You have to get your adult driver's license to hit the road, so you'll want to create a great foundation of knowledge before you head into your test. With some preparation, you can achieve your goal of getting your Texas adult driver's license in no time. Here are the steps you need to take to get your adult driver's license in Austin, Texas.
How to Get Your Adult Driver's License in Austin
Learning how to drive can be intimidating, but if you follow the Texas state laws and our steps below, you'll be driving in no time.
1. Gather Proof of Citizenship
Make sure to prove your citizenship through multiple documents. It's essential to bring a Social Security card, proof of residency (like a letter or something that arrived at your address, or any other state-issued ID card. Those are popular forms of identification.
2. Proof Your Residency
You can prove Texas residency with the documents above, but mainly, you must have a letter addressed to you. This way, the Texas Department of Safety (DPS) can verify your name and address match up with a specific place in Austin.
3. Vehicle Registration
You must have evidence of vehicle registration, whether you have a learner's permit or are covered under a family member's insurance. If you want to double-check your registration, you can visit the Texas DMV Vehicle Registration site. This is a great resource for new residents, too.
4. Pass Impact Texas Driver's Program
Adults (anyone over 18) must take the one-hour Impact Texas Young Drivers class before taking their driving skills test in Austin, Texas. The goal of the course is to reduce the risk of any sort of accident or driving issues on the road.
5. Pass Your Six-Hour Driver's Education Course
You have to pass an adult driver's ed course if you are between 18 and 24. If you're 25 or over, you don't need to take driver's ed, but it's highly recommended. I Drive Safely offers a DPS-approved six-hour course you can take from your home. And, it also includes the written exam, meaning you only need to go to the DPS for your vision, hearing, and driving exams!
6. File Your Application Online
To keep lines down and respect COVID guidelines, you can apply for your driver's license online prior to showing up for your exam. Note: This doesn't mean you're a licensed driver! This just means you've pre-filled out some personal information before showing up to your appointment to save some time.
7. Make an Appointment at an Austin DPS Location
This might be the most important step for getting your driver's license in Austin, Texas. Austin is a big place, and a lot of people need their licenses.
Make an appointment as soon as you have completed all of the tests above. You have four Austin-area locations to choose from:
Austin North Lamar: 6121 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78752
Austin Northwest: 13730 Research Boulevard, Austin, TX 78750
Austin South: 6425 South Interstate 35, Ste. 180, Austin, TX 78744
Pflugerville Mega Center (Austin Area): 216 East Wells Branch Parkway, Pflugerville, TX 78660
Once you've done that, you're ready for the final steps.
Do not forget your documents at home. Make sure you have your certificates too. If you leave any of those things you will not be allowed to take your exam, and you will most definitely be extremely frustrated.
8. Take Your Written Exam
Once you arrive, check-in, and provide your documents, you'll be called over to take your written exam on a tablet or computer. If you've taken the I Drive Safely course and passed the exam online, you can skip down to #9!
Use your study guides, class practice exams, and free online resources to prepare. Once you pass that, you're ready to start your exam on the road.
Every testing site has different precautions and safety measures for COVID, so please look them up before going and have your vaccine card and mask ready.
9. Take Your Road Test
During your driving test, you'll get to prove your driving prowess on Austin roads. Make sure to get in enough practice so you feel comfortable behind the wheel.
Once you pass your parking and road tests, you're in business! Let's celebrate your brand new Texas driver's license.
10. Hit the Road!
Now that you've followed all of the instructions above and have secured your driver's license in Austin, it'll be mailed to you in approximately two to three weeks, according to the state of Texas.
Enjoy Your License on the Austin Roads
Be careful, stay safe, and make sure to pay attention to your surroundings while driving. Avoid distractions and follow the rules of the road in your area. Happy driving, Austin!
