10 Steps to Getting Your Adult Driver's License in Austin, Texas

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 RegistrationRenew Registrationrenewal Jsp Txdot_reg_ren_enter_vehicle_info.jsp Renew.txdmv.gov 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 classDriver License Impact Texas Drivers Itd Program Section 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 courseDriver.htm Driver 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 courseTexas Adult Driver Education Drivers Ed 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 onlineForms DL 14A.pdf Internetforms 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 appointmentPublic.txdpsscheduler.com 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!