Understanding Age and Driving Laws in Texas

You have to be at least 16 years old to get a driver’s license in Texas. But before you can drive on your own, there are a number of steps you need to take.

The Learner’s Permit at 15

At 15 years old, you can apply for a learner’s permit in Texas, sometimes referred to as a provisional permit. It’s the first step towards getting your full driver’s license. But there is more to it than just turning 15.

Before you’re allowed to obtain your learner’s permit, you’ll have to go through a driver’s education course. In the course, older drivers’ license changes in the US 2025 are taught, like driving fundamentals and traffic rules. You can find online classes, classroom sessions, or even both combined.

After finishing Driver’s Ed, you will need to get some behind-the-wheel practice. You can practice driving with a licensed trainer, someone who is at least 21 years old, in the passenger seat. You will practice:

• Vehicle control
• The use of mirrors
• Safe turns
• Other driving conditions

You must hold your learner’s permit for at least six months prior to applying for a full driver’s license.

The Provisional License at 16

When you are 16 and have had your learner’s permit for the required six months, you may apply for a provisional driver’s license. This is your first real license that allows you to drive alone, but with a few restrictions:

• No late-night driving
• You can only have one passenger under 21
• No texting

Full Driver’s License at 18

When you turn 18, you qualify for a full, unrestricted Texas driver’s license. You may drive at any time and with as many passengers as you wish, as long as you have a valid license.

But even if you don’t need to follow all of the same rules as a provisional licensee, you’ll still need to follow regular rules of the road, like wearing your seatbelt and following speed limits.

What Are the Special Rules for Drivers Under 18?

Texas has a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, established under state law, which recognizes that younger drivers are less experienced and ensures they gain sufficient supervised driving practice before obtaining a full, unrestricted license. Some points to consider regarding the GDL program:

• No texting for anyone under 18
• Passenger limitations
• Driving with a parent or guardian

Even after obtaining your driver’s license, you must continue to drive safely. This includes obeying all traffic laws, coming to a complete stop at red lights, following speed limits, and always wearing your seatbelt.

What About Older Drivers?

What if you are not a teenager anymore but still want to get your driver’s license? In Texas, there is no upper age limit for getting a driver’s license. If you are an adult who has never been licensed, you may take the same path as a teen. You will need to pass a driving test, but you will not need to worry about passenger limits or curfews.

The Importance of Defensive Driving

No matter what your age, driving is a huge responsibility. Every time you drive, you are not just accountable for your own life but also for the lives of your passengers and other individuals on the road. 

Conclusion

The following is an overview of the steps to get your Texas driver’s license as a teen:

• At 15, complete Driver’s Ed and obtain a learner’s permit.
• At 16, after holding your learner’s permit for six months, pass the driving test to receive a provisional driver’s license.
• At 18, you may obtain a full, unrestricted driver’s license.