Requirements to Get a Texas Drivers License

All drivers in Texas must be licensed.

The requirements for obtaining a driver's license in the state of Texas are similar to those in other states. All applicants must be familiar with the Texas Driver's Manual and must provide the Texas Department of Public Safety with certain required documents. Different requirements apply to different types of applicants. It is important to become familiar with the documents that are required for each type of license. All original applicants must present proof of identity that is satisfactory to the department.

First Time Drivers

Those applying for a driver's license for the first time will need to apply for a Texas learner's permit. This requires a vision test and a written exam on motor vehicle laws, safe driving techniques and traffic signs. Those applicants under 18 must hold a learner's permit for 6 months and provide proof of a successfully completed driver education course before a road skills test is given. If the applicant owns a vehicle, proof of liability insurance must be provided.

New Texas Residents

Any person over 18 that is new to the state of Texas, who already have a valid driver's license from his home state, must apply for a Texas license within 30 days after becoming a resident. You must take the license from the former state with you when applying for a Texas operator's license. This applicant will be required to surrender the license from the other state in order to obtain a new Texas license. A written exam and road skills test are not required to change a valid out-of-state license to one from Texas. An eye exam must be passed and if the out-of-state license is expired, both written and driving tests will be required.

International Drivers

A person who is 18 to 75 years of age and holds a valid out-of-country driver license may drive a non-commercial vehicle in the state of Texas for up to one year from the date of entry into the United States. This is only if the country of origin has reciprocity with the United States. This may be determined by contacting License Issuance Division by email (see "Resources"). In order to convert an international license to a Texas license, all required tests---including written, driving and vision---must be passed.

Commercial Driver's License

A commercial driver's license is required in the state of Texas for many transportation jobs. The test for a commercial driver's license (CDL) is more complicated than getting a regular driver's license. A person must be 21 years or older in order to obtain a CDL. An exception to this law is you may obtain a limited CDL at 18 if you are only hauling single trailers in Texas that contain no hazardous materials. Those applying for a CDL in Texas must not have a license from any other state, cannot have been previously disqualified for any reason and must have a valid medical examiners card prior to taking any skills test. No applicants convicted for impaired driving within 2 years will not be licensed.

References

• DMV: Unofficial DMV Guide
• Texas CDL Information
• Test Questions and Answers License Guide

Resources

• Texas Department of Public Safety