How to Adult: Getting a Driver’s License

There are many steps to receiving your driver’s license. The process can be stressful if you are unaware of how to complete it. Below you can find out how to get your license according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. 

Complete a Driving Course

To apply and participate in a course, you must be at least 14 years of age. Options are available to how you can take the course. The state of Texas accepts certificates of completion from a training school, a parent-taught program or a course in school (if offered).

Get your Learner’s License

You have to be 15-17 years old to receive this “level” of your license. This license permits you to practice driving with an adult before moving on to the next level. The learner’s license expires when the driver turns 18. 

Have your Documents and Qualifications 

To get a learner’s license, first, locate your local driver’s license office. Bring with you evidence of your completion of a driver’s course, enrollment in school, U.S. citizenship, Texas residency, social security number and VOE form. 

Progressing toward your Provisional Driver’s License

You must hold your learner’s license for at least 6 months and have to be 16-17 years old to apply for your provisional license. With a provisional license, drivers can drive on their own with a maximum of two other people in the vehicle. 

Hours needed

To receive the provisional license, you complete seven hours of watching the instructor demonstrate how to drive, and another seven hours of driving with observation. Thirty hours must be driven (with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older) on your own time.

Final Steps

After students pass the teaching course, they must complete the Impact Texas Teen Driver Program and pass the driving test. Once completed, visit your local license office and provide additional information. 

What to Bring

You must be accompanied to the office by a legal guardian and provide a driving application, evidence of lawful-presence, proof of identity, proof of driver’s education completion, VOE, and proof of passing the driving test. After that, provide your signature, fingerprints, and have your photo taken. On top of this you pay a fee, take the vision exam, and provide vehicle insurance.

Afterward

This provisional license will expire when you turn 18 and must renew it within 30 days of it expiring. You will then be issued a driver’s license for people under 21 years old.