How to Get a Driver’s License in Texas at 18 or Older (2026 Guide)
Updated: 4 days ago
To get a driver’s license in Texas at 18 or older, you complete a 6-hour adult driver education course if you are 18–24, gather your documents, apply at a DPS driver license office, pass the vision and knowledge tests, watch the free Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) video and pass the driving test. The license costs $33 and is valid for eight years.
That is the whole process in one paragraph. Below, each step is explained in order, with the rules that trip people up most, like the 90-day ITAD window and when you can skip the DPS road-test line.
Key Takeaways
Ages 18–24: a 6-hour adult driver education course is required for a first Texas license.
Ages 25+: driver education is not required, but DPS calls it highly recommended.
Everyone 18+ who takes the driving test needs an ITAD certificate dated within 90 days of the test.
The fee for a new license (ages 18–84) is $33, valid for eight years.
You can take the driving test at DPS or with a DPS-approved third-party driving school.
Texas Driver’s License Requirements by Age
Your age decides what you need before the driving test. Here is the quick version:
Requirement | Ages 18–24 | Ages 25 and older |
Adult driver education | Required (6 hours) | Optional, recommended |
Course certificate | ADE-1317 (or DE-964 from a teen course) | Not required |
Impact Texas Drivers video | ITAD, 1 hour | ITAD, 1 hour |
Vision and knowledge tests | Yes | Yes |
Driving (skills) test | Yes | Yes |
Fee | $33, valid 8 years | $33, valid 8 years |
Under 18? The teen path is different (learner license at 15, a 24-hour classroom and a provisional license). See our guide to getting a Texas license as a teen.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Driver’s License in Texas at 18+
Step 1: Take the 6-hour adult driver education course (ages 18–24)
Texas requires first-time applicants ages 18 through 24 to complete a six-hour adult driver education course from a TDLR-approved provider. You get a certificate, usually the ADE-1317, to bring to DPS. SafeWay’s course is online for $39, and you can add private lessons before the test on our adult driver training page.
If you are 25 or older, you can skip the course. Many adults still take it, because it covers the knowledge test material and Texas-specific rules in one sitting.
Step 2: Gather your documents
DPS asks for the same core documents from every first-time applicant:
Proof of U.S. citizenship, or lawful presence if you are not a citizen
Proof of identity
Social Security number
Proof of Texas residency
Proof of insurance for each vehicle you own, or a statement that you do not own a vehicle
DPS’s online REAL ID Document Check tool builds a personal checklist for you. For examples of what counts in each category, see our list of documents for a Texas driver’s license.
Step 3: Apply at a DPS driver license office
Schedule an appointment online, then bring your documents and course certificate. At the office you will complete the application (the DL-14A form), give a thumbprint, have your photo taken, pay the $33 fee and take the vision exam and the written knowledge test.
Passing these lets you continue to the driving test. Adults who want to test with a third-party school first need a valid restricted license from DPS, so this visit comes before any school road test.
Step 4: Complete the ITAD video
The Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) program is a free, one-hour video about distracted driving. DPS requires it for drivers 18–24 who took adult driver education and for drivers 25 and older. The certificate is valid for 90 days and must be presented before the driving test, so watch it close to your test date. Older guides mention a program called ITYD; DPS now lists only ITAD and the teen version, ITTD. Details are on the DPS Impact Texas Drivers page.
Step 5: Pass the driving test
You can take the driving test at a DPS office or with a DPS-approved third-party skills testing school. Third-party testing often means a sooner date and a route closer to home. SafeWay offers adult road tests at locations DPS lists as third-party testers. Eligibility rules are on the DPS Third Party Skills Testing page.
Want to know what examiners check? Our Texas DPS road test guide covers the route, the maneuvers and the most common reasons people fail.
Step 6: Get your license
After you pass, DPS gives you a temporary license so you can drive right away. Check it for errors before you leave. The permanent card typically arrives by mail in 2–3 weeks.
Moving to Texas With an Out-of-State License?
New residents follow a shorter path. If you are 18 or older and surrender a valid, unexpired license from another state, DPS waives the adult driver education course. You will still bring identity, residency and Social Security documents, and new residents also show current Texas registration for each vehicle they own. Plan the visit soon after you move, since Texas expects new residents to switch licenses promptly.
How to Pass the Texas Driving Test the First Time
Practice on test-style roads. Residential streets, school zones, lane changes and a parallel park or backing maneuver.
Check your car first. Working lights, signals, brakes, horn and current insurance. A bad brake light can end the test before it starts.
Exaggerate your head checks. Examiners grade what they can see.
Come to full stops. Rolling stops are one of the most common automatic fails.
Book a lesson the week before. One or two hours with an instructor fixes habits you cannot see yourself.
Conclusion
Getting a driver’s license in Texas as an adult is a short, clear process once you know the order: course (if 18–24), documents, DPS visit, ITAD, driving test. Most delays come from missing paperwork or an expired ITAD certificate, both easy to avoid with this checklist.
SafeWay Driving helps adults at every step, from the online course to lessons and road tests at our Texas driving school locations.
FAQ
How much does a Texas driver’s license cost?
A new Texas driver’s license costs $33 for ages 18–84 and is valid for eight years. Course and lesson costs are separate. See the DPS fee schedule.
Do I need drivers ed to get a license in Texas at 18?
Yes. First-time applicants ages 18 through 24 must complete a six-hour adult driver education course. At 25 and older, it is optional.
What is the ITAD certificate?
It is proof that you finished the free, one-hour Impact Texas Adult Drivers video. It is valid for 90 days and must be shown before your driving test.
Can I take the driving test at a driving school instead of DPS?
Yes. DPS approves third-party skills testing schools. You need a valid restricted license from DPS and your ITAD certificate first.
How long does it take to get a driver’s license in Texas as an adult?
Many adults finish in a few weeks: about six hours for the course, one DPS visit, one hour for ITAD and the driving test. The permanent card arrives in 2–3 weeks.
Ready to get your Texas license? Contact SafeWay Driving or call 844-DRIVE-SAFE to start the adult course, book lessons or schedule a road test. Official rules are on the Texas DPS apply page.