comply with in order to get a new license. Contact your local DMV agency for more information about driver’s license for 18-year-old applicants.
My son just turned 16 and his dad “lives” in Texas our custody agreement is from AZ, it states we both have joint legal so we would both have to agree and sign for my son to get his permit, would Texas still uphold that or can my Ex get our son a permit without my knowledge or permission?
Hello there. From the information you have provided it seems that you will need to confirm that with the DPS as it involves legal information that distances from our scope of expertise.
I’m currently 17 and started taking a driving school 2 weeks ago, however I’m turning 18 next month will I need a permit first or when I turn 18 will I be able to apply for a license?
Hello Aaron. In Texas, you will be required to obtain a permit prior to applying for a driver’s license.
My daughter is 17 and half. Once she completed the classroom portion and gets her permit and starts the driving time, does she have to hold that permit for 6 months until her 18th birthday before can get her license??
Hello Charity. As for a provisional driver’s license, the applicant must keep the learner’s permit for at least 6 months. Once the person turns 18, they will be allowed to apply for a TX standard driver’s license.
If my daughters 18th birthday is in two days, can we renew her provisional drivers license earlier or do we need to wait for the actual day?
Hello Elizabeth. Her provisional driver’s license will expire when she turns 18. She will need to visit her local driver’s license office within 30 days of it expiring to renew it. Your daughter will then be issued a driver license for individuals under 21 years of age.
My daughter got her learners permit in feb 2019, turned 16 in may 2019…. does she need to wait until august 2019 to take her DL test? Or can she take it before? How does that work? TIA!!!
Hello Jessica. Since your daughter has turned 16 years old, she could graduate up to having a provisional license if she has displayed good driving behavior, completed 30 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, had her permit for at least six months, and passed the driving test.
My son will be 18 in two weeks and has had the provisional license for two years. Do we have to wait til his actual birthday to get new DL or can we go early? Thank you
Hello Faith. If he is about to turn 18 years old, he will have to wait until he reaches that age to handle other requirements when it comes to driver’s license applications.
My daughter is 17 and just got her learner’s permit. She will turn 18 before the 6 months is up. Will she be able to get her license on her birthday? Or will she have to wait the entire 6 months to get it? Will she have to start over with an adult driver training course?
Hello Liz. Once your daughter turns 18 she will be subject to the graduate license program requirements. Though once she goes for the road test, she may need to present all the documents that proves that she completed all the requirements as stated in the graduate license program. You need to contact the DPS to get further advice on this particular situation.
My daughter turns 18 next Friday and has a provisional license. Does she have to wait till her birthday to renew it or can show go a week prior? Also, Does she need a VOE if she is turning 18 in a week?
Hello Littlebittyd. Your daughter must hold a provisional license until she turns 18 and that also include all the restrictions that are part of it.
My son is 16 years old and did obtain a Learner’s Permit out of Colorado in April 2018, however, he lost his wallet, which included the Learner’s Permit and did not obtain a replacement nor do we know when it expires. He will be moving to Texas to come and live with me in June. What steps do we have to take in order for him to obtain a driver’s license in Texas?
Hello Jamie. If your son lost his learners permit, he could request a duplicate through the DMV but keep in mind that the expiration date won’t change. You are advised to schedule an appointment with your local DMV agency to process your request. At the same time, once you get your duplicate, you could go to the DMV in TX to transfer your CO permit to a TX permit. Keep in mind that every state has their own requirements and you may need to fulfill certain requirements given the circumstances. Of course, you will need to ensure you process a transfer before your permit expires.
My son turned 18 last October. Prior to that he took the required driving course and received his Learner’s permit. Since his permit is expired, will he be required to take the written portion of the test again to get his license?
Hello Vicki. From the information you have provided, your son will have to restart the application process again and retake the knowledge exam.
My nephew currently lives with us. It is a very unique situation. His father is no longer living, and his mother still has custody of him, we are just trying to provide a more stable environment. We have him in Drivers Ed and he has his temporary permit. His mother tried to take him to get his permit today, but was unable due to incredibly long waits at several locations. Unfortunately, she will not have another opportunity to take him herself for several weeks because of her work schedule. My husband and I have all of the necessary paperwork and are able to take him, however we do not have “legal guardianship” of him at this time. Is there any way that my husband or I would be able to take him to get the permit without his mother physically present?
Hello Lesli. When it comes to driver’s permit for teenagers, parents or legal guardians must be present to complete the documentation.
I have done all the in class learning, 30 hr driving with a parent, and held my permit for 6 months for a teen. But due to time constraints I never had the time to take the test and I just turned 18 meaning my permit expired and considered an adult. Does this mean I have to take the 6 hour adult class, get a Restricted driver license (permit) for an adult, and get an ITYD? or is there something else I can do to get around these?
Hello JJ. Texas does not require drivers 18 years old and over to hold a learner license prior to applying. Here is a link with more information about driver’s license in TX.
I held my permit for 6 month but my permit recently expire because i turn 18. Do i need to get it renew or can I just take the driving test with an expire permit?
Hello Dat. Have you taken an adult driver education course and participated in the Impact Texas Young Drivers (ITYD) program? These are also requirements before being eligible to apply for a license. In addition, Texas does not require drivers 18 years old and over to have a learner permit before applying for a license. But if you are getting your license for the first time, you’ll need to have a learner’s permit to practice for the road test. Good luck!
My son and daughter in law moved here in November from Missouri. She let her drivers license expire. She’s 23 and a stay at home mom and doesn’t have a vehicle so it’s not been an issue until now. We are wanting to get her a vehicle but she has to get her drivers license first. What does she have to do in order to get Texas drivers license since her Missouri license is expired?
Hello Amanda. Here is a list of requirements everyone needs to fulfill in order to get a driver’s license in TX.
– Submit a completed Application for Texas Driver License or ID Card (Form DL-14A).
– Present appropriate proof of ID.
– If you are a new resident, present proof of TX vehicle registration.
– Present proof of auto insurance for each vehicle you own OR an affidavit that you don’t own a vehicle.
– Surrender your out-of-state or out-of-country license (if applicable).
– Present a certificate completion from a driver education course, if you are between 18 through 24 years old.
– Pass the knowledge exam and driving test (unless you’re exempt).*
– Pay the $25 new driver’s license fee.
Your daughter in law must contact the DMV to find out if every item on the list apply to her since she already had a driver’s license in Missouri. Good luck.
My daughter just turned 18 and holding a learner’s license, which expired recently. We weren’t able to apply for a driver’s license before her 18th birthday. What should we do? What will be the next steps to have a driver’s license?
From the information you have provided it seems your daughter may be able to renew her learner’s permit. You will need to visit your local DPS agency to request a renewal regardless of expiration. Here is a link with more information about learner’s permit in TX.
Hi I’m 19 years old in California and I will ne joining the us air force pretty soon can I yet a texas drivers license if I’m a California resident and in the us air force
Hello Beverly. Before anything else, did you get a driver’s license in California? You will need to contact the DMV in Texas to find out whether you are eligible to transfer your current license to TX. The state of CA also offers driver’s license extensions for military members stationed out of the state. Here is a link for more information about driver’s license for military members.
I am 17 years old, live in Texas and just started my drivers ed online class. I hope to finish my first six hours later this month and get my learners licence. This would be putting my 6 months wait at around September of this year. The thing is I turn 18 in October. Is their a way I can get my learners permit and wait until im 18 to go straight to get my adult liscense and skip my teen liscense? Do I have to get a teen liscense and then a month later get an adult liscense in order to not waste money on my teen drivers ed? In that case should I wait until I’m 18 to take the adult online drivers ed course?
Hello Ivan. If you are 18 years old or older you can apply for an adult driver’s license but there are other requirements that you must comply with in order to be eligible. Here is a link with more information about driver’s license in TX.
Hi! My daughter did the 32 hr class room and also received her permit with driving school. We switched over to parents taught program and did the 44 he log behind the wheel driving. She also recently passed her road test. What all DPS need in order to get license? Her permit was through driving school. Is the certificate of 32 classroom hr From driving school and my 44 hr parent taught log enough for DPS? Or do she need another form/transfer transcript?
Hello Natascha. If your daughter has fulfilled all the requirements to apply for a driver’s license, she could apply for a license by visiting the local DPS agency and fill out an application. Again, there are some requirements that your daughter needs to comply with but here’s a link with more information about driver’s license for teenagers in TX.
When I was 18 I got my “permit” but it doesn’t say learners permit on it. I actually says under 21 Driver license. I am 19 now do I still have to take my drivers test even though it says drivers license on my ID?
Hello Alexis. You may be holding a provisional driver’s license. It could also be that you are applying for a driver’s license for the first time and the DMV granted you a learner’s permit, which must be kept for 6 months prior to take the road test and written test for a regular driver’s license. Note that young applicants are required to take a driver’s education course to be eligible for a license. Here’s a link for more information about driver’s license in TX.
My son has a teen drivers which he obtained at age 16 after attending the courses, doing his hours, and taking and passing the driving test. Does he have to take the courses and test again?
Hello Edmundo. you are advised to contact the DMV in TX as many states require teenagers to take their local courses and training programs for future eligibility.
if you get permit at 15 but don’t get your license by the time you’re 17 do you have to wait until you’re 18 to get a license