DMV Texas · Facts and practice test
Texas DMV: age, fees, test facts
Sourced procedural facts for Texas DMV, plus a free 80-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years old, after starting an approved driver education course
Knowledge test fee
No separate test fee stated; learner license fee ($16 for under 18) covers application, knowledge test, and card
Supervised driving before road test
Must hold learner license 6 months and complete required behind-the-wheel practice via driver ed; DPS does not itemize a specific hour count outside the course
Documents to bring
Completed application, proof of citizenship/lawful presence, TX residency, identity, Social Security number, driver ed certificate, Impact Texas Driver certificate for road test
Find an office / appointment
Texas DPS provides a Driver License Office Locations search tool and Appointments page; all driver license/ID services are by appointment only via txdpsscheduler.com, though walk-ins can use an in-office kiosk to book same-day slots if available.
REAL ID status
REAL ID available; Texas began issuing REAL ID compliant cards (star in upper right) Oct 10, 2016. A DPS 'REAL ID Document Check' tool helps applicants prepare. Federal enforcement date May 7, 2025.
Motorcycle license
Endorsement at 15 (250cc or less restriction until 16, removed after skills test); requires TDLR-approved rider course completion certificate.
Commercial license (CDL)
18 for intrastate CDL; 21 for interstate driving or hazmat. Commercial Learner's Permit must be held 14 days before skills exam.
Official source: Texas DPS - Driver License Division
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for licenses + Texas DMV for vehicle registration site.
Getting a license in Texas
Getting your first permit
In Texas, the minimum permit age is 15 years old, after starting an approved driver education course. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: completed application, proof of citizenship/lawful presence, TX residency, identity, Social Security number, driver ed certificate, Impact Texas Driver certificate for road test. Texas DPS provides a Driver License Office Locations search tool and Appointments page; all driver license/ID services are by appointment only via txdpsscheduler.com, though walk-ins can use an in-office kiosk to book same-day slots if available.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
No separate test fee stated; learner license fee ($16 for under 18) covers application, knowledge test, and card. Before the road test, the state requires must hold learner license 6 months and complete required behind-the-wheel practice via driver ed; DPS does not itemize a specific hour count outside the course.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
REAL ID available; Texas began issuing REAL ID compliant cards (star in upper right) Oct 10, 2016. A DPS 'REAL ID Document Check' tool helps applicants prepare. Federal enforcement date May 7, 2025. For a motorcycle license: endorsement at 15 (250cc or less restriction until 16, removed after skills test); requires TDLR-approved rider course completion certificate. For a commercial license (CDL): 18 for intrastate CDL; 21 for interstate driving or hazmat. Commercial Learner's Permit must be held 14 days before skills exam.
The Texas bank has 80 questions across 9 topics
Passed? Don't forget insurance
New drivers in the household need to be added to the policy, and shopping several carriers is the best way to keep the cost down, wherever you live.