International Adult Driver Training
How to get my license
International Drivers Ed : How it Works
Whether you're visiting Texas temporarily, working for a few years, or making a permanent move, it's important to understand the Texas licensing process for drivers with international licenses. Navigating Texas roadways can be challenging if you're accustomed to driving internationally with differing road rules and regulations. Continue scrolling to see how SafeWay Driving can assist you in getting on the road to safe driving whether you are a short-term visitor or looking to become a long-term resident in Texas.

International Licensing Options
Short Term Visitors with Existing Licenses
If you're visiting for less than 90 days, you will be able to continue driving using your valid, unexpired driver's license. For visits lasting longer than 90 days, such as studying abroad or working for a few years, you might be able to continue using your foreign driver’s license as long as it’s written in English.
If that’s not the case, then it’s important that you get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) while you’re still in your country of origin. This is valid for only one year and since it is not issued by the United States, it needs to be obtained before you arrive. This license will not replace your old license, but instead act as a companion license and language translation to your home license.
Long-Term Visitors with Existing Licenses
Some states have reciprocity agreements with other countries, meaning that if your license was issued in the following select countries you can simply exchange it for a Texas drivers license without having to take any tests.
Countries with Texas Reciprocity Agreements: Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom.
Driving privilege reciprocity allows a person to use a valid, unexpired foreign license to operate a motor vehicle in Texas for up to one year or until a person becomes a Texas resident, whichever date is sooner. Once a person becomes a new Texas resident, they must apply for a Texas license within 90 days to continue to drive legally.
- Reciprocal privileges are limited to persons ages 18 to 75 for up to one year from the date of entry into the United States.
- Reciprocal privileges are limited to private vehicles.
- Every vehicle must have a registration certificate issued in accordance with the laws of the country of residence identifying the vehicle and owner and be displayed on the rear of the vehicle or on a plate attached to the rear.
- Every vehicle must have an oval sign or plaque displayed on the rear of the vehicle to indicate the country of origin.
- Every driver must have a valid driver permit, license, or international permit issued by an authorized authority and be translated into English.
If your country of origin does not have a reciprocity agreement with Texas, you’ll need to apply for a Texas drivers license. You will need to pay an application fee and pass a written, practical and vision test. If you have your former valid license, bring it with you because it is possible some of these tests may be waived.
First-Time License (18-24)
Receiving a drivers license is a memorable and major milestone in someone's life. This license signifies freedom, responsibility and maturity. Continue scrolling to find out the requirements and steps to help guide you through this next exciting chapter in life.
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If you're visiting for less than 90 days, you will be able to continue driving using your valid, unexpired driver's license. For visits lasting longer than 90 days, such as studying abroad or working for a few years, you might be able to continue using your foreign driver’s license as long as it’s written in English.
If that’s not the case, then it’s important that you get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) while you’re still in your country of origin. This is valid for only one year and since it is not issued by the United States, it needs to be obtained before you arrive. This license will not replace your old license, but instead act as a companion license and language translation to your home license.
Long-Term Visitors with Existing Licenses
Some states have reciprocity agreements with other countries, meaning that if your license was issued in the following select countries you can simply exchange it for a Texas drivers license without having to take any tests.
Countries with Texas Reciprocity Agreements: Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom.
Driving privilege reciprocity allows a person to use a valid, unexpired foreign license to operate a motor vehicle in Texas for up to one year or until a person becomes a Texas resident, whichever date is sooner. Once a person becomes a new Texas resident, they must apply for a Texas license within 90 days to continue to drive legally.
- Reciprocal privileges are limited to persons ages 18 to 75 for up to one year from the date of entry into the United States.
- Reciprocal privileges are limited to private vehicles.
- Every vehicle must have a registration certificate issued in accordance with the laws of the country of residence identifying the vehicle and owner and be displayed on the rear of the vehicle or on a plate attached to the rear.
- Every vehicle must have an oval sign or plaque displayed on the rear of the vehicle to indicate the country of origin.
- Every driver must have a valid driver permit, license, or international permit issued by an authorized authority and be translated into English.
If your country of origin does not have a reciprocity agreement with Texas, you’ll need to apply for a Texas drivers license. You will need to pay an application fee and pass a written, practical and vision test. If you have your former valid license, bring it with you because it is possible some of these tests may be waived.
First-Time License (18-24)
Receiving a drivers license is a memorable and major milestone in someone's life. This license signifies freedom, responsibility and maturity. Continue scrolling to find out the requirements and steps to help guide you through this next exciting chapter in life.
Short-Term Visitors
- Valid, Unexpired License Good for 90 days
- Acquire an International Driver's Permit
Long-Term Residents
- Confirm Reciprocity with Country of Origin
- If No Reciprocity, Apply for Texas License
- Pass Road Rules Test
- Pass Road Signs Test
- Complete IMPACT 1 Hour Course
- Pass Driving Test
- Gather DPS Required Documentation
First-Time License (18-24)
- Successfully Complete 6 Course Hours
- Pass Road Rules Test
- Pass Road Signs Test
- Receive ADE-1317 Completion Certificate
- Complete IMPACT Tx Young Driver 1 Hour Course
- Pass Driving Test
- Gather DPS Required Documentation
Steps to Your License

1
Learn Adult Licensing Process
Texas requires adults aged 18-24 to complete a 6 hour theory course as well as a Road Test. Adults over the age of 25 must pass a written test and the Road Test. By combining the theory requirement with in-car driver training, you’ll be better prepared for the Road Test. SafeWay offers the 6 hour adult course online with convenient local drive sites in your neighborhood!
Get License Checklist

2
Enroll in a Drivers Ed Program
Whether you are getting your license for the first time, are a new resident of the United States or an adult looking to hone your skills behind the wheel, we offer a range of services that will provide you and your family with the peace of mind that only comes from the Best Driver Training in Texas.
Start Your SafeWay Driving Course Today!

3
Apply for Your Permit
To get your permit, you will need to receive the ADE-1317 from your course provider. You will take this certificate to DPS along with the other required identification documents. During your DPS appointment, be sure to communicate to the DPS officer that you want your permit for practice purposes as opposed to scheduling your Road Test.
Schedule a Permit Appointment at DPS

4
Age Doesn't Equal Experience
Having celebrated a certain number of birthdays does not make you a safe driver. You only become a safe driver by spending hours practicing in the car with a certified, professional driving instructor. Be sure to enroll in the best program for your safe driving future, regardless of your age.
Complete Your Drivers Ed with SafeWay!

5
Take Your DPS Road Test
Avoid the hassle of taking your driving test at the DPS office. SafeWay Driving is now certified to offer the official Road Test at our convenient SafeWay Drive Sites. Get your license in familiar surroundings! Whether you take your Road Test with SafeWay or choose to wait to take it with the DPS, you will first need to take the one-hour online IMPACT course.
Schedule Your Road Test at the DPS!

6
Apply for License
To get your license, you will need to receive your ADE-1317 certificate from your course provider. You will take this certificate to DPS along with the other required identification documents. If you take your Road Test with SafeWay Driving, we will provide you with a sealed envelope to take to DPS.
Schedule a DPS License Appointment
Getting Your Driver's License Checklist
International License Checklist
Get on the Road to Safe Driving
