Texas teen driving requirements
Texas implements a comprehensive Graduated Driver License program that includes two phases of licensing for all teens before obtaining an unrestricted driver license. The program consists of obtaining a learner's permit and provisional license before graduating to a full license. The minimum age requirement to apply for a learner's permit is 15, after receiving parental consent and completing a driver education course. At 16, after holding a learner's license for at least six months and meeting the required driving hours, teens can apply for a provisional license, which allows unsupervised driving with certain restrictions until the driver turns 18.
Contents
Overview
Texas implements a comprehensive Graduated Driver License program that includes two phases of licensing for all teens before obtaining an unrestricted driver license. The program consists of obtaining a learner's permit and provisional license before graduating to a full license. The minimum age requirement to apply for a learner's permit is 15, after receiving parental consent and completing a driver education course. At 16, after holding a learner's license for at least six months and meeting the required driving hours, teens can apply for a provisional license, which allows unsupervised driving with certain restrictions until the driver turns 18.
Key finding
Texas uses a graduated licensing system that requires teens to progress through structured stages before earning full driving privileges. This approach has been shown to significantly reduce crash risk among new drivers.
Licensing timeline
To qualify for a Texas learner's permit, students must be at least 15 years old and complete at least the first six hours of a driver education course. A learner license must be held for at least six months unless you turn 18, and it will expire on your 18th birthday. The provisional license requires applicants to be at least 16 before applying, and regardless of age, they must have held a learner's permit for at least six months, completing the requirements of phase one of the GDL.
| Stage | Minimum Age | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Learner's permit | 15 years old | Must pass written test and vision screening |
| Graduated/provisional license | 16 years old | GDL restrictions apply |
| Restrictions end | After 24 months | Provisional license restrictions end when driver turns 18 |
Unrestricted license available at 18 years old
Practice paths
Texas offers 4 pathways to meet practice requirements:
| Option | Description | Supervised Hours | Night Hours | Driver Ed | Road Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | Certified driver training school with classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction | 30 | 10 | Yes | Yes |
| Option 2 | Parent-taught driver education program with state-approved curriculum | 30 | 10 | Yes | Yes |
| Option 3 | Online driver education course with parent/instructor supervised practice | 30 | 10 | Yes | Yes |
| Option 4 | Public school driver education program | 30 | 10 | Yes | Yes |
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) requirements
A Provisional Driver License allows independent driving with some restrictions: drivers may not drive with more than one passenger in the vehicle under 21 who is not a family member, driving is restricted between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless for work, school activities, or emergencies, and all cell phone use is prohibited, including hands-free devices unless it's an emergency. During the learner license phase, students must log at least 30 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, with a licensed adult (21 or older) in the front passenger seat at all times.
| Restriction | Details |
|---|---|
| Permit holding period | 6 months |
| Nighttime restriction | Midnight to 5:00 AM |
| Passenger restriction | No more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member |
| Cell phone restriction | All cell phone use prohibited, including hands-free devices |
| Supervisor requirement | Licensed driver age 21 or older |
Nighttime restriction exceptions:
- work
- school activities
- emergencies
Passenger restriction exceptions:
- family members
- siblings
Important caveat
GDL restrictions vary by state and can change when new legislation is enacted. The restrictions listed above were last verified on 2026-04-03. Always confirm current requirements with the Texas official DMV website.
Minimum insurance requirements
In Texas, the minimum liability insurance requirements are often listed as 30/60/25: $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person is the total amount an insurer will pay for a single person that you injure in an auto accident, $60,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident is the maximum dollar amount that can be paid for all injuries that you cause in an accident in which more than one person is hurt, and $25,000 in property damage per accident is the total dollar amount that will be paid for damage that you cause in an accident. Texas also requires insurance companies to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and $2,500 in personal injury protection to policyholders who purchase liability insurance, but you can opt out of both coverages by notifying your car insurance company in writing.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury per person | $30,000 |
| Bodily injury per accident | $60,000 |
| Property damage | $25,000 |
UM/UIM coverage: Insurance companies must offer UM/UIM and PIP coverage, but drivers can opt out in writing
Insurance considerations for teen drivers
Texas law requires that all drivers, including teenagers, meet the same minimum insurance requirements. Teen drivers are usually covered under their parents' policies until they have their own, but parents must ensure they meet the state's minimum liability coverage for all vehicles driven by their teens. Teen drivers typically face significantly higher insurance premiums due to their inexperience and higher accident rates, making it important for families to compare rates and consider factors like driver education discounts and good student discounts when selecting coverage.
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Learner's permit | $15 |
| Driver's license | $15 |
Based on current Texas Comptroller fee schedules
Official resources
See also
Sources and verification
- Texas Department of Public Safety - Teen Learner License
- Texas Department of Public Safety - Teen Provisional License
- Texas Comptroller Manual - Driver License Fees
- The Zebra - Texas Car Insurance Laws
Last verified: 2026-04-03. This page contains 4 cited sources.