Are you dreaming of the day you pass your Texas driver’s license examination and can have full freedom on the road? Before that day comes, you will need to pass a driver’s education course and collect a lot of documentation to meet all the requirements necessary to get your Texas driver’s license.
Documentation for a Texas Driver's License
To obtain a Texas driver’s license, you must provide proof of the following documents or conditions upon application:
Proof of U.S. citizenship
Proof of legal Texas residency if a non-citizen
Social Security number
Other proof of identity
Current Texas vehicle registration for all vehicles owned
Proof of insurance
Many driver’s license applicants do not own vehicles. In this case, you must sign an affidavit stating you are not a vehicle owner.
Texas Driver's Education Course
Applicants between the ages of 18 and 24 must also provide evidence that they completed a six-hour driver’s education course. This rule does not apply to those who recent Texas residents who are 18 years or older and giving up their former state’s license for a Texas driver’s license.
In the driver’s ed course, students learn:
Basic driving maneuvers
Traffic and road signals and signs
Who has the right of way
What to do in an emergency
Vehicle maintenance and safety
Traffic laws
Adjusting for weather and other conditions
Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) Program
Successfully passing the ITD program is necessary to get your license. The ITD program focuses on the dangers of distracted driving, one of the leading causes of serious and fatal motor vehicle accidents.
The Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) is for those between the ages of 15 and 24 who have completed a teen driver education course. It consists of a free, two-hour video highlighting true stories. The Impact Texas Young Drivers (ITYD) is a free, one-hour video designed for those over 18 who have taken an adult driver education course.
Candidates must complete their ITD program within 90 days before taking the driving skills test.
Texas Driver’s License Application
Complete your driver’s license application before heading to your local TDPS office. You must make an appointment with your local TDPS online, which you can do up to six months in advance.
Besides the usual information regarding your name, address, date of birth, and ethnicity, the application requires medical information, such as whether you have any conditions which may affect your ability to operate a motor vehicle.
The Skills Test
On the day of your appointment at the driver’s license office, bring your ITD certificate of completion along with the other necessary documents. You must also present your Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964), showing you have completed a driver’s education course.
After your documents are reviewed, you must pay an application fee. You then have your picture taken and undergo a vision test. Texas is one of four states requiring thumbprint submission as part of the driving license test procedure, so this is also done.
You do not have to complete the knowledge portion of the test if it was completed during your driver education course. You must pass the driving test at this location. Once you complete all requirements, you will receive a temporary driver’s license. Make sure to review this temporary license and see that all information is correct. You can drive as soon as you receive your temporary license, and expect your permanent license to arrive in the mail in two to three weeks.
Let IDriveSafely.com Help You Get Your Texas License
Getting your Texas license may seem daunting, but it's easy with the help of I Drive Safely. Our Texas driver's education course provides you with all the driving knowledge you need to pass your licensing exam. Enroll today to get started!