Texas Driver Handbook Vocabulary

Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Division

• Revised December 2024.
• Texas Driver Handbook DL-7 is a free publication.

Introduction

• The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) aims to provide a faster, easier, and friendlier driver license experience and a safer Texas.

• The Texas Driver Handbook provides accurate information on traffic laws, road signs, driving situations, and safety tips.

• The primary purposes of the handbook are:

  • To help individuals qualify for a Texas driver license.
  • To help drivers become safer.

• The handbook is not an official legal reference to Texas traffic laws but explains applicable federal and state laws.

• For the actual language of traffic or criminal laws, refer to the Texas Transportation Code and Texas Penal Code.

• Keep the handbook as a reference on traffic safety and update it as needed.

• The Texas Legislature meets every two years and regularly makes changes to traffic laws.

• For the most current information on driver licensing, visit http://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/.

Contact Information

• For questions or additional information:
  • Email the Customer Service Center: https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/customer_service/Other.aspx
  • Mailing Address: Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, PO Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773-0300
• Appendix B contains a list of local driver license offices.
• Provide feedback on the handbook at https://survey.utexas.edu/dld.

ADA Accommodations

• For disability accommodations, email https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/customer_service/Other.aspx at least five to seven business days prior to your visit.
• DPS Grievance Procedures are available in the 37 Texas Administrative Code §1.41, http://www.sos.texas.gov/tac/ and www.dps.texas.gov.
• The Texas Department of Public Safety does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.
• The Texas Driver Handbook is the property of the Texas Department of Public Safety and may not be modified without express prior written consent.

Letter from Colonel Freeman F. Martin

• Operating a motor vehicle is an important privilege and responsibility, especially in Texas with over 314,000 miles of public roadways.
• Approximately 3,500 people are killed and more than 15,000 are seriously injured in traffic crashes each year in Texas.
• Drivers must avoid distractions and stay alert for impaired or unsafe drivers.
• The Texas Department of Public Safety provides critical safety information to keep drivers, passengers, and other travelers safe.
• Review the information in the handbook and be mindful of the responsibility of obtaining a driver license and operating a motor vehicle in Texas.

Chapter 1: Your License to Drive

Who May Drive a Motor Vehicle in Texas?

Residents:

• Texas residents with a valid Texas driver license.
• New residents exchanging a valid out-of-state license have 90 days to establish residency and secure a Texas driver license.
• Individuals driving or operating road machines, farm tractors, or implements of husbandry temporarily on a highway are exempt, unless operating a commercial motor vehicle.

Nonresidents:

• Nonresidents at least 16 years of age with a valid driver license from their home state or Canadian province may drive vehicles permitted with a Class C or Class M driver license in Texas.
• Nonresidents at least 18 years of age may drive any vehicle in Texas if legally licensed in their home state or country, and the home state or country grants reciprocity to Texas citizens.

Military:

• Drivers of official U.S. or state military service motor vehicles may drive without a Texas driver license unless the vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle.
• Nonresidents on active duty in the U.S. armed forces, their spouse, or dependent child with a valid license from their home state.
• Individuals on active military duty with a valid driver license issued by the U.S. armed forces in a foreign country may drive in Texas for 90 days from the date of their return to the U.S.
• Unless suspended, cancelled, revoked, or denied, a Texas driver license held by a person in the U.S. armed forces remains valid as long as the service continues and the person remains absent from Texas for no more than 90 days from the date of honorable separation or return to Texas.

Types of Texas Driver Licenses

Learner License (Instruction Permit)

• Allows a student driver to legally practice driving when accompanied by a licensed driver.

• The licensed driver must be at least 21 years of age with at least one year of driving experience, must occupy the seat beside the driver, and cannot be intoxicated, asleep, or engaging in any activity that prevents observation and response to the actions of the driver.

• A learner license will indicate “Learner License” on the front of the card and expire on the minor’s 18th birthday.

• Requirements for a learner license:

  1. Be at least 15 but no more than 18 years of age
  2. Complete the classroom portion of a driver education course, vision exam, and knowledge exam
  3. Meet all other requirements for a first-time driver license (original) applicant

• Table 1: Learner License Minimum Age, Fee, and Expiration

  • 15 with driver education: 15 + $1 = $16, expires on their 18th birthday.

• Applicants 18 years of age and older who wish to legally practice driving are issued a Class C license with the same restrictions as a learner license. The license is generally valid for eight years and costs 32 + $1.

Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) Form

• If you are under 18 years of age and applying for your first Texas driver license, learner license, or provisional license, you must provide evidence that you:

  1. Have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent; or
  2. Are a student enrolled in a public, private, or home school and attended school for at least 80 days in the fall or spring semester preceding the date of application; or
  3. Have been enrolled for at least 45 days and are enrolled at the time of application in a program to prepare individuals to pass the high school equivalency exam.

• This information is included on the Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form issued by your school. Ask your school officials to complete and sign the VOE form.

• The VOE may not be dated more than 30 days before the date of application for a license during the school year or more than 90 days during the summer.

• The VOE must be presented to the license and permit specialist (LPS) when applying for an original or first time license.

Special Note: You may not receive a Texas driver license until all valid driver licenses and IDs issued are surrendered.

Hardship License

• A hardship license (previously known as Minor Restricted Driver License or MRDL) may be issued to a minor who establishes the necessity to drive and may have restrictions based on the qualifying hardship.

• An application for a hardship license (DL-77) must be executed by an authorized adult on behalf of the minor. Both the adult and the minor must sign the form and present it in person at the driver license office.

• Only a parent, guardian, or person having custody of a minor may apply on behalf of a minor. If the minor does not have a parent, guardian, or custodian, then an employer or county judge may apply on behalf of the minor.

• Requirements for a hardship license:

  1. Be at least 15 years of age but not more than 18
  2. Complete and pass a driver education course (a driver education course includes both the classroom and behind the wheel phase), vision, knowledge, and driving exams
  3. Meet all other requirements for a first-time driver license (original) applicant.

• For more information, please visit our website, https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/teenDriver.htm.

• DPS may require supporting documentation or conduct an investigation to confirm the information provided on the application.

• DPS will issue a hardship license if it is determined that:

  1. Failure to issue the hardship license will result in an unusual economic hardship for the family of the minor applicant
  2. The hardship license is necessary due to an illness, disability, or death of a family member
  3. The hardship license is necessary because the minor applicant is enrolled in a vocational education program that requires a license for participation
  4. A court order requiring the issuance of the hardship license is presented

Graduated Driver License (GDL)

• Teenagers and young adults have the highest crash rates of all drivers, and motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. Young drivers make up 6.5 percent of the driving population but are responsible for 13 percent of fatal crashes.
• The Graduated Driver License (GDL) program eases teens into the driving experience by phasing in driving privileges and minimizing exposure to high-risk situations.
• The GDL program applies to driver license applicants under 18 years of age and has contributed to a decrease in fatal crashes. As a part of this program, all new driver license applicants are required to pass a driving exam conducted at a driver license office or authorized testing facility.
• The GDL program consists of two phases. Phase One applies to learner licenses. Phase Two applies to provisional licenses. All drivers less than 18 years of age must meet the licensing requirements for a learner license or provisional license, but they are also subject to additional requirements, including driver education and the GDL program.

Phase One:

• This phase requires applicants under 18 years of age to hold a valid learner, hardship, or combination of learner and hardship license for a minimum of six months prior to the issuance of a provisional license.
• If your license is suspended during Phase One, then the initial six-month period is extended by the number of days of the suspension because your license is invalid during the suspension period.
• A Texas learner license will be issued to new Texas residents who are at least 15 years of age, present an out-of-state instruction permit, and submit a VOE form. A Texas learner license must be held for six months from the date of issuance before the individual is eligible for Phase Two.
• Phase One requirements do not apply to Class M (motorcycle) licenses. Under the GDL program, there is no minimum time a person must hold a restricted motorcycle license before applying for a Class M license.

Phase Two:

• Phase Two restricts the driving privileges of individuals until their 18th birthday following the issuance of a provisional license.
• During Phase Two, these individuals may not drive a motor vehicle:
  1. With more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not a family member
  2. Between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the driver to work, to attend or participate in a school-related activity, or due to a medical emergency
• All drivers who are under 18 years of age are restricted from using a wireless communication device, including a hands-free device, except in case of an emergency.

Provisional License

• A provisional license is a driver license issued to persons 16 to 18 years of age that has the Phase Two GDL driving restrictions applied. The license will be marked “PROVISIONAL” and expire on the license holder’s 18th birthday.
• Requirements for a provisional license:
  1. Be at least 16 but not more than 18 years of age
  2. Complete and pass a driver education course (a driver education course includes both the classroom and behind the wheel phases), vision, and driving exams
  3. Have held a valid learner, hardship, or combination of learner and hardship license for at least six months
  4. Meet all other requirements for a renewal driver license applicant

Out-of-State License Holders

• Applicants who are at least 15 but less than 18 years of age and present a valid out-of-state instruction permit will be issued a Phase One learner license.
• Applicants who are at least 16 but less than 18 years of age and present a valid out-of-state driver license will be issued a Phase Two provisional license with passenger and time restrictions after successful completion of the driving exam.
• Applicants must meet all other requirements for a first-time (original) applicant.
• All licenses issued to persons less than 21 years of age will be marked “UNDER 21”.

Classes of Driver Licenses

• Class A, B, C, and M driver licenses are issued to individuals who are exempt from obtaining or not required to obtain a commercial driver license (CDL).
• Most non-commercial driver licenses issued to persons 18 years of age and older are valid for eight years and cost $32$ (a $1$ administrative fee will be added to in-person , telephone and online transactions).
• Some applicants receive licenses with shorter terms due to restrictions including, but not limited to, verification of lawful presence, sex offender registration requirements, or being 85 years of age or older.
• Individuals who operate any of the following vehicles are exempt from obtaining a CDL but may need a Class A or Class B non-commercial driver license because the type of vehicle driven still meets the definition of a commercial motor vehicle.
• For more information on commercial motor vehicles and requirements for a CDL, please visit our website, http://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/CommercialLicense.htm or see the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook. You may download the handbook online at http://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-7C.pdf.
  1. A fire-fighting or emergency vehicle necessary for the preservation of life or property or the execution of emergency governmental functions whether operated by an employee of a political subdivision or by a volunteer firefighter.
  2. A military vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle when operated for military purposes by military personnel, members of the Reserves and National Guard on active duty, including personnel on full-time National Guard duty, personnel on part-time training, and National Guard military technicians.
  3. A recreational vehicle driven for personal use.
  4. A vehicle that is owned, leased, or controlled by an air carrier and is driven or operated exclusively by an employee of the air carrier only on the premises of an airport, on service roads to which the public does not have access.
  5. A vehicle used exclusively to transport seed cotton modules or cotton burrs.
  6. A former military vehicle as defined by Texas Transportation Code 504.402(i) that is operated intrastate and not driven by an individual for compensation or in furtherance of a commercial enterprise.
  7. A covered farm vehicle as defined by 49 CFR Section 390.5 that is used to transport agricultural commodities, livestock, machinery or supplies to or from a farm or ranch, not used in for-hire motor carrier operations and if under 26,001 pounds is operated anywhere in the United States and if over 26,001 pounds is operated within 150 miles of the farm or ranch.
  8. A vehicle controlled and operated by a farmer:
     • Used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies to or from a farm
     • Not used in the operation of a common or contract motor carrier, or
     • Used within 150 miles of the person’s farm.

Class A Driver License

• A Class A driver license permits a person to drive:

  1. Any vehicle or combination of vehicles described under a Class B or Class C driver license; and
  2. A vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle(s) towed is in excess of 10,000 lbs.

• A Class A driver license does not permit a person to drive a motorcycle.

• Table 2: Class A Driver License Minimum Age, Fee, and Expiration

  • 18 or older (Applicants 18 to 24 are required to successfully complete an approved driver education course): 32 + $1 = $33, Eight years
  • 17 with completion of an approved driver education course: 15 + $1 = $16, On applicant’s next birthday

Class B Driver License

• A Class B driver license permits a person to drive:

  1. Any vehicle included in Class C;
  2. A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more and any such vehicle towing either a vehicle with a GVWR that does not exceed 10,000 lbs. or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 lbs.; and

• A Class B driver license does not permit a person to drive a motorcycle.

• Table 3: Class B Driver License Minimum Age, Fee, and Expiration

  • 18 or older (Applicants 18 to 24 are required to successfully complete an approved driver education course): 32 + $1 = $33, Eight years
  • 17 with completion of an approved driver education course: 15 + $1 = $16, On applicant’s next birthday

Class C Driver License

1. A single vehicle or combination of vehicles that are not included in Class A or Class B and
2. A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 lbs. towing a trailer not to exceed 10,000 lbs.
   • GVWR or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 lbs.
3. An autocycle, defined as a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is:
   • Designed to not have more than three wheels on the ground when moving
   • Equipped with a steering wheel
   • Equipped with seats that do not require the operator to straddle or sit astride the seat
   • Manufactured and certified to comply with federal safety requirements for a motorcycle

• A Class C driver license does not permit a person to drive a motorcycle.
• Table 4: Class C Driver License Minimum Age, Fee, and Expiration
  • 18 or older (Applicants 18 to 24 are required to successfully complete an approved driver education course): 32 + $1 = $33, Eight years
  • 16 with completion of an approved driver education course: 15 + $1 = $16, On applicant’s 18th birthday
  • 15 with the approval of a hardship license: 5 + $1 = $6, On applicant’s next birthday

Class M Driver License

• A Class M driver license permits a person to drive a motorcycle. Before applying for a Class M license, you must pass a state approved motorcycle operator training course.
• Motorcycle training course providers require drivers who are less than 18 years of age to present proof of completion of the classroom phase of a driver education course, hold a learner license (issued after completing the classroom phase of a driver education course), or hold a valid Class C license prior to enrolling in a motorcycle operator training course.
• Minimum Age Motorcycle: 16 with completion of the classroom phase of a driver education course (32 hours) and a state approved motorcycle operator training course (16 hours).
• Motorcycle of 250 cc or less: 15 years of age with DPS approval for a hardship driver license or completion of the classroom phase of a driver education course (32 hours) and a state approved motorcycle operator training course (16 hours).
• For more information on Class M driver licenses, please visit our website, https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/motorcycleLicense.htm
• Table 5: Class M Driver License
  • 18 and older: Amount 32 + $1 = $33, Expiration Eight years
  • Under 18: Amount 15 + $1 = $16, Expiration On applicant’s 18th birthday
  • Add M: Add M to current license requires a 15 + $1 = $16 exam fee, Expires with license
  • Renewal: An additional $11$ is required when renewing a Class M license + $1 = $12, Expires with license

Fees and Driver Licenses for Veterans

• Veterans who are honorably discharged and receive compensation for a service-related disability of at least 60 percent are exempt from paying driver license and ID card fees. Individuals applying for a CDL or who are required to register as a sex offender are not eligible for this fee exemption. The veteran must meet all other licensing requirements.
• DPS offers Veteran and Disabled Veteran designators with branch of service indicators on the face of the driver license and identification card (ID) for qualifying veterans. For more information on the veteran designations, visit our website at www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/vetServices.htm.

Identification (ID) Cards

• In addition to driver licenses, DPS issues ID cards with a photograph of the applicant. ID cards have a distinguishing number similar to a driver license and are maintained in the driver record file.
• ID cards are displayed in a vertical format for individuals who are younger than 21 years of age and are horizontal for individuals who are 21 years of age and older. Applicants must provide documents in accordance with DPS ID card policy requirements. For a list of acceptable documents to obtain an ID card, visit our website, http://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/applyforID.htm
• Table 6: Identification (ID) Cards
  • ID cards can be issued to any person of any age. Anyone under the age of 21 will have “Under 21” printed on the card.
  • 59 or younger: Amount 15 + $1 = $16, Expiration Six years
  • 60 or older: Amount 5 + $1 = $6

Medical and Emergency Information

• On the reverse side of the card, state law requires DPS to print the statement “Directive to physician has been filed at telephone #” and “Emergency contact number.” Space is provided on the surface for the license holder to write a telephone number. Space is also provided on the card to allow individuals to voluntarily indicate if a health condition exists that may impede communication with a peace officer.
• Additionally, an application for an original, renewal or replacement driver license or ID includes the option to provide the name, address and telephone number of two individuals who may be contacted in the event of injury or death of the applicant. Driver license and ID card holders may also add or update emergency contacting information online by visiting our website, https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/emerContactInfo.htm.

Allergic Reaction to Drugs

• DPS does not print medical information on driver licenses or ID cards. To add medical information to the back of your driver license or ID card, use a permanent ink pen and write the name of medication that may cause an allergic reaction.

Organ Donation

• DPS offers “Donate Life Texas” pamphlets to any person who visits a driver license office. The pamphlets provide general information on the Donate Life Texas program. If you choose to be an organ donor, a small heart with the word “donor” will be printed on the front of the card.
• Cards that indicate a person’s wish to be a donor shall be conclusive evidence of a decedent’s status as a donor and serve as consent for organ, tissue, and eye donation. You can get more information and register to be an organ, tissue, and eye donor online at www.DonateLifeTexas.org.

Voluntary Contributions

• If you are applying for an original or renewal driver license or ID card, you can voluntarily make a monetary contribution to the following programs:
  1. The Blindness Education, Screening, and Treatment Program administered by the Texas Commission for the Blind, which provides screening and treatment for those individuals who are without adequate medical coverage.
  2. The Glenda Dawson Donate Life Texas Program, which manages the donor registry and statewide donor education projects.
  3. The Veteran’s Assistance Fund, which provides grants to local government and nonprofit organizations to enhance or improve veteran assistance programs that address the needs of veterans and their families.
  4. The Sexual Assault Evidence Testing Program, which helps fund the testing of sexual assault evidence (rape) collection kits.
  5. The Identification Fee Exemption Account, which assists foster and homeless children and youths with payment of fees for driver licenses and IDs.

How to Obtain a Texas Driver License

• If you are applying for a Texas driver license, you must comply with the following procedures.

Applying for a Texas Driver License

• An application for a driver license must be made in person. You may obtain an application at any driver license office or download an application from our website at www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/ApplyforLicense.htm.
• All in-office applicants who are at least 17 years and 10 months old are provided the opportunity to complete a voter registration application.
• All men 18-25 years of age who are U.S. citizens or immigrants are automatically registered for selective service upon issuance of an ID card or driver license.

Required Documents and Application Information

To apply for a Texas driver license, you must provide the following documents and information.

1.  Your full name, proof of residential address, mailing address, current county of residence, place of birth, and date of birth
2.  Identification documents
3.  Social security number verified electronically through the Social Security Administration
4.  Thumb or index fingerprints
5.  Physical description
6.  Answer the medical status and history questions listed on the application. Individuals with certain medical limitations may have their cases reviewed by the Medical Advisory Board (MAB) before the license is issued
7.  Surrender any valid out-of-state driver license
8.  U.S. citizenship status or lawful presence

• For additional information and lists of acceptable documents, visit our website, www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/ApplyforLicense.htm.

Driver Record

• A complete record of all your examinations will be recorded on your application and scanned into the Driver License System where it becomes a part of your permanent driving record. Any convictions for moving traffic violations or crashes, including out of state records of convictions, will be recorded as part of your permanent driving record. To find out more information on driver records and how to obtain a copy of your record, visit http://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/driverrecords.htm.

Evidence of Financial Responsibility (Vehicle Insurance)

• When applying for an original driver license, you must provide evidence of financial responsibility or a statement that you do not own a motor vehicle that requires the maintenance of financial responsibility.
• Evidence of financial responsibility must meet at least the minimum amount required by Texas and cover each motor vehicle the applicant owns that requires maintenance of financial responsibility.

Vehicle Registration

• When surrendering an out-of-state driver license, a new Texas resident must submit, with a driver license application, evidence that each motor vehicle owned by the person is currently registered in Texas, or indicate they do not own a motor vehicle required to be registered. A registration receipt issued by the county tax assessor-collector of the county in which the new resident resides is satisfactory evidence that your motor vehicle has been registered in Texas.

Fees

• The required fee(s) must be submitted before any exams will be given for an original Texas driver license. An additional $1$ administrative fee is included in most transactions. However, if you are completing multiple transactions at the same time, in-person, by telephone or online, you will only be charged the $1$ administrative fee once. A $1$ administrative fee is not charged for transactions made through the mail. For more information on all fees, refer to Appendix D of this handbook or visit our website, https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/driver-license-fees.

Driver Education

• Individuals younger than 25 years of age are required to successfully complete an approved driver education course.
• For more information on licensing requirements for applicants younger than 25 years of age, visit our website at www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/ApplyforLicense.htm.

Impact Texas Drivers (ITD)

• All driver license applicants must complete the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) course appropriate for their age group prior to taking the driving exam. For more information, visit the ITD website, https://impacttexasdrivers.dps.texas.gov.

Minors

• If you are younger than 18 years of age, your application must be signed, under oath, by the parent or guardian with custody. If there is not a guardian, your employer or county judge may sign the application. The person who signs may ask DPS to cancel your license any time before your 18th birthday. This request must be in writing and sworn to before an officer authorized to administer oaths. In addition, the minor applicant and cosigner must acknowledge receipt of information that provides information about distracted driving and explains the zero tolerance law. See Chapter 10: Alcohol and Drugs Impact on the Driving Ability for more information.

Examinations

• Before any exams are given, you must pay the required fee. Your picture will be taken and you will be given a payment receipt. If you do not pass the knowledge and driving exams on your first attempt, your application will be held for 90 days. After 90 days or three failed exams, a new application and fee will be required.
• The knowledge and driving exams are not required for applicants 18 years of age and older who surrender a valid out-of-state license. After you have passed all applicable exams, you will be issued a temporary license, which you may use for 45 days or until you receive your permanent license in the mail. If you do not receive your license in 45 days, email our customer service center at https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/customer_service/Other.aspx.

Part 1: The Knowledge exam

• As part of the Less Tears More Years Act, all applicants younger than 25 years of age are required to take a driver education course to apply for a driver license. Upon successful completion of certain courses, the person is not required to take the Class C knowledge exam, also known as the written exam, at the driver license office.
• There are three types of knowledge exams.
  1. Class C – Knowledge exam for all original applicants
  2. Class M – Motorcycle knowledge exam. This exam is waived for applicants who successfully complete a state approved motorcycle operator training course and present proof of completion.
  3. Class A or Class B – Rules exam for operators of Class A and Class B vehicles
• You must score a grade of 70 percent or better to pass any knowledge exam.

Part 2: The Vision Examination

• Your vision will be examined when you are at the driver license office. Depending on the results, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving if the lenses improve your vision and help increase the safety of your driving. If the results are inconclusive, you may be referred to your doctor.

Part 3: The Driving Exam

• The driving exam is given only after all other exams are passed and evidence of financial responsibility is presented or the vehicle is exempt under the Texas Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act. The type of vehicle used for the driving exam must match the class of license on the application. No one younger than 18 years of age is exempt from taking the driving exam.
• Individuals may take a driving exam at a driver license office or through a third party skills testing (TPST) school. The TPST program permits certain schools to administer the non-commercial driving exam.
• Individuals who complete the state approved motorcycle operator training course are not required to take a driving exam for a Class M license if the person already has a valid, unrestricted Texas license. Individuals younger than 18 years of age must pass the motorcycle driving exam.
• Additionally, the driving exam is not required for anyone applying for a learner license.
• A $10$ exam fee is required when changing from a lower to a higher class license or when removing restrictions from a license. The cost of adding a Class M to an existing license is $15$.

Description of the Driving Exam

• During the driving exam, you will not be asked to do anything illegal. You must follow all of the instructions given by the LPS. Do not carry on a conversation during the driving exam.
• If you are not eligible to drive in Texas, a licensed driver must drive the car to the driver license office and exam area. If you are not issued a driver license then the licensed driver must also drive you away from the driver license office.
• Upon completion of the driving exam, the LPS will explain all driving errors and let you know how to correct those errors.

Your application for a license will not be approved if you:

1.  Violate the law
2.  Refuse to follow instructions
3.  Drive dangerously or have a crash
4.  Have more than 30 points deducted on the driving exam

• All drivers are graded on four basic skills, regardless of the type of driving exam.

  1. Control – Your ability to make your car do what you want it to do
  2. Observation – Your ability to see what other traffic is doing and other things that may create problems in traffic
  3. Positioning – Your ability to drive in your lane
  4. Signaling – Your ability to use turn signals as required

• You may be graded on your performance on the following skills so it is good to practice before taking the driving exam.

  • Parallel parking (you may use the back-up camera on your vehicle for parallel parking; however, the use of an automated vehicle parking function will not be allowed)
  • Quick stop – You may be asked to stop your car as quickly as possible at about 20 mph without skidding your tires
  • Backing – Your ability to back the car for a distance of about 60 feet at a slow rate of speed and as straight and smooth as possible. Turn and look back at all times while backing or you may use the back-up camera and mirrors on your vehicle while backing; however, the use of an automated vehicle parking function will not be allowed
  • Stop signs
  • Traffic signals
  • Use of clutch – On standard transmissions, hold the clutch all the way down when starting the motor, shifting gears, when stopping, and once your speed drops below 10 mph. Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch
  • Intersection observance – Use the proper lane; slow down and look