Steps to Getting your License
Texas DPS Related Articles
Texas Drivers Ed Online
Learn on any device or from the comfort of your own home! Sign up for Texas Drivers Ed today!
Getting your license is a big step toward independence. It means freedom, fun, and responsibility. Texas, like many states, is home to a graduated license program. This means there are restrictions placed on young drivers, including passenger limits and curfews. It's important to know the Texas teen driving laws and abide by them if you want to continue to drive in the Lone Star State.
Texas teen driving laws are intended to keep young drivers safe. As you get older, you'll gain additional privileges on the road. Read on to learn about the different types of licenses available to Texas drivers depending on their age.
Step 1: Apply for a Learner License
Before Texas teens can hit the road on their own, they need to get a learner license. Texas teen driving laws allow new drivers to get their learner license when they're 15, as long as they meet all the established license requirements. Drivers who have their learner license are only allowed to drive with a licensed adult who is 21 or older in the front seat. Drivers under 18 are required to have had their learner license for at least six months before they can reach the next rung in Texas's graduated license ladder.
At 15, Texans can also apply for a minor restricted license or "hardship" license if an extenuating circumstance requires them to drive on their own. Qualifying hardships include the illness or disability of a family member, participation in a vocational training program, or "unusual economic hardship."
Step 2: Get Your Provisional License
At 16, Texas drivers can apply for a provisional license. This allows you to drive on your own and gives you more freedom than a learner license, but still comes with several restrictions. It's important to memorize these restrictions and obey them if you want to get a standard adult license when you turn 18.
Unless there's an emergency, Texas teen driving laws prohibit provisional license holders from:
- Driving with more than one passenger who is under 21, excluding family members
- Driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless traveling to or from a school-related function or work
- Driving while using any type of mobile device, including those that are hands-free
In Texas, it's also considered a criminal offense if a driver under 21 is found to have any trace of alcohol in their system. In addition, any minor convicted of buying, possessing, or consuming a tobacco product could have their license suspended.
Step 3: Drive Unrestricted With an Adult License
Assuming you drive safely and follow Texas teen driving laws, you should have no problem graduating to your adult license when you turn 18!
Hear about tips, offers, & more.
© 1997-2022 DriversEd.com. All rights reserved. Please see our privacy policy for more details.
Read about the penalties for driving without a valid license in Texas.
Texas prohibits driving without a license and driving on a suspended license. This article explains what constitutes these violations, the possible penalties, and the exemptions to the license requirement.
Driving Without a License
Generally, every person who operates a motor vehicle on a Texas highway must possess and be able to display a valid driver's license.
Driving without a valid license. Unlicensed driving is an offense carrying a fine of up to $200. A second violation within a year is a misdemeanor that carries a fine of $25 to $200. A third violation within a year can result in a $25 to $200 fine and/or 72 hours to six months in jail.
License not in possession. A driver who was issued a license but did not have it in their immediate possession can avoid a conviction by presenting valid proof of a valid license to the court. The driver will then be required to pay only a $10 dismissal fee.
Exceptions. Non-resident drivers with valid driver's licenses from their home state or country can drive in the state without a Texas license, subject to Texas age restrictions. Farmers driving farm implements and military personnel driving military vehicles are also exempt.
Driving While Suspended or Revoked
A person who operates a vehicle while on a suspended or revoked license will be subject to jail time, fines, and an extended driver's license suspension.
Class C misdemeanor. Driving while suspended or revoked is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.
Class B misdemeanor. Violators who did not possess proof of insurance or who have a prior driving while suspended violation can be convicted of a class B misdemeanor. A conviction carries a fine of up to $2,000 and a maximum of 180 days in jail.
Class A misdemeanor. Driving while suspended is a class A misdemeanor if the driver had no insurance and caused an injury accident. Convicted persons will face a fine of up to $4,000 and a maximum one year in jail.
A driver who's convicted of driving while suspended will also have to pay a $125 annual surcharge for 36 months, and the suspension will be extended for the same term as the original suspension or disqualification.