Everything You Need to Know About Getting Your Texas Driver's License as a Teen
Getting your driver's license is an exciting milestone, especially for teenagers. In Texas, the process for teens to obtain their license involves a series of steps that ensure new drivers are well-prepared to handle the responsibilities of the road. From completing a state-approved driver education course to passing both written and driving exams, there are several important steps along the way. At Get Drivers Ed, we’re here to guide you through every part of the journey.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about getting your Texas driver’s license as a teen, including the requirements, the licensing stages, and how our online courses at Get Drivers Ed can help make the process as smooth as possible.
1. Understanding the Texas Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program
What Is the GDL Program?
Texas has a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program designed to gradually introduce teens to driving privileges while minimizing risks. The GDL program consists of three stages:
Learner License (also known as the instruction permit)
Provisional License
Full (Unrestricted) License
Each stage has specific requirements that must be met before progressing to the next. This system helps teens gain the necessary skills and experience under low-risk conditions before being granted full driving privileges.
Age Requirements
Learner License: Teens can apply for a learner license at age 15.
Provisional License: You can apply for a provisional license at age 16, provided you have completed the learner license requirements.
Full License: Typically granted at age 18, once the teen has held the provisional license for at least six months without any violations.
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Texas Driver's License as a Teen
Step 1: Complete a Texas Drivers Ed Course
The first step in obtaining your Texas driver’s license as a teen is completing a state-approved driver education course. Teens aged 14-17 must complete 32 hours of classroom instruction, which can now be conveniently taken online through programs like Get Drivers Ed. Our online Texas drivers ed course covers all essential topics, including:
Texas traffic laws
Road signs and signals
Safe driving practices
Defensive driving techniques
Why Choose Get Drivers Ed for Your Drivers Education?
At Get Drivers Ed, our Texas online drivers ed course is designed to be flexible and engaging, allowing you to study at your own pace. Our interactive curriculum includes videos, quizzes, and real-life driving scenarios that help you retain key information and prepare you for the written knowledge exam.
Step 2: Apply for Your Learner License
Once you’ve completed the first six hours of your driver education course, you can apply for your learner license (instruction permit) at your local Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. When applying, you'll need to bring:
Proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport)
Proof of Social Security number
Verification of school enrollment or a high school diploma
Completed Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964) from your Get Drivers Ed course
You will also need to pass a vision test and the written knowledge test. However, if you take our online drivers ed course, you may be eligible to take the written exam as part of the course, making it easier to get your learner license.
Step 3: Complete Behind-the-Wheel Training
With your learner license in hand, it’s time to gain hands-on experience behind the wheel. Texas requires teen drivers to complete 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training, which includes:
14 hours of in-car instruction with a parent or guardian (at least 10 hours must be at night)
30 hours of supervised driving practice
This behind-the-wheel practice is critical in helping you build the skills necessary for safe driving. At Get Drivers Ed, our course provides helpful tips and guidance for parents and guardians to ensure they’re effectively teaching their teen drivers.
Step 4: Apply for Your Provisional License
After holding your learner license for at least six months and completing your behind-the-wheel training, you can apply for a provisional license at age 16. To do so, you will need to:
Complete the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) program, a free, two-hour educational video required by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Schedule a driving test at your local DPS office. During the test, an examiner will evaluate your driving skills to ensure you can operate a vehicle safely.
Bring your completed driving log and a certificate of completion from your driver education course (DE-964).
Once you pass the driving test, you’ll be issued a provisional license, which allows you to drive unsupervised but with certain restrictions, such as a curfew and passenger limitations.
3. Tips for Passing the Driving Test
The driving test can be a nerve-wracking experience, but thorough preparation can help ease those nerves. Here are some tips to help you pass:
Practice parallel parking: This is a common part of the Texas driving test, so be sure to practice until you’re comfortable with this maneuver.
Know the road signs: Make sure you’re familiar with all road signs and signals covered in your Get Drivers Ed course.
Stay calm and focused: Listen carefully to the examiner's instructions, and don’t let nerves get the best of you. Drive as you’ve practiced, and stay focused on the road.
How Get Drivers Ed Can Help
Our Texas online drivers ed course includes tips and lessons specifically designed to prepare you for the driving test. By completing our course, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence you need to pass the test on your first try.
4. The Road to Your Full Driver's License
Once you receive your provisional license, it’s important to follow all the restrictions and continue practicing safe driving habits. After you turn 18 and have held your provisional license for at least six months, you can apply for a full, unrestricted driver’s license in Texas.
At this point, you’ll be ready to enjoy the freedom of the open road, thanks to the solid foundation you built during your time with Get Drivers Ed.
