Any Texas residents - how to obtain permit?

[ImmemorialN 7]

Hi all!

Sorry if this has been asked elsewhere, but I find myself inexorably confused...

How do I go about obtaining a learners permit in Texas, given I am very much so over 18? Is it possible or do I have to apply straight for the licence?

Thanks all,

Nathan

[ddkorestin 10]

well what i actually did was to get my social security number first and then apply for learners permit but i think u might have to take a theory test to start with

[chui84 1]

yes and now you have to book an appt to take the Theory test,as the DPS outsourced that Section and they are open only 3 hrs a Day at least in Houston so if i were you i would Call and Book as soon as Possible!!!

[Ryan H 3,795]

Moved from Adjustment of Status from Work, Student, & Tourist Visas forum to Moving Here & Your New Life In America forum; topic is not an AOS process topic.

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

Hi all!

Sorry if this has been asked elsewhere, but I find myself inexorably confused...

How do I go about obtaining a learners permit in Texas, given I am very much so over 18? Is it possible or do I have to apply straight for the licence?

Thanks all,

Nathan

You will take two tests. The written test (on a computer) will give you a "permit" to drive with a licensed driver in the front seat. It basically allows you time to practice driving if needed. When you are ready, the driving test will give you a driver license. My husband took both of his the same day as a walk-in. It was in a small town. Hours and if appointments are needed depend on where you go. I'm sure the offices are open more than 3 hours a day.

The new super centers are open in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio now. They were built to speed up the process and handle lots of people. http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/driverlicense/getinlinebeforeyougo.htm

Is Garland convenient for you? Be sure and read all the required documents to take.

[Owen_London 65]

I went through this process a few months ago. I'm not sure if you have all the answers you need yet, but the details are here, and on linked pages: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/ApplyforLicense.htm

Bear in mind that while being over 18 makes the process very different, at age 24 there is another cut-off. Age 18 to 24, you have to complete a 6-hour driver education course, either online or at a driving school, assuming one near you offers that. I did this anyway, despite being 37 at the time, since it is an alternative to doing the written test at a test centre. I think I'd probably have passed with no revision at all, though, as enough of the questions are obvious.

To add to Nich-Nick's comments: if you're in one of the big cities, waiting times at the DPS office can be very long, and the waiting time to take a driving test, when booked online can be very long, being about 40 to 50 days in Houston right now. For appointments, consider either driving to an office outside the city for a shorter queue, or making an online booking at one of the megacenters, so that you can just turn up when your appointment is due to happen. For driving tests, either drive out of the city again, or turn up in person and try to get a test that day. I don't know how long you have to wait, though.

Oh, and the Texas test is a piece of cake compared to the UK. The only tricky bit is parallel parking. The other things they test are: reversing (in a straight line, about 5 yards), stopping at stop signs, using indicators, lane discipline, and obeying school zones. The whole test takes less than ten minutes.

One last thing: make sure you have your passport and I-94 and possibly also other immigration documents each time you come in. When I came to do my driving test, I assumed that because they had already issued me with a learner's permit, that I could use that for ID, but they insisted on seeing my passport again. Very odd.