To get your Texas license, you need to complete an approved driver's ed course.
Then, you'll fill out your driver's license application and provide the required documentation.
After you complete your pre-test requirements, you just need to pass your written exam and road test.
Getting a Texas driver's license at 18 years old might be slightly easier than when you're 16, but there's still a lot you need to think about. The process requires showing proof that you've completed the state's requirements and have the driving skills and knowledge needed to safely drive on your own. In addition to passing a written and driver's test, you'll need to provide identification documents, your vehicle registration, and proof of insurance (if you own a vehicle).
Here's a closer look at the five steps needed to get your Texas driver's license when you're 18.
1. Complete an Adult Driver's Education Course
Just because you're 18 doesn't mean you can skip your driver's ed. It's actually a requirement in the state of Texas until you're 25. Before you can get your license, you'll need at least six hours of class time from an accredited school like iDriveSafely.
When you've completed your accredited driver's ed course, the driving school will issue you a certificate/proof of program completion. Make sure you have this on you when you arrive for your written and road exams. The DPS won't allow you to take these exams without proof of your driver's education.
Before you can take your driving skills test, you'll also need to complete the free, two-hour Impact Texas Young Drivers course that teaches you about the dangers of distracted driving.
2. Fill Out a Driver's License Application and Provide Documentation
You can fill out the Texas driver's license application form before you head over to the local driver's license office or after you arrive. You'll also need to provide the proper paperwork to prove your identity and verify you're a Texas resident and a U.S. Citizen or lawful resident. The Texas Driver's Licence Document Brochure provides a detailed list of the documents the state will accept.
In addition, you'll need to provide your Social Security number, your DMV vehicle registration, and proof of insurance for each vehicle you own. If you don't own a vehicle, you can simply sign an affidavit stating this.
3. Complete Your Pre-Test Requirements
There are a few additional steps to complete before you can take your written exam and road test. Arrive prepared to:
Provide a signature for your driver's license
Provide your thumbprints
Pay the $33 application fee
Have your photo taken
Pass the vision exam
If you wear corrective lenses of any kind (glasses, contacts, etc.) you need to wear them when you arrive for your road test. There will be a notice on the back of your license noting if you need corrective lenses while driving.
4. Pass a Written Exam
The Texas written driver's exam consists of questions related to fundamental driving skills. To ensure you pass the exam, you'll want to be well-versed in topics like:
Parallel parking
Safe lane changes
Successfully making U-turns and three-point turns
Safely backing up
And more
Make sure you study the Texas Department of Safety (DPS) Driver's License Handbook and memorize Texas state laws on obeying speed, encountering different road signs, and when to use traffic signals.
If you're nervous about the test, don't worry. When you take the adult driver's ed class with iDriveSafely, you're guaranteed to pass your exam.
5. Pass the Road Test
The Texas driving test, also known as a road test, is the most important part of getting your license. Examiners are looking for control and confidence. Make sure you know where tools are in your car, such as gear shifts, emergency breaks, blinkers, and steering.
Most likely, the examiner will ask you to engage or identify these things at the start of your test. Always keep your hands at nine and three, keep your eyes on the road, and check your mirrors frequently during turns. Also, stay in your lane.
During the test, your driving instructor will make sure you're not exceeding the speed limit, following other vehicles too closely, or disobeying road signs and signals. As long as you obey the rules of the road and stay mindful of what you've learned in Texas driver's ed, you'll pass with flying colors.
Enjoy Your New Texas Driver's License
If you follow these steps and study hard, you should have no trouble getting your Texas driver's license. But, if you really want to set yourself up for success, sign up for iDriveSafely's online driver's ed course now. We'll provide you with all the resources and support you need to make getting your license a breeze.
Updated 05/24/24
