Obtaining an instruction permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Texas. You are eligible to apply for an instruction permit if you are at least 15 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Texas who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months.

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL INSTRUCTION PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the Texas Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local Driver License office.
2. If you are under 18 years of age you must:
   • Obtain parental authorization. Parent or guardian must accompany you to the Driver license office to sign the application.
   • Present driver education completion certificate (DE-964 Classroom).
   • Provide Verification of Attendance and Enrollment in School form (TEA form GEA-043R93).
3. Visit your local Driver License Center to submit the application. You must bring with you:
4. Proof of identity and social security number as specified by the Department of Transportation. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support this and clearly indicate your current name.
5. If you own a vehicle provide proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance.
6. The instruction permit fee of $5.
7. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License office. If you pass these tests, you will be issued an instruction permit, which will expire a year after your next birthday.

When driving with an instruction permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older who has held a license for at least a year. This person must sit beside you.

THE PROVISIONAL LICENSE

You are eligible for a provisional license if you are at least 16 years of age and have held an instruction permit for a minimum of six months. Once you pass the road test you will be issued a provisional license which comes with the following restrictions during the first six months:

1. Provisional license holders are not permitted to drive between midnight and 5 am unless in a medical emergency or for traveling to and from work or school activities.
2. You are not permitted to carry more than one unrelated passenger under the age of 21.
3. Use of cell phone while driving is prohibited.

THE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

Once you have held a provisional license for six months there are no driving restrictions and it is as good as a full license.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Texas, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.