Texas DMV driving test, TX drivers license, CDL, motorcycle practice test

Your Guide to Earning a Driver’s License in TX

Automobile License

Drivers planning to navigate motor vehicles in Texas are obliged to earn a driver’s license first. The typical process includes enrolling in the Graduated Licensing Program (which is mandatory for drivers younger than 18).

As a rule, you will be required to undergo the following stages under the Graduated Licensing Program:

• Learner’s permit. You need to be 15 years old (although you can start your driver education already at 14). One of the major requirements is to join the class education which will get you ready for your TX written permit test. Bring in your identification documents and SSN and pay a $16 permit fee.
• Provisional license. Consider applying once you are 16, have held your learner’s permit for six months, and have practiced thirty hours of driving. At this stage, you will also have to pass a driving road test.
• Unrestricted license. Once you are 18, you can upgrade your provisional license to a full one. Make sure to present your identification documents and existing provisional license.

Note that if you hold a driver’s license issued by the other state, you can convert it (you will still be required to take a driving test, though).

Motorcycle License

If you are 15, you are eligible for a motorcycle license in Texas. The common procedure to obtain your license is as follows:

• submit your identification documents and SSN;
• present a certificate confirming you completed the driver education course (it must be approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation);
• get your parent’s approval;
• undergo vision and written knowledge tests;
• pass a driving test;
• pay appropriate fees ($16 for motorcycle endorsement and $25 fee for a Class M license).

Note that for the driving test, you will have to bring the motorcycle and the following vehicle so that you examiner can ensure the quality of supervision.

Commercial Driver’s License

If you wish to navigate commercial vehicles in Texas, make sure to earn a commercial driver’s license. The first thing to do is to get a commercial learner’s permit.

Upon obtaining a learner’s permit, you are eligible for a driver’s license. You will have to:

• bring in your identification documents, SSN and proofs of US citizenship and residency;
• undergo a medical check-up;
• pass vision, knowledge, and driving tests. You will be asked to get your photo and fingerprints taken;
• pay a $61 fee.

A commercial driver’s license is valid for five years (exception is made for drivers older than 85; their CDL is valid for two years). 

You won’t need to get a CDL if you:

• operate farmer motor vehicles within 150 miles;
• operate a military transport;
• operate an emergency vehicle.

Driver-Start.com offers a wealth of training materials, prep tests, and study guides for beginning drivers. We have already helped thousands of people earn their driver’s licenses and enjoy unrestricted driving. Make sure to practice your driving test online and download our mobile app from the App Store  and Google Play   to make your driver’s training seamless.