Teen Drivers Phase II – Texas Provisional License
In Texas, there are special rules for teen drivers to keep you safe on the road. These involve education and practice before getting your unrestricted license.
There are two phases of licensing for all teens before obtaining an unrestricted driver license, referred to as the Graduated Driver License program.
- Learner License –allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult.
- Provisional License - allows you to drive independently with some restrictions.
Provisional License
Requirements:
- Held a learner license for at least 6 months
- Be between 16 and 17 years of age
- Completed the behind-the-wheel portion of driver education, which includes:
- 7 hours of in car observation sitting beside the instructor, watching the instructor demonstrate certain points of instruction.
- 7 hours of in car observation driving and demonstrating to the instructor that you have learned the points of instruction.
- 30 hours of behind the wheel driving practice, of which at least 10 hours must be at night with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older in the vehicle at all times.
- Complete the Impact Texas Teen Driver Program (ITTD) within 90 days of taking your driving test
- Successfully pass your driving test
A Provisional Driver License allows you to drive independently with some restrictions.
- Passengers: You may not drive with more than one passenger in the vehicle under 21 who is not a family member.
- Curfew: Driving is restricted between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless for work, school activities, or emergencies.
- No cell phones allowed: All cell phone use is prohibited, including hands-free devices unless it’s an emergency.
How to apply for your Provisional Driver License
- Visit Driver License Services – Appointments to make an appointment at a driver license office. Bring a parent or legal guardian or bring the notarized application signed by the parent or guardian.
- Complete the application, available online or at the office.
- Provide the following documentation to the specialist:
- Completed driver license application form
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence (if not a U.S. Citizen)
- Proof of Identity
- Social Security Number (written on the application)
- Texas Driver Education Certificate showing classroom completion.
- Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE form) issued by a school, or a high school diploma or equivalent (GED), if not presented during issuance of your Learners License.
- Successfully pass the driving test
- If you took the driving test at a driver education school, the results must be provided in a sealed envelope to DPS at the time you are applying for your license.
- If you took the driving test at a driver education school that participates in the TPST Submission Portal, your packet will be submitted online and processed by DPS virtually. If approved, you may then process and pay online using Texas by Texas website. A temporary permit will be provided during the online transaction. You will not be required to visit a driver license office.
- If you will be taking your driving test at the driver license office, you will be required to:
- Schedule an appointment online selecting ‘Class C’ under Road Skills Test, and
- Present proof of current registration and insurance for the vehicle you will be testing in at the time of the driving test.
- Present unexpired Impact Texas Teen Driver (ITTD) certificate
- Provide Biometric Information (signature and thumbprints)
- Have your picture taken.
- Pay the application fee.
- Pass Vision Exam.
When you get your provisional license, you will receive a temporary permit to drive right away. Double-check the information on it before you leave, and let the specialist know if there are any mistakes.
Your official provisional license will arrive by mail within 2 – 3 weeks. You can track it on our mailing status webpage.
Tobacco Awareness
Individuals under 18 years of age who are convicted of possession, purchase, consumption or receipt of cigarettes or tobacco products must attend a tobacco awareness program approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Failure to complete the program within 90 days could result in the suspension of the individual's driver license (or driving privilege if not licensed).
Alcohol Awareness
Texas enacted laws to discourage drivers from drinking and driving to make Texas roads safer. These laws include a Zero Tolerance for minors (under 21 years of age) who commit any alcohol related offenses. Zero tolerance means that a minor may not purchase, attempt to purchase, consume, or possess an alcoholic beverage. If any detectable amount of alcohol is in their system while operating a motor vehicle, including a watercraft, in a public place, it is a criminal offense of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol by a Minor (DUIA by a Minor). For more detailed information, download and review our Alcohol Related Laws for Minors brochure.
For more information on enforcement actions, please visit the web pages listed under Suspensions & Reinstatement.