Learning to drive as a teenager is often viewed as a rite of passage. Today, The Hill reports that American teenagers are driving less than ever before, with 64% of the 16-19 age group holding a license in 1995 and less than 40% holding one in 2021.
Teenagers are driving less than ever due to increasing costs and extra restrictions, even after qualifying for full driving licenses. Texas is no exception due to its appalling number of crashes involving teenage drivers. According to MoneyGeek, the Lone Star State is one of the top three states for these crashes, alongside California and Florida.
With that in mind, teens can still drive, but you’ll have to obey the regulations put in place by Texas. Let’s go into what teenage Texans must do to qualify for their driving licenses.
Key Takeaways
Teenagers can receive a learner’s permit to drive from age 15, but they cannot obtain a full driving license until they turn 18.
Young drivers must follow the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program to receive full driving privileges. It consists of obtaining a learner’s permit and provisional license before graduating to a full license.
Obtaining a learner’s permit requires completing classroom instruction through a driver’s education course, passing a written exam, and applying for a license at a Texas DPS.
Teen drivers face additional restrictions on driving, such as being unable to drive between the hours of midnight and 5 am and being unable to use mobile devices, including hands-free, when driving.
Receiving traffic violations as a teen driver can result in strict punitive measures, including delayed progression, fines, license suspension, and higher auto insurance premiums.
Speak to a lawyer if you’re involved in an accident to protect your legal rights and get the fair settlement you’re entitled to.
What Age Can You Get Your License in Texas?
Teenagers in Texas can obtain their initial learner’s license at the age of 15, per the Texas Department of Public Safety. However, they must be enrolled in a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. Obtaining this license opens the path to obtaining a provisional license, but they must obtain and hold their learner license for at least six months.
Young drivers in Texas can start to drive at a younger age than in other states. For example, New York State requires teenagers to reach their 16th birthday before getting a learner’s license. On the other hand, states like Alaska and the Dakotas allow 14-year-olds to apply for a teen learner’s permit.
Note that your teen can enroll in a GDL program, but obtaining a provisional license is not guaranteed. Alongside the time limit, they must complete the program and pass a written exam. Moreover, no provisional license will be awarded to anyone under the age of 16.
How to Apply for a Texas Driver License as a Teen
Texas’s Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) program provides a defined pathway for teen drivers to gain experience and mature before they receive full driving privileges like adults. The pathway is divided into three stages, covering the learner, provisional, and full driving licenses.
So, what does applying for your Texas teen driving license look like?
Phase I – Learner License
The learner license requires applicants to be at least 15 years old to apply. Teens must then complete a driver education course and pass a written test. Only by passing will you be awarded a learner’s permit.
As part of the first phase, teens must log at least 30 hours of driving practice, with at least 10 of those hours done at night. All driving practice must be done under the supervision of an adult with a full driving license who’s at least 21.
Phase II – Provisional License
The provisional license requires applicants to be at least 16 before applying. Moreover, 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. They’ll be required to complete a driver education course, fulfill practice hours, and complete the Impact Texas Teen Driver program.
Phase III – Full Driving License
Applicants must be at least 18 years old before applying for a full driving license. No special requirements exist at this stage. The only rule is that the teen driver must have previously had a provisional driver's license and no serious traffic violations on their record.
What Age Can You Get a Learner’s Permit in Texas?
Texas allows teens to apply for a learner’s permit when they reach the age of 15. Note that applicants may have already completed the classroom portion of the GDL course because they can take this examination at 14 years of age
According to the Texas Driving School, teens must meet the following eligibility requirements to apply for their practice permit:
Age – Between the ages of 15 and 18 to apply.
Enrollment – Enroll in or show they’ve completed a teen driver education course.
Residency – They must be a resident of the Lone Star State and have the means to prove it.
Proof of Identity and Legal Presence—They’ll need some form of ID and evidence of legal presence in the country, such as a passport or Social Security card.
Ensure they bring along the necessary documentation to your nearest Texas DPS to avoid any unnecessary processing delays.
How to Get a Learner’s Permit in Texas
Getting a learner’s permit requires completing an approved driver education course, meeting the eligibility requirements, and providing sufficient documentation. Filling out the application can be done with the help of a trusted adult if they’re having trouble.
Here are the steps all applicants must follow to obtain their learner’s permit:
Complete a Driver Education Course – Applicants must finish Module 1 of a driver education course. Which course they take doesn’t matter as long as it’s accredited. Examples include parent-taught driver education (PDTE) programs and the more traditional driver education of the self-teaching option.
Meet the Eligibility Requirements – Demonstrate they’ve completed their course and meet the age and residency requirements. The chances are they already have the required documents, which is little more than a formality.
Fill Out a TX DPS Application – Fill out Form DL-14A and ensure they have all the necessary documents with them. They’ll also need to pay a $16 processing fee to submit their application.
Bring Along Your Documents – Schedule an appointment at the closest Texas DPS. A parent or legal guardian must accompany the applicant to this appointment. A full list of documents they’ll have to bring is given below.
Take the Examinations – The next step is to complete the required examinations at a local DPS office. Some locations are booked out well in advance, so there may be some delay before getting an appointment. Applicants have to complete the written knowledge test and a vision exam to show they’re ready for their learner’s permit.
If successful, they should receive an official permit within a few days, and they can then start practicing driving alongside a licensed parent or guardian.
So, which documents do teens need for their application?
Completion Certificate – Present the completion certificate received when passing the online driver education exam.
Proof of ID – Provide an acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or birth certificate.
Social Security Number – Bring a Social Security card or any other piece of official documentation to verify that they’ve got a Social Security number.
Proof of Citizenship – Demonstrate U.S. citizenship. Again, this can be a passport or a birth certificate.
Proof of Residency – Prove that the applicant is a Texas resident. A utility bill or a lease agreement showing your Texas address should suffice.
Verification of Enrollment and Attendance – The program requires teen drivers to be enrolled in school. Provide verification of your attendance with enrollment in a high school diploma or a GED (if they’ve finished their schooling).
If students are taking a course through a PTDE program, they must also provide the relevant forms. For more information, read through your PDTE Program Guide.
How Long is a Texas Driver’s Permit Good For?
A Texas learner’s permit is designed to be an introduction to driving and an opportunity to take those steps to become a responsible driver with full driving privileges. The learner’s permit is only valid for six months or until you turn 18. If the permit is suspended, the initial six-month period is extended by however long the suspension was.
The question is, what happens if you’re already 18 and want to learn to drive? Many teens in this position wonder whether they should apply for a learner driver’s permit or not. Since they’re already 18, they’ll need a different type of license.
According to the Drive Smart Teen and Adult Driving School, teens over 18 must apply for a Texas Class C, B-Restricted Drivers License. Essentially, this is the learner’s permit for adult drivers. Class C applies to the weight of the vehicle being driven, and a B-restriction means the driver must always have a licensed driver in the front passenger seat when driving.
For all intents and purposes, this license is the same restricted driving license as the learner’s permit for teens.
How Long Does it Take to Get Your License After Your Permit?
The fastest way to get a full driving license in Texas takes only six months, but this is for adults looking to take a driving test at a certified driver training school. Teens must follow a mandatory waiting period based on age and experience before applying for a full driving license. The earliest a teenage driver can receive a full license is their 18th birthday, regardless of when they received their learner’s permit.
Applying for a learner’s permit is a formality, but some people can get frustrated when their license card doesn’t arrive in the mail. Applicants must wait for the card to arrive before getting behind the wheel.
Typically, it takes around two to three weeks for an official learner’s permit to arrive, but it can also take up to six weeks. It largely depends on where you live and how busy the DPS is at the time.
What are the Rules for Teen Drivers in Texas?
Teen drivers must obey extra rules that don’t apply to adult drivers in Texas. These rules restrict when you can drive, how you drive, and who can be in the car at the time. Violations can result in the immediate suspension of a learner’s permit or provisional driver license.
Many readers may remember that obtaining a driving license as a teen used to be much simpler, but Texas has acted to tackle the atrocious crash rates involving teen drivers. According to the IIHS, teen drivers have crash rates nearly four times higher than drivers aged 20 or over when accounting for per mile driven.
Teen drivers are subject to several restrictions on their driving until they’re granted a full license, with the main restrictions including:
You can’t drive between midnight and 5:00 am.
You can’t use mobile devices, including hands-free ones when driving.
You can’t have more than one unrelated passenger under 21 in the car at one time.
The other rules for teen drivers in Texas focus on the measures for traffic violations. Punitive measures are harsher, and even relatively minor violations could lead to you losing your driving privileges entirely.
What Happens if You Violate a Texas Teen Driving Law
Penalties for violating teen driving laws can range from fines to increased insurance premiums and license suspension. Adhering to the rules of the road is critical for avoiding these punitive measures and developing the experience and maturity teen drivers need to prevent accidents.
Here are the five potential punishments teenage drivers can be subjected to:
Fines – Violations cost $25-$99 for a first offense and $100-$200 for all subsequent offenses.
License Suspension – Your license may be suspended or revoked if a traffic violation is substantial enough. In some circumstances, you may be able to apply for a hardship license to drive even when suspended.
Delayed Progression – All violations can stop you from getting your license when you expect it. Suspensions are added onto the usual calendar for your learner’s permit – as an example – meaning you might have to wait to get your full driving privileges.
Criminal Charges – Teens can be subject to criminal charges like any driver. Texas’ Zero Tolerance Law is one such example. Under this law, any detectable amount of alcohol in a driver under 21 results in criminal charges. According to DriversEd, as many as 5.4% of teens admitted to drunk driving.
Increased Insurance Premiums – Your auto insurance rates are liable to rise if you’re convicted of a driving violation. Teens are already the most expensive group to insure, which will cost you and your family even more.
The purpose of applying restrictions to teen drivers and having greater punishments is to encourage safe driving habits. The GDL is an opportunity for younger drivers to lower the risk and get enough experience under their belts before they get their full license privileges.
Essential Safety Tips for Teen Drivers to Prevent Injuries
Safe driving is essential for teens. This includes knowing how to perceive hazards, avoiding distracted driving, and learning to operate the vehicle without thinking and confidently. Overall, the best way for teen drivers to stay safe is to develop confidence behind the wheel.
AutoInsurance.com reported that more than 180,000 teens are injured every year in auto accidents. Instead of becoming one of the many accident victims, teens can take steps to stop themselves from being involved in a crash.
Follow these tips to stay safe on the road:
Buckle up before you drive.
Limit distractions.
Participate in a safe-driving course.
Practice driving at night with an experienced driver.
Obey the speed limit.
Stay aware of the weather forecast to avoid getting caught up in bad weather conditions.
Practice driving safely in school zones.
Always slow down and stop in the face of a yellow light.
Keep both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road.
Stay aware of the vehicles around you.
Anyone who’s ever learned to drive knows that the biggest challenge is gaining confidence to handle different situations. Many teens simply don’t have the confidence and panic when something they don’t expect pops up. With more practice, you’ll be ready for whatever you encounter on the wide-open highways.
Legal Rights and Protections for Teens Involved in Car Accidents in Texas
Teens don’t get a pass if they’re involved in an accident that was or wasn’t their fault. If your teen is injured driving, they have the right to a settlement. Likewise, if they caused an accident, they could be liable through their insurer or through their parents.
Getting involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault means you can make a claim. As Texas is an at-fault state, it’s up to you to prove that the other driver was at fault. With the help of a personal injury lawyer, you can gather evidence and get a settlement covering all your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
However, there’s also the issue of parental liability. It varies from state to state, but the concept means that if a teen is involved in an accident, their parents could also share liability. Parental liability laws ensure that the victims of car accidents can recover damages from someone financially responsible.
Texas has a variation of parental liability laws, but it usually only comes into play if intentional misconduct or negligence occurs. Unfortunately, this is where things get complicated, so it’s critical to speak to an Austin car accident lawyer if your teen was involved in an accident that may have been their fault.
Texas Teen Driver Insurance Requirements
All teens are required to have car insurance in Texas like any other driver. No special insurance requirements for teen drivers exist. Instead, they must adhere to the same requirements as all other Texas drivers, meaning they must have a minimum liability insurance, termed the 30/60/25 model.
Here are the primary liability insurance requirements for teens:
Bodily Injury - $30,000 per person
Bodily Injury Per Accident - $60,000
Property Damage - $25,000
However, the minimum insurance amount is rarely enough to provide proper coverage in an accident. It’s strongly recommended that you take out other forms of coverage to protect them, such as:
Collision Coverage – Even if a teen is at fault for an accident, collision coverage will cover the damage to the vehicle.
Comprehensive Coverage – Comprehensive coverage covers all forms of non-collision damages, including theft, natural disasters, and vandalism.
Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage – If a teenage driver is involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or sufficient insurance, this coverage will cover their expenses.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – PIP cover pays out for medical expenses and lost wages for the driver and all passengers, regardless of who was at fault.
Auto insurance firms perceive teens as higher-risk drivers, so their insurance costs will be higher than those of adult drivers. According to Bankrate, even Texas drivers with excellent credit can expect to pay an average of $2,105 per year for full auto insurance coverage.
Typically, the best way to lower the overall costs of teen auto insurance is to include them on their parent’s existing policy. Your insurance has to be notified when a teen has a learner’s permit, but they don’t need to be formally added to a policy until they get their full license.
Steps to Take After a Teen Driving Accident in Texas
After an accident involving a teenage driver, the driver and passengers must seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 and ask a police officer to attend, gather evidence, exchange insurance details with the other driver, and contact an attorney immediately.
Here’s a full breakdown of what you should do after an accident in Texas:
Check for any signs of injuries and call an ambulance if there are any serious injuries.
Call 911 and ask for a traffic officer to attend.
Exchange insurance details with the other driver, including your Texas vehicle registration.
Using your phone, gather evidence from the scene, such as visible injuries, vehicular damage, and road conditions. Speak to any eyewitnesses and ask for their contact details.
Visit the nearest medical facility for a checkup, as injuries like whiplash may not be apparent until a few hours after the accident.
Notify your insurer that you’ve been involved in an accident.
Contact an attorney to begin making your claim and ensure your legal rights are protected.
Working with a car accident attorney in Texas is critical for defending your legal rights, building your case, and maximizing your settlement. Whether an accident involves a minor or not, the best move you can make is to put your personal injury lawsuit into the hands of a professional.
Texas Teen Driver FAQs
How many people can be in a car with a 16-year-old driver in Texas?
Under Texas’ graduated license laws, 16-year-olds can only have a single passenger under the age of 21 in the car with them while they’re driving. The only exception is if you have more than one passenger but they're direct family members.
How many hours does a student driver need in Texas?
Young drivers must complete at least seven hours of instruction behind the wheel as part of a traditional driver education course, seven hours of in-car observation, and 30 hours of additional practice. Ten of these hours must be at night. In all cases, these drivers must be supported from the front passenger seat by a licensed adult who’s at least 21.
Can a 15-year-old drive to school in Texas?
Teens with a permit can’t drive alone to school in Texas. Although the permit enables them to break the ordinary curfew if they’re on their way to school, they still need a full license holder who is at least 21 to drive on a learner’s permit.
