Texas Driving Laws: A Complete Guide

Minimum Driving Age

• Learner License (Instruction Permit): Available at 15 years old.
  
  
• Provisional License: Eligible at 16 years old, after holding a learner license for at least six months and meeting other requirements.
  
  
• Full (Unrestricted) License: Available at 18 years old, granting full driving privileges.

Texas Provisional License as a Teen

Learner’s Permit Rules

• Supervision: Permit holders must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older, seated in the front passenger seat.
  
  
• Holding Period: Must hold the learner license for at least six months before applying for a provisional license.
  
  
• Practice Hours:
  
  
  • 30 hours of supervised driving, including:
    
    
    • 10 hours at night
      
      
• Driving Restrictions:
  
  
  • No use of cell phones or wireless communication devices, including hands-free, unless in an emergency.
    
    
  • Must be enrolled in or have completed a driver education course.
    
    
  • Must provide a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form from school.

License Types

• Learner License (Instruction Permit): For practicing with a licensed adult.
  
  
• Provisional License: Allows unsupervised driving with certain restrictions.
  
  
• Full (Unrestricted) License: Full driving privileges granted at 18 years old.
  
  
• Minor Restricted Driver License (Hardship License): Available under certain circumstances for minors aged 15 or older.
  
  
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Required for operating commercial vehicles.
  
  
• Motorcycle License: Required for operating motorcycles; applicants must pass a motorcycle knowledge test and skills test.

Required Documents for Driving

To apply for a permit or license in Texas, applicants must provide:

• Proof of Identity: Such as a birth certificate or valid passport.
  
  
• Proof of Social Security Number: Social Security card or approved document.
  
  
• Proof of Texas Residency: Two documents, such as utility bills, lease agreements, or school transcripts.
  
  
• Parental Consent: Required if under 18; parent or guardian must accompany the applicant or provide a notarized signature on the application.
  
  
• Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE): Required for applicants under 18.

Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws

• Children under 8 years old or under 4 feet 9 inches: Must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat.
  
  
• Children aged 8 to 17: Must wear a seatbelt in any seating position.
  
  
• Adults (18 and over): Required to wear seatbelts in the front seat.
  
  
• Penalties: Violations may result in fines up to $250, plus court costs.

Seat Belt and Car Seat Guidelines