A learner license (also called an instruction permit) lets a student driver practice legally with a qualified licensed driver in the seat beside them. For most Texas teens it is the first card they get and the start of the Graduated Driver License program.
Know the rule
The supervising driver must be at least 21, have at least one year of driving experience, sit in the seat beside you, and not be intoxicated, asleep, or doing anything that keeps them from watching and responding to your driving.
Handbook p. 7 ↗To apply for a learner license you must:
- Be at least 15 but no more than 18 years of age
- Complete the classroom portion of a driver education course, the vision exam, and the knowledge exam
- Meet all other requirements for a first-time (original) driver license applicant
Learner license fee at 15 with driver education ($15 + $1 administrative fee)
Handbook p. 7 ↗Know the rule
A learner license shows "Learner License" on the front and expires on your 18th birthday.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Know the rule
Applicants 18 or older who want to practice legally are issued a Class C license with the same restrictions as a learner license. It is generally valid for eight years and costs $32 plus a $1 administrative fee.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Know the rule
You may not receive a Texas driver license until all valid driver licenses and IDs issued to you are surrendered.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Under 18 and applying for a first license, learner or provisional license? Your VOE form must show you:
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent, or
- Are enrolled in public, private or home school and attended 80+ days in the prior fall or spring semester, or
- Have been enrolled 45+ days, and still are, in a program preparing for the high school equivalency exam
Know the rule
The Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form is completed and signed by your school. It may not be dated more than 30 days before you apply during the school year, or more than 90 days during the summer.
Handbook p. 8 ↗A hardship license (formerly the Minor Restricted Driver License, or MRDL) is for a minor who can show a real need to drive. An authorized adult fills out form DL-77 for the minor; both sign it and present it in person at a driver license office.
Know the rule
Only a parent, guardian, or person with custody may apply for a minor's hardship license. If the minor has none of these, an employer or county judge may apply.
Handbook p. 8 ↗A hardship license applicant must:
- Be at least 15 but not more than 18 years of age
- Complete and pass driver education (classroom and behind-the-wheel), plus vision, knowledge and driving exams
- Meet all other requirements for a first-time (original) applicant
DPS issues a hardship license if it finds that:
- Not issuing it would cause an unusual economic hardship for the minor's family
- It is needed because of an illness, disability, or death of a family member
- The minor is enrolled in a vocational education program that requires a license
- A court order requiring the hardship license is presented
Put it into practice
Your 24-year-old aunt, licensed since she was 20, rides beside you while you practice. She qualifies: over 21, more than one year of experience, in the front passenger seat. If she falls asleep, she no longer qualifies as your supervising driver, so pull over and stop.