Texas adult license guide
How to Get a Driver's License in Texas at 18 or Older
The adult process is shorter than the teen one — but the steps depend on your exact age. Here's the path for 18–24, and the simpler version for 25 and over.
Ages 18–24
The four steps for adults 18 to 24
Texas requires a short driver ed course for this age group. The whole process can be done in a few weeks.
1. Take the 6-hour adult driver ed course
Texas requires adults 18–24 to complete a state-approved 6-hour adult driver education course. It's a one-day course, available online or in person, and it covers Texas traffic law and safe driving basics.
2. Apply at DPS and pass the written test
Bring your course completion certificate (ADE-1317), proof of identity and residency to a DPS office. The written knowledge test is usually waived once you've completed the 6-hour course. You'll get a learner's permit (a B-restricted license) to practice with a licensed adult 21+.
3. Complete the 1-hour ITAD video
Impact Texas Adult Drivers is a free 1-hour video course from Texas DPS, required before your road test. It must be completed within 90 days of the test — don't take it too early.
4. Practice, then pass the DPS road test
There is no minimum practice-hour requirement for adults — but the road test is real, and most adults who haven't driven before benefit from professional lessons first. You can take the test in our insured, dual-brake vehicle with a warm-up lesson beforehand.
Ages 25+
The simpler path for drivers 25 and over
Once you turn 25, Texas drops most of the coursework. What's left:
- No driver ed course required — you can go straight to DPS
- Pass the written knowledge test at DPS (or take an optional course to waive it)
- Get your permit and practice with a licensed adult 21+
- No ITAD video required for 25+
- Pass the DPS road test whenever you're ready
Where we fit in
Lessons and road test packages for adults
Every lesson is one-on-one with a licensed instructor in a dual-brake car, with free pickup and drop-off within 15 miles.
First-time adult drivers
Start with a 5 or 10-hour package. Quiet streets first, highways when you're ready — at your pace, never rushed.
Almost test-ready
A 1 or 2-hour refresher on the actual test routes — parking, lane changes, and the maneuvers DPS examiners score.
Test day, handled
Use our insured, dual-brake vehicle for your DPS road test, with a warm-up lesson beforehand and pickup included.
Under 18? The rules are different — see our teen Texas license guide.
Common questions
Adult license FAQ
I've never driven at all. Where do I start?
Most first-time adult drivers start with a 5 or 10-hour package: we begin in quiet neighborhoods and build up to highways at your pace. One-on-one, always.
I have a license from another country. Do I need lessons?
You'll still need to pass the Texas written and road tests. A 1–2 hour refresher is usually enough to learn the local test routes and Texas-specific rules.
Can I use your car for the road test?
Yes — our DPS Road Test package includes our insured, registered vehicle for the exam, plus pickup and a warm-up so you're settled before the examiner gets in.
Drivers ed in Fort Worth, TX and across DFW
North Star Driving Academy is based in North Richland Hills and teaches adult drivers across Fort Worth, Keller, Hurst, Euless, Bedford and the rest of Tarrant County. Our certified instructors pick you up at home or school, so the behind-the-wheel part of your Texas license happens on the same Fort Worth roads you'll drive on test day.
Driving school in Fort Worth · North Richland Hills · Keller
Personal license planner
Get your Texas checklist and next steps
Tell us your age and where you are. We'll build your checklist and suggest the package that fits.
Ready to get your Texas license?
Call (469) 822-3401 or book online — we'll tell you exactly which steps apply to your age and situation.