Learner’s Permit Restrictions and Regulations in Texas

1. What is the minimum age to apply for a learner’s permit in Texas?


In Texas, the minimum age to apply for a learner’s permit is 15 years old.

2. How many hours of supervised driving must be completed before applying for a driver’s license in Texas?


In Texas, a driver must complete at least 30 hours of supervised driving before applying for a driver’s license, including at least 10 hours at night.

3. Does Texas require a vision test for a learner’s permit?


Yes, Texas does require a vision test for a learner’s permit.

4. How long is a learner’s permit valid for in Texas?


A learner’s permit is valid for 12 months in Texas.

5. Are there any restrictions on nighttime driving with a learner’s permit in Texas?


Yes. In Texas, drivers with a learner’s permit are not allowed to drive after 11 p.m. and before 5 a.m. unless they are accompanied by a licensed driver who is over the age of 21 and who has held their license for at least one year.

6. Are there any limitations on passengers when driving with a learner’s permit in Texas?


Yes, there are several limitations. While driving with a learner’s permit in Texas, the driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older who occupies the front seat next to them at all times. The accompanying driver must have had their license for at least one year and must not have any pending suspensions or revocations. Additionally, passengers are limited to the driver’s immediate family members or one other passenger unless otherwise authorized by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

7. What documents must be presented to apply for a learner’s permit in Texas?


In order to apply for a learner’s permit in Texas, applicants must provide proof of identity and residency, social security number, a certificate of completion for a driver’s education course, and a valid form of payment. Additionally, applicants must take and pass a vision test, and provide proof of liability insurance coverage.

8. Is there an additional fee for a learner’s permit in Texas?


Yes, there is an additional fee for a learner’s permit in Texas. The fee is $16 and must be paid when applying for the permit.

9. What is the process to renew a learner’s permit in Texas?


In Texas, the process for renewing a learner’s permit is as follows:

1. Visit your local Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office.

2. Complete and sign the application form and provide proof of identity and residency documentation.

3. Take and pass the vision test.

4. Pay all applicable fees.

5. Receive your new learner’s permit.

10. What are the requirements for taking the written exam when applying for a learner’s permit in Texas?


In order to take the written exam when applying for a learner’s permit in Texas, applicants must be at least 15 years old, present proof of identity and residency, pass the vision test, provide parental or guardian approval (if under 18 years old), and pay the applicable fee.

11. Are there any restrictions on cell phone use while driving with a learner’s permit in Texas?


Yes. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, “driver license holders with a learner license are prohibited from using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle.”

12. Are there any restrictions on seatbelt usage while driving with a learner’s permit in Texas?


Yes, a driver with a learner’s permit in Texas is required to wear a seatbelt at all times. All passengers in the vehicle must also be properly restrained.

13. How long is an applicant required to hold a learner’s permit before applying for a driver’s license in Texas?


In Texas, applicants must hold a learner’s permit for at least six months before applying for a driver’s license.

14. Does Texas offer any type of driver education courses to help applicants prepare for a learner’s permit exam?


Yes, Texas offers a variety of driver education courses, including classroom, online and parent-taught courses, that can help applicants prepare for the learner’s permit exam.

15. What are the rules regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs while driving with a learner’s permit in Texas?


In Texas, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to possess or consume alcohol, and it is illegal for anyone operating a motor vehicle to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For drivers with a learner’s permit, there is a zero-tolerance policy for any amount of alcohol or other drugs in their system while operating a motor vehicle.

16. Does Texas require applicants to take an actual driving test before being issued a driver’s license?


Yes, Texas requires applicants to take an actual driving test before being issued a driver’s license.

17. Is insurance required to obtain or renew a learner’s permit in Texas?


No, insurance is not required to obtain or renew a learner’s permit in Texas.

18. Are there any special requirements when applying for a learner’s permit if the applicant is under 18 years old in Texas?


Yes. In Texas, applicants under 18 must complete and pass an approved Driver Education course, provide proof of school enrollment or graduation, and provide the signed Parent Taught Driver Education Affidavit (if applicable). The applicant must also provide proof of identity and Social Security Number and pass the knowledge and vision tests.

19. Is formal driver training required before applying for a driver’s license in Texas?


Yes, formal driver training is required in order to apply for a driver’s license in Texas if you are between the ages of 18 and 24.

20. Is there an age restriction on digital device use while driving with a learner’s permit in Texas?


Yes, drivers with a learner’s permit in Texas are prohibited from using any type of digital device while driving.