When a student drives with a learner license, where must the supervising licensed driver sit?

In the back seat behind the driver

Which part of driver education must you finish before applying for a learner license?

The behind-the-wheel portion only

Which situation can qualify a minor for a hardship license?

Illness, disability, or death of a family member

Wanting to drive friends to school

Living far from a shopping center

Your learner license is suspended during Phase One. What happens to the six-month holding period?

It is extended by the number of days suspended

It starts over from the beginning

During Phase Two of the GDL program, during which hours are you generally not allowed to drive?

Between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

Between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Which reason allows a provisional driver to drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m.?

Driving a friend home from a party

May a driver under 18 use a phone with a hands-free device while driving?

Yes, hands-free is always allowed

A 16-year-old moves to Texas with a valid out-of-state driver license. What do they receive after passing the driving exam?

A provisional license with passenger and time limits

A full Class C license with no limits

A learner license for six months

Does a Class C license allow you to drive a motorcycle?

Yes, with a licensed adult along

What is the youngest age for a non-commercial Class A or Class B license?

17, with an approved driver education course

16, with an approved driver education course

18, with no driver education course

A 20-year-old who has never been licensed applies for a Class C license. What must they complete?

An approved driver education course

Six months with a learner license

A motorcycle operator training course

What must you pass before applying for a Class M license?

A state approved motorcycle operator training course

The Class A and Class B rules exam

Six months of riding on a learner license

Which course must every driver license applicant complete before taking the driving exam?

The Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) course

After passing all exams, how long may you use your temporary license?

45 days or until the permanent license arrives

30 days or until the permanent license arrives

90 days or until the permanent license arrives

Can a 17-year-old skip the driving exam?

Yes, with an out-of-state permit

Yes, if a parent signs a waiver

Besides a peace officer or judge, who may ask to see your driver license?

Anyone involved in a crash with you

Your license to drive

Practice this topic75 questions

Questions and answers

A new resident is exchanging a valid out-of-state license. How long do they have to establish residency to get a Texas license?

90 days

New residents exchanging a valid out-of-state license have 90 days to establish Texas residency.
Chapter 1 · Who May Drive a Motor Vehicle in Texas? ↗PDF, 29 MB
How old must a nonresident with a valid home-state license be to drive a Class C vehicle in Texas?

At least 16

A nonresident at least 16 with a valid license from their home state or Canadian province may drive Class C or Class M vehicles.
Chapter 1 · Who May Drive a Motor Vehicle in Texas? ↗PDF, 29 MB
At what age may a nonresident drive any vehicle their home state licenses them for, if that state grants reciprocity to Texans?

18

Nonresidents 18 or older may drive any vehicle they are licensed for at home when the home state or country recognizes Texas licenses in return.
Chapter 1 · Who May Drive a Motor Vehicle in Texas? ↗PDF, 29 MB
A service member returns to the U.S. with a valid license issued by the armed forces abroad. How long may they drive in Texas with it?

90 days from their return

A license issued by the U.S. armed forces in a foreign country is good in Texas for 90 days after the holder returns to the U.S.
Chapter 1 · Who May Drive a Motor Vehicle in Texas? ↗PDF, 29 MB
When a student drives with a learner license, where must the supervising licensed driver sit?

In the seat beside the driver

The supervising driver must sit next to the student so they can watch and respond to what the student does.
Chapter 1 · Learner License (Instruction Permit) ↗PDF, 29 MB
When does a learner license issued to a minor expire?

On the minor’s 18th birthday

A learner license says “Learner License” on the front and expires when the holder turns 18.
Chapter 1 · Learner License (Instruction Permit) ↗PDF, 29 MB
What is the youngest age at which you may apply for a learner license?

15

Learner license applicants must be at least 15 but no more than 18 years old.
Chapter 1 · Learner License (Instruction Permit) ↗PDF, 29 MB
Which part of driver education must you finish before applying for a learner license?

The classroom portion

A learner license applicant must complete the classroom part of driver education plus the vision and knowledge exams.
Chapter 1 · Learner License (Instruction Permit) ↗PDF, 29 MB
To meet the school attendance requirement for a first license, a minor must have attended school for at least how many days in the previous fall or spring semester?

80 days

A student under 18 must have attended at least 80 days in the semester before applying, shown on the VOE form.
Chapter 1 · Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) Form ↗PDF, 29 MB
During the school year, a VOE form may not be dated more than how many days before you apply?

30 days

During the school year the VOE must be no older than 30 days when you apply.
Chapter 1 · Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) Form ↗PDF, 29 MB
During the summer, a VOE form may be dated up to how many days before you apply?

90 days

In summer the VOE form can be up to 90 days old.
Chapter 1 · Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) Form ↗PDF, 29 MB
Unlike a learner license applicant, what must a hardship license applicant also pass?

A driving exam

A hardship license requires the full driver education course and passing vision, knowledge and driving exams.
Chapter 1 · Hardship License ↗PDF, 29 MB
A minor has no parent, guardian, or custodian. Who may apply for a hardship license on their behalf?

An employer or county judge

Normally a parent, guardian or custodian applies. If there is none, an employer or county judge may apply.
Chapter 1 · Hardship License ↗PDF, 29 MB
Which situation can qualify a minor for a hardship license?

Illness, disability, or death of a family member

DPS may issue a hardship license when it is needed because of a family member’s illness, disability or death.
Chapter 1 · Hardship License ↗PDF, 29 MB
The Graduated Driver License (GDL) program applies to applicants under what age?

18

GDL rules phase in driving privileges for license applicants younger than 18.
Chapter 1 · Graduated Driver License (GDL) ↗PDF, 29 MB
Under Phase One of the GDL program, how long must you hold a learner or hardship license before getting a provisional license?

At least six months

Applicants under 18 must hold a learner, hardship or combined license for a minimum of six months first.
Chapter 1 · Graduated Driver License (GDL) ↗PDF, 29 MB
Your learner license is suspended during Phase One. What happens to the six-month holding period?

It is extended by the number of days suspended

The license is invalid while suspended, so the six months are lengthened by the days of the suspension.
Chapter 1 · Graduated Driver License (GDL) ↗PDF, 29 MB
With a provisional license, how many passengers under 21 who are not family members may ride with you?

No more than one

In Phase Two you may not drive with more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member.
Chapter 1 · Graduated Driver License (GDL) ↗PDF, 29 MB
During Phase Two of the GDL program, during which hours are you generally not allowed to drive?

Between midnight and 5:00 a.m.

Provisional drivers may not drive from midnight to 5:00 a.m. except for work, school activities or a medical emergency.
Chapter 1 · Graduated Driver License (GDL) ↗PDF, 29 MB
Which reason allows a provisional driver to drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m.?

Driving to or from work

Late-night driving is allowed only when needed for work, a school-related activity or a medical emergency.
Chapter 1 · Graduated Driver License (GDL) ↗PDF, 29 MB
May a driver under 18 use a phone with a hands-free device while driving?

No, except in an emergency

Drivers under 18 may not use any wireless communication device, even hands-free, unless there is an emergency.
Chapter 1 · Graduated Driver License (GDL) ↗PDF, 29 MB
What is the minimum age for a provisional license?

16

A provisional license is issued to people from 16 to 18 years old with Phase Two restrictions.
Chapter 1 · Provisional License ↗PDF, 29 MB
A 16-year-old moves to Texas with a valid out-of-state driver license. What do they receive after passing the driving exam?

A provisional license with passenger and time limits

Applicants 16 to 18 with a valid out-of-state license get a Phase Two provisional license once they pass the driving exam.
Chapter 1 · Out-of-State License Holders ↗PDF, 29 MB
What marking appears on every license issued to a person under 21?

“UNDER 21”

All licenses issued to persons less than 21 years old are marked “UNDER 21”.
Chapter 1 · Out-of-State License Holders ↗PDF, 29 MB
For how long is most non-commercial driver license issued to an adult 18 or older valid?

Eight years

Most non-commercial licenses for people 18 and older are valid for eight years.
Chapter 1 · Classes of Driver Licenses ↗PDF, 29 MB
A combination with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs. or more needs a Class A license when the towed vehicle has a GVWR over what?

10,000 lbs.

Class A covers combinations of 26,001 lbs. or more when the towed vehicle’s GVWR is more than 10,000 lbs.
Chapter 1 · Class A Driver License ↗PDF, 29 MB
Which license class covers a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more?

Class B

Class B covers a single heavy vehicle of 26,001 lbs. or more, plus everything in Class C.
Chapter 1 · Class B Driver License ↗PDF, 29 MB
Does a Class C license allow you to drive a motorcycle?

No

Class A, B and C licenses do not permit driving a motorcycle. You need a Class M license.
Chapter 1 · Class C Driver License ↗PDF, 29 MB
With a Class C license, a vehicle under 26,001 lbs. may tow a regular trailer with a GVWR of up to how much?

10,000 lbs.

Class C allows towing a trailer of no more than 10,000 lbs. GVWR behind a vehicle under 26,001 lbs.
Chapter 1 · Class C Driver License ↗PDF, 29 MB
With a Class C license, a vehicle under 26,001 lbs. may tow a farm trailer with a GVWR of up to how much?

20,000 lbs.

Farm trailers get a higher limit under Class C: up to 20,000 lbs. GVWR.
Chapter 1 · Class C Driver License ↗PDF, 29 MB
A Class C license covers autocycles. How many wheels can an autocycle have on the ground when moving?

No more than three

An autocycle is built with no more than three wheels on the ground, a steering wheel and seats you do not straddle.
Chapter 1 · Class C Driver License ↗PDF, 29 MB
What is the youngest age for a Class C license with an approved driver education course and no hardship?

16

With an approved driver education course you can get a Class C license at 16. It expires on your 18th birthday.
Chapter 1 · Class C Driver License ↗PDF, 29 MB
What is the youngest age for a non-commercial Class A or Class B license?

17, with an approved driver education course

Class A and B licenses can be issued at 17 after an approved driver education course.
Chapter 1 · Class A Driver License ↗PDF, 29 MB
A 20-year-old who has never been licensed applies for a Class C license. What must they complete?

An approved driver education course

Applicants 18 to 24 must successfully complete an approved driver education course.
Chapter 1 · Class C Driver License ↗PDF, 29 MB
What must you pass before applying for a Class M license?

A state approved motorcycle operator training course

Every Class M applicant must first pass a state approved motorcycle operator training course.
Chapter 1 · Class M Driver License ↗PDF, 29 MB
A 15-year-old with hardship approval or the required courses may be licensed for what size motorcycle?

250 cc or less

At 15 you may only be licensed for a motorcycle of 250 cc or less.
Chapter 1 · Class M Driver License ↗PDF, 29 MB
How many hours is the state approved motorcycle operator training course?

16 hours

The motorcycle operator training course is 16 hours long.
Chapter 1 · Class M Driver License ↗PDF, 29 MB
Which course must every driver license applicant complete before taking the driving exam?

The Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) course

All applicants must take the ITD course for their age group before the driving exam.
Chapter 1 · Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) ↗PDF, 29 MB
After how many failed exams must you submit a new application and pay a new fee?

Three

An application is held for 90 days. After 90 days or three failed exams you need a new application and fee.
Chapter 1 · Examinations ↗PDF, 29 MB
After passing all exams, how long may you use your temporary license?

45 days or until the permanent license arrives

The temporary license is good for 45 days or until the permanent license comes in the mail.
Chapter 1 · Examinations ↗PDF, 29 MB
What score do you need to pass a Texas knowledge exam?

70 percent or better

Every knowledge exam requires a grade of at least 70 percent.
Chapter 1 · Part 1: The Knowledge exam ↗PDF, 29 MB
Can a 17-year-old skip the driving exam?

No, no one under 18 is exempt

Nobody younger than 18 is exempt from the driving exam.
Chapter 1 · Part 3: The Driving Exam ↗PDF, 29 MB
Which license can you get without taking a driving exam?

A learner license

A learner license requires vision and knowledge exams but no driving exam.
Chapter 1 · Part 3: The Driving Exam ↗PDF, 29 MB
You fail the driving exam if more than how many points are deducted?

30 points

Having more than 30 points deducted means your application will not be approved.
Chapter 1 · Description of the Driving Exam ↗PDF, 29 MB
Which is one of the four basic skills graded on every driving exam?

Positioning

Every driving exam grades control, observation, positioning and signaling.
Chapter 1 · Description of the Driving Exam ↗PDF, 29 MB
For the quick stop on the driving exam, you may be asked to stop as fast as possible from about what speed?

20 mph

The quick stop is done at about 20 mph without skidding the tires.
Chapter 1 · Description of the Driving Exam ↗PDF, 29 MB
For the backing test, about how far may you be asked to back up?

About 60 feet

You back about 60 feet slowly, as straight and smooth as possible.
Chapter 1 · Description of the Driving Exam ↗PDF, 29 MB
With a standard transmission, you should hold the clutch all the way down once your speed drops below what?

10 mph

Hold the clutch down when starting, shifting, stopping and once you slow below 10 mph.
Chapter 1 · Description of the Driving Exam ↗PDF, 29 MB
Besides a peace officer or judge, who may ask to see your driver license?

Anyone involved in a crash with you

Always carry your license and show it to officers and judges and to anyone you are in a crash with.
Chapter 1 · Pass or Fail Driving Exam ↗PDF, 29 MB
What is the fine for a second conviction of driving without a license within one year?

$25 to $200

A second conviction within a year brings a fine of $25 to $200.
Chapter 1 · Penalties for Driving Without a License ↗PDF, 29 MB
You drive without a license and without insurance and cause a crash with serious injury. What is the offense?

A Class A misdemeanor

This is a Class A misdemeanor with a fine up to $4,000 and up to 365 days in jail.
Chapter 1 · Penalties for Driving Without a License ↗PDF, 29 MB
Even if you renew by other methods, how often must you visit a driver license office for a vision exam and new photo?

At least once every 16 years

You must appear in person at least every sixteen years to update your vision exam, photo, signature and fingerprints.
Chapter 1 · Application for Renewal ↗PDF, 29 MB
Drivers of what age may not renew online, by mail, or by phone?

79 or older

License holders 79 and older must renew in person.
Chapter 1 · Application for Renewal ↗PDF, 29 MB
Which conviction leads to automatic suspension of your license?

Racing a motor vehicle on a public street

Street racing is one of the offenses that brings a mandatory suspension.
Chapter 1 · Mandatory Suspension ↗PDF, 29 MB
Is it legal to hold more than one valid driver license?

No, it leads to automatic suspension

Possessing more than one valid license or ID card is a mandatory suspension offense.
Chapter 1 · Mandatory Suspension ↗PDF, 29 MB
What is the smallest number of separate traffic convictions within 12 months that can lead DPS to suspend an adult’s license?

Four

Four or more separate traffic convictions in any 12-month period count as repeated violations.
Chapter 1 · Administrative Suspensions and Revocations ↗PDF, 29 MB
What is the smallest number of traffic convictions within any 24-month period that can lead to suspension?

Seven

Seven or more traffic convictions within 24 months also count as repeated violations.
Chapter 1 · Administrative Suspensions and Revocations ↗PDF, 29 MB
A driver under 18 can have their license suspended after a hearing for how many traffic convictions within 12 months?

Two or more

For drivers under 18, two or more separate traffic convictions in 12 months is enough.
Chapter 1 · Suspend or Revoke After Hearing of Minor ↗PDF, 29 MB
Under Administrative License Revocation, a driver under 21 can be suspended for what alcohol level?

Any detectable amount

For drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol is grounds for ALR suspension.
Chapter 1 · Administrative License Revocation (ALR) ↗PDF, 29 MB
Under ALR, a driver over 21 can be suspended for failing a breath or blood test at what level?

0.08 or more

For drivers over 21, a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or more leads to ALR suspension.
Chapter 1 · Administrative License Revocation (ALR) ↗PDF, 29 MB
What happens under ALR if you refuse a breath or blood test?

Your license can be suspended

DPS may suspend the license of anyone who refuses to submit to a breath or blood test.
Chapter 1 · Administrative License Revocation (ALR) ↗PDF, 29 MB
What is the penalty for a first offense of driving while your license is suspended or revoked?

A fine of up to $500

A first DWLI offense is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500.
Chapter 1 · Driving While License Invalid (DWLI) ↗PDF, 29 MB
A second conviction for driving while license invalid can bring jail time of up to how long?

180 days

A repeat DWLI offense is a Class B misdemeanor with up to $2,000 fine and up to 180 days in jail.
Chapter 1 · Driving While License Invalid (DWLI) ↗PDF, 29 MB
For a minor’s first non-driving alcohol offense, such as possessing alcohol, how long is the license suspended?

30 days

A first offense brings a 30-day suspension, or denial of the privilege if the minor is not licensed.
Chapter 1 · Penalties for Non-Driving Alcohol-Related Offenses by Minors ↗PDF, 29 MB
A minor aged 17 to 20 is convicted of a third non-driving alcohol offense. How long is the license suspended?

180 days

A third offense at 17 or older is a Class B misdemeanor with a 180-day suspension.
Chapter 1 · Penalties for Non-Driving Alcohol-Related Offenses by Minors ↗PDF, 29 MB
An adult who buys alcohol for a minor can face jail for up to how long?

One year

Purchasing or furnishing alcohol to a minor carries a fine up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail.
Chapter 1 · Other Non-Driving Penalties for Alcohol-Related Offenses ↗PDF, 29 MB
Who decides whether you may get an occupational (essential need) license?

A court

You must prove an essential need to drive to a court, which then issues an order authorizing DPS.
Chapter 1 · Occupational License (Essential Need License) ↗PDF, 29 MB
How long may the court order alone be used for driving while the occupational license is processed?

45 days

The court order works for 45 days. After that you need both the order and the occupational license.
Chapter 1 · Occupational License (Essential Need License) ↗PDF, 29 MB
Can an occupational license be used to drive a commercial motor vehicle?

No

An occupational license may not be issued to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
Chapter 1 · Occupational License (Essential Need License) ↗PDF, 29 MB
What must you carry when driving with an occupational license?

A certified copy of the court order

The holder must carry a certified copy of the court order and let an officer examine it on request.
Chapter 1 · Occupational License (Essential Need License) ↗PDF, 29 MB
What is the minimum age of the licensed driver who supervises a student with a learner license?

21

The supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and sit beside the student.
Chapter 1 · Learner License (Instruction Permit) ↗PDF, 29 MB
How much driving experience must the supervising driver of a learner have?

At least one year

Besides being 21 or older, the supervisor needs at least one year of driving experience.
Chapter 1 · Learner License (Instruction Permit) ↗PDF, 29 MB
A license marked “PROVISIONAL” stays valid until what date?

The holder’s 18th birthday

A provisional license carries the Phase Two limits and expires when the holder turns 18.
Chapter 1 · Provisional License ↗PDF, 29 MB
After you move, within how many days must you report your new address to DPS?

30 days

DPS must be told about a change of address within 30 days, online, by mail or in person.
Chapter 1 · Replacement (Duplicate) or Change of Information on a Driver License or ID Card ↗PDF, 29 MB
What is the maximum fine for your first conviction of driving without a license?

$200

A first conviction for driving without a license carries a fine of up to $200.
Chapter 1 · Penalties for Driving Without a License ↗PDF, 29 MB

Your license to drive

Questions and answers

A new resident is exchanging a valid out-of-state license. How long do they have to establish residency to get a Texas license?

How old must a nonresident with a valid home-state license be to drive a Class C vehicle in Texas?

At what age may a nonresident drive any vehicle their home state licenses them for, if that state grants reciprocity to Texans?

A service member returns to the U.S. with a valid license issued by the armed forces abroad. How long may they drive in Texas with it?

When a student drives with a learner license, where must the supervising licensed driver sit?

When does a learner license issued to a minor expire?

What is the youngest age at which you may apply for a learner license?

Which part of driver education must you finish before applying for a learner license?

To meet the school attendance requirement for a first license, a minor must have attended school for at least how many days in the previous fall or spring semester?

During the school year, a VOE form may not be dated more than how many days before you apply?

During the summer, a VOE form may be dated up to how many days before you apply?

Unlike a learner license applicant, what must a hardship license applicant also pass?

A minor has no parent, guardian, or custodian. Who may apply for a hardship license on their behalf?

Which situation can qualify a minor for a hardship license?

The Graduated Driver License (GDL) program applies to applicants under what age?

Under Phase One of the GDL program, how long must you hold a learner or hardship license before getting a provisional license?

Your learner license is suspended during Phase One. What happens to the six-month holding period?

With a provisional license, how many passengers under 21 who are not family members may ride with you?

During Phase Two of the GDL program, during which hours are you generally not allowed to drive?

Which reason allows a provisional driver to drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m.?

May a driver under 18 use a phone with a hands-free device while driving?

What is the minimum age for a provisional license?

A 16-year-old moves to Texas with a valid out-of-state driver license. What do they receive after passing the driving exam?

What marking appears on every license issued to a person under 21?

For how long is most non-commercial driver license issued to an adult 18 or older valid?

A combination with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs. or more needs a Class A license when the towed vehicle has a GVWR over what?

Which license class covers a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more?

Does a Class C license allow you to drive a motorcycle?

With a Class C license, a vehicle under 26,001 lbs. may tow a regular trailer with a GVWR of up to how much?

With a Class C license, a vehicle under 26,001 lbs. may tow a farm trailer with a GVWR of up to how much?

A Class C license covers autocycles. How many wheels can an autocycle have on the ground when moving?

What is the youngest age for a Class C license with an approved driver education course and no hardship?

What is the youngest age for a non-commercial Class A or Class B license?

A 20-year-old who has never been licensed applies for a Class C license. What must they complete?

What must you pass before applying for a Class M license?

A 15-year-old with hardship approval or the required courses may be licensed for what size motorcycle?

How many hours is the state approved motorcycle operator training course?

Which course must every driver license applicant complete before taking the driving exam?

After how many failed exams must you submit a new application and pay a new fee?

After passing all exams, how long may you use your temporary license?

What score do you need to pass a Texas knowledge exam?

Can a 17-year-old skip the driving exam?

Which license can you get without taking a driving exam?

You fail the driving exam if more than how many points are deducted?

Which is one of the four basic skills graded on every driving exam?

For the quick stop on the driving exam, you may be asked to stop as fast as possible from about what speed?

For the backing test, about how far may you be asked to back up?

With a standard transmission, you should hold the clutch all the way down once your speed drops below what?

Besides a peace officer or judge, who may ask to see your driver license?

What is the fine for a second conviction of driving without a license within one year?

You drive without a license and without insurance and cause a crash with serious injury. What is the offense?

Even if you renew by other methods, how often must you visit a driver license office for a vision exam and new photo?

Drivers of what age may not renew online, by mail, or by phone?

Which conviction leads to automatic suspension of your license?

Is it legal to hold more than one valid driver license?

What is the smallest number of separate traffic convictions within 12 months that can lead DPS to suspend an adult’s license?

What is the smallest number of traffic convictions within any 24-month period that can lead to suspension?

A driver under 18 can have their license suspended after a hearing for how many traffic convictions within 12 months?

Under Administrative License Revocation, a driver under 21 can be suspended for what alcohol level?

Under ALR, a driver over 21 can be suspended for failing a breath or blood test at what level?

What happens under ALR if you refuse a breath or blood test?

What is the penalty for a first offense of driving while your license is suspended or revoked?

A second conviction for driving while license invalid can bring jail time of up to how long?

For a minor’s first non-driving alcohol offense, such as possessing alcohol, how long is the license suspended?

A minor aged 17 to 20 is convicted of a third non-driving alcohol offense. How long is the license suspended?

An adult who buys alcohol for a minor can face jail for up to how long?

Who decides whether you may get an occupational (essential need) license?

How long may the court order alone be used for driving while the occupational license is processed?

Can an occupational license be used to drive a commercial motor vehicle?

What must you carry when driving with an occupational license?

What is the minimum age of the licensed driver who supervises a student with a learner license?

How much driving experience must the supervising driver of a learner have?

A license marked “PROVISIONAL” stays valid until what date?

After you move, within how many days must you report your new address to DPS?

What is the maximum fine for your first conviction of driving without a license?

Questions and answers by topic