Can i get my license at 17 in texas

Texas has a Graduated Drivers License program (GDL) so that teen drivers—starting at 14 years old—can progress towards getting their full driver’s license at 18 years old. 

When you’re a teenager, the freedom of driving is the most exciting thing in the world. But when will you be able to hit the road? It’s important to know all the rules for where you live, as the legal driving age varies from state to state. 

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What is the driving age in Texas?

In Texas, residents can start the process of getting their license at 14. At ages 15 and 16, they can complete Phases I (Learner Permit) & II (Provisional License) before applying for their full license when they are at least 18. 

What is the Graduated Drivers License program in Texas?

Texas implemented the GDL in 2002 to help new drivers and teenagers improve their skills in less risky situations on their way to learning how to drive. The aim was to reduce motor vehicle accidents, which according to the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC), are the second leading cause of death among young drivers. 

The GDL program has four stages, each designed to help a young driver gain the skill and confidence needed to safely operate a vehicle:

• Driver Education: prospective drivers must complete a course

• Learner permit: can drive with a licensed adult (21+) in the front seat

• Provisional license stage: restrictions include not being able to drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. or with more than one passenger under 21 years old. 

• Full license stage: can drive without restrictions

How to get your instruction permit in Texas

Every Texas teen who wishes to drive must follow the state’s GDL program. This program moves the driver through a system of graduating stages as they gain the necessary skills to earn a full driver’s license. Before going to your local DMV, you have to gather the documents you will need to submit.

You must be at least 14 years old. You’ll also need the following required documents or proof of documentation needed to receive an instructional permit:

• U.S. Citizenship or, if you are not a U.S. Citizen, evidence of lawful presence

• Evidence of current Texas Vehicle Registration for each vehicle you own. 

• Insurance for each vehicle you own. If you do not own a vehicle, you will sign a statement affirming this.

All new drivers in Texas must pass a written exam to prove they understand driving laws, road signs, and penalties. They will also need to pass a driving test and a vision test before getting their license. 

Get your hands on a copy of the

Texas Driver Handbook

and study before you have to take a driving or knowledge test. 

If all goes well, you should receive your provisional permit!

Provisional license and its restrictions

After six months, you can receive your provisional license. This expires on the 18th birthday of the license holder. To apply, all applicants must:

• Have a Learner License for a minimum of six months

• Complete both portions of driver’s ed (classroom and behind-the-wheel)

• Complete the Impact Teen Texas Drivers requirement

If you have your provisional license, the two major restrictions include:

• You can not drive between midnight and 5:00 am 

• You can not drive with more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member

How to apply for your provisional driver’s license in Texas

If you’ve passed every step of the GDL, then you are that much closer to getting your driver’s license.Congrats! 

In addition to the above-mentioned requirements, you must also do the following to obtain a driver’s license:

• Schedule your driving test.

• Collect documentation for your test:

• Bring a parent or guardian to accompany you.

• Pay the $17.00 fee or bring the receipt if you’ve already paid (remember, payment is only valid for 90 days).

• If you pass the driving exam through an approved TPST school, you will have to submit the sealed envelope prepared by the school to the driver license office so that the exam can be waived.

• Receive your temporary license. This will only be valid for 45 days or until you receive your permanent license in the mail. After 45 days, if you haven’t received your permanent license, you should contact the customer service center.

Key Takeaway To get your license in Texas, bring the correct documentation to a driver license office. You must bring a parent or guardian with you, pass the driving test, and pay the fee of $17.00. 

Exceptions

Per Texas Law, eligible teens could have a minor restricted driver license (MRDL) issued to them if there is a necessity to drive. 

In these instances, the requirements of the graduated driver license don’t apply to the MRDL. This means that a teenager who partakes in this program could receive their full Texas driving privileges at 15 years old.

Only those who meet the below requirements can apply for an MRDL:

• They must be between the ages of 15 and 18 years old.

• They must pass a driver education course, knowledge test, vision test, and driving test.

• They must meet all other requirements for an original applicant.

They can be issued an MRDL if the following is determined to be valid:

• Not having an MRDL will cause an unusual economic hardship for the family of the applicant.

• It is necessary due to an illness of a family member.

• It is necessary to participate in a VOE program.

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FAQs

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