Texas Driving Test Requirements 2026: Age, Documents, Vehicle, and More

Quick Answer: To take the Texas DPS driving test, you must hold a valid Texas learner license (or a valid out-of-state license), have completed the required driver education course, and present specific documents at your appointment. Teens aged 16�"17 must complete a state-approved driver education course (32 classroom hours or 24 hours for parent-taught), finish the ITTD program, and hold a learner license for at least six months. Adults 18�"24 must complete a six-hour adult driver education course and the ITD program. Adults 25 and older may take the test without a formal education course. All test-takers must bring a properly registered, insured, and inspected vehicle that passes a DPS safety check.

The Texas driving test is administered by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the requirements differ significantly based on your age. Walking into a DPS office unprepared is the fastest way to waste a morning and walk out without a license. Here is exactly what Texas requires �" by age group �" so you arrive on test day with every box checked.

Texas Driving Test Requirements by Age Group

Requirement	Under 16 (Learner License Only)	16�"17 Years Old	18�"24 Years Old	25+ Years Old
Minimum age for learner license	15 years old	�"	�"	�"
Minimum age for driving test	Not eligible	16 years old	18 years old (after holding learner license)	No minimum beyond adult age
Driver education required	32 hrs classroom (or 24 hrs parent-taught) + in-car training	32 hrs classroom (or 24 hrs parent-taught) + in-car training	6-hour adult driver education course	Not required (but recommended)
In-car practice requirement	7 hrs behind-the-wheel + 7 hrs observation + 30 hrs additional practice = 44 total hours	7 hrs BTW + 7 hrs observation + 30 hrs practice = 44 total hours	No mandatory minimum	No mandatory minimum
Learner license holding period	Until age 16	At least 6 months	Must hold valid learner license	Must hold valid learner license (or valid out-of-state license)
Impact Texas Driver program	N/A	ITTD (2-hour video, must be completed within 90 days before the test)	ITD (1-hour video, within 90 days of test)	ITD (1-hour video, within 90 days of test) if applying for first Texas license

Complete Document Checklist for Your Texas Driving Test

What to Bring to the DPS �" Full Checklist

Valid Texas learner license (or valid out-of-state driver license if transferring)
Proof of identity (valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or permanent resident card)
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub with full SSN)
Proof of Texas residency (two documents �" utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, etc., dated within 90 days)
Texas driver education certificate �" Form DE-964 for teens completing a driver education course, or Form ADE-1317 for adults 18�"24 completing the 6-hour adult course
Impact Texas Driver certificate �" printed or digital completion certificate dated within 90 days
Verification of Enrollment (VOE) �" required for applicants under 18; obtained from your high school
Parent or legal guardian �" required for applicants under 18 to sign the application

Vehicle Requirements for the Texas Road Test

You must provide your own vehicle for the driving test. The DPS examiner will inspect the vehicle before the test begins. If the vehicle fails inspection, your test is cancelled and you must reschedule �" there is no grace period and no loaner vehicle available.

The vehicle must have:

Current registration �" valid Texas registration sticker displayed on the windshield
Current inspection �" valid Texas vehicle inspection report (note: the inspection program requirement changed January 1, 2025; verify current rules at DPS.Texas.gov)
Proof of insurance �" a current insurance card or digital proof that meets Texas minimum liability coverage
Two license plates �" front and rear, both securely attached
Functioning safety equipment: headlights, brake lights, turn signals (front and rear), horn, windshield wipers, rearview mirror (inside), driver-side outside mirror, seat belts for both examiner and driver, functioning speedometer, and an unobstructed windshield with no cracks that impair visibility
Adequate tire tread and no unsafe tire conditions
Working driver and passenger doors
No warning lights illuminated on the dashboard (check engine light is a common reason for test refusal)

What the Texas Driving Test Covers

The Texas DPS road test evaluates core driving skills in a real-world setting. You will be tested on:

Pre-drive checks �" the examiner watches as you adjust mirrors, fasten seat belt, and demonstrate that you know the vehicle's controls
Parallel parking �" you must park between two cones or markers without touching them, within a reasonable distance of the curb, in no more than two adjustments
Backing �" a straight-line backing maneuver, typically about 50 feet along the curb
Intersections and turns �" proper signaling, lane positioning, and right-of-way observance
Lane changes �" signaling, mirror and blind-spot checks, smooth lane transitions
Traffic signals and signs �" full stops at stop signs, proper yields, observing speed limits
General vehicle control �" smooth acceleration, braking, and steering

The test takes approximately 20�"30 minutes. Points are deducted for each error; accumulating more than 30 points results in a failure. Critical errors �" such as causing a crash, driving over a curb, failing to yield, or any action that endangers others �" result in an automatic failure regardless of point total.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my own car for the Texas driving test?

Yes �" in fact, you must provide your own vehicle. DPS does not supply test vehicles. The vehicle must be properly registered, inspected, insured, and pass the examiner's pre-drive safety check. If you use a rental car, you must be listed as an authorized driver on the rental agreement.

How long do I have to wait to retake the test if I fail?

Texas DPS requires a waiting period before you can retake the driving test. You may schedule a retest after the DPS system updates your record, but you cannot take the test more than once per day. There is a retest fee for each attempt. If you fail three times, you must complete additional behind-the-wheel training or driver education before being allowed to retest �" the DPS office will provide specific instructions.

Do I need to take driver education if I am over 18 in Texas?

If you are 18�"24 years old and applying for your first Texas driver license, you are required to complete a 6-hour adult driver education course (Form ADE-1317) before taking the driving test. If you are 25 or older, driver education is not legally required �" but taking the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) course is still mandatory before the road test. Even though the course is not required for the 25+ group, completing it can help you pass the test with fewer attempts.

What maneuvers are tested on the Texas driving test?

The test covers parallel parking, straight-line backing, turns at intersections, lane changes, obeying traffic signs and signals, and general vehicle control. The examiner scores each maneuver and deducts points for errors. You also must pass a pre-drive safety check where you demonstrate knowledge of vehicle controls.

Do I need an appointment for the Texas driving test?

Yes. Texas DPS requires appointments for driving tests. You can schedule online through the DPS website or by phone. Walk-ins are generally not accepted for road tests. Appointments can book weeks or months in advance at busy locations, so schedule early. Some third-party driving schools authorized by DPS also offer the test and may have shorter wait times.

Ready to schedule your Texas driving test? Make sure you have completed the required driver education course first. Find TDLR-approved Texas driver education and defensive driving courses available online.

Sources: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS.Texas.gov) �" Driver License Services; Texas Transportation Code Chapter 521; TDLR (TDLR.Texas.gov) �" Driver Education and Safety. Requirements are current as of 2026 but always verify directly with DPS before scheduling, as rules are subject to legislative change.