Lesson Objectives

In this lesson we will cover:

• The process, responsibility, and obligation of obtaining and renewing a Texas driver license and/or instruction permit
• Types of Driver Licenses, restrictions, endorsements and special information
• Suspensions and revocations placed on driving privileges
• Guidelines and procedures to inspect and register a motor vehicle in Texas
• The benefits and obligations of the Safety Responsibility Act

Your License to Drive — Responsibilities

Driving is a privilege that comes with a great deal of responsibilities, obligations, and challenges.

A teen wanting to apply for a Texas Driver License must complete all state-mandated classroom and in-car instruction driver education course requirements to qualify to test and apply for a driver's license.

Vehicle Registration

Before operating a motor vehicle in Texas, it must be registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), which manages and oversees all vehicle registration for the State of Texas.

If your expiration date is approaching, you can renew your registration online up to 90 days in advance.

Two Steps, One Sticker

In 2013, the State of Texas transitioned to a "Two Steps, One Sticker" vehicle inspection and registration program. Your registration sticker serves as combined proof of registration and inspection.

If you live in specific Texas counties, your vehicle must pass an emissions inspection no earlier than 90 days before your registration expires.

Three State Agencies Behind the Program

TxDMV

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles — administers vehicle registration

DPS

Texas Dept. of Public Safety — regulates vehicle inspection stations

TCEQ

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality — administers emissions testing

Financial Responsibility & SR-22

Novice drivers must maintain appropriate motor-vehicle insurance as required by the Safety Responsibility Act, which requires that all drivers be financially responsible for any property damage, injuries, or deaths they may cause while operating a motor vehicle on public roads.

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 is a Certificate of Financial Responsibility required after a serious driving offense — such as a DWI conviction or being "at fault" for a serious accident. It is typically required for drivers considered "high-risk" by their state or a court.

Why You Might Need an SR-22

• DUI or DWI convictions
• Driving without insurance
• Driving with an invalid or expired license
• Serious or multiple traffic violations in a short period
• An "at-fault" accident without insurance
• License suspension or revocation

Who Can Drive a Motor Vehicle in Texas?

In Texas, a person may drive a motor vehicle if they meet specific state requirements and criteria. Permitted drivers include:

Texas residents with a valid Texas driver's license.

Military personnel driving an official U.S. or state military vehicle (non-commercial).

Farm equipment operators — any person driving a road machine, farm tractor, or vehicle temporarily moved on a highway (non-commercial).

Nonresidents age 16+ with a valid home-state license for vehicles operable with a Class C or M Texas license.

Nonresidents age 18+ may drive any vehicle if legally licensed in their home state/country and their home jurisdiction grants reciprocity to Texas citizens.

Active-duty U.S. armed forces nonresidents with a valid home-state license, including their spouse or dependent child with a valid home-state license.

Active-duty personnel with a foreign country license issued by the U.S. armed forces — valid for up to 90 days from their return to the U.S.

New residents who are properly licensed have 90 days after entry into Texas to secure a Texas driver license.

Driver License Eligibility

The Texas DPS requires that a driver license applicant be at least 16 years of age and have successfully completed a state-approved driver education course to test and apply for a driver license.

The Texas DPS may allow a person that is 15+ to test and apply for a Hardship License, which offers restricted driving privileges, with the DL-77 form and proof of hardship.

Grounds for Denial

The DPS may deny a license to a person who:

• Is under age 18 and does not comply with Section 521.204 of the Transportation Code
• Is shown to be addicted to the use of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug that renders them incapable of driving
• Holds a Texas or out-of-state driver license that is revoked, cancelled, or under suspension
• Has been determined by a court judgment to be totally incapacitated or incapacitated to act as an operator of a motor vehicle

Types of Texas Driver Licenses

Texas Learner License (Permit)

A Texas Learner License is vertical and allows a teen who is at least 15 years of age to receive supervised in-car instruction. Requirements:

• Must be at least 15 years of age and enrolled in public, private, or home school
• Must be currently enrolled in a state-approved driver education course
• Must have met minimum driver education course requirements to test

A valid Learner License allows a student-driver to legally practice driving when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age with at least one year of driving experience.

A learner license must be renewed upon expiration or at the time the driving test is passed and restrictions are removed. The current application fee is $16.00.

Provisional Driver License

A Provisional Driver License is a restricted license issued to teens ages 16–17, as part of Texas's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program.

"Under 21" Driver License

An "Under 21" Driver License is an unrestricted license issued to teens that are 18 years of age but not yet 21. This license expires when the holder turns 21.

A driver license expires on the holder's 18th birthday. Non-commercial driver licenses issued to persons 18 or older are valid for six years. Anyone under 21 will have "UNDER 21" printed on their license.

Required Documents for First-Time Applicants

If you are under 18 and applying for your first Texas learner license, you must provide:

• Driver education course certificate of completion
• School Verification of Enrollment (VOE) or High School Diploma/equivalent
• Social Security Card and Photo ID (School ID or Passport)
• Proof of Vehicle Insurance
• Proof of Texas Residency (2 utility bills)

Verification of Enrollment (VOE)

The VOE is required by DPS and must be completed by your school's administrative office, verifying that you meet specific attendance requirements.

Types of Identification

There are many types of identification recognized by the Texas DPS. Here's a breakdown:

Primary Identification

• Texas driver license within two years of expiration
• Texas ID card with photo within two years of expiration
• Unexpired United States Passport
• U.S. Citizenship Certificate or Certificate of Naturalization with identifiable photo
• Unexpired DHS or U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services document — valid at least 1 year and no less than 6 months from date presented
• Foreign Passport with a visa
• Unexpired U.S. military ID card with identifiable photo (active duty, reserve, or retired)

Secondary Identification

• Original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by the appropriate State Bureau of Vital Statistics
• Original or certified copy of a court order with name and date of birth indicating an official name change

Supporting Methods of Identification

• School Records
• Valid Insurance Policy
• Vehicle Title
• Military Records (Form DD 214) or Military Dependent ID Card
• Original or Certified Copy of Divorce Decree or Marriage License
• Voter Registration Card, Pilot's License, Social Security Card, or Concealed Handgun License
• Temporary Receipt for TX Driver License or ID Card
• Unexpired photo DL or ID issued by a U.S. state, territory, D.C., or Canadian province
• Expired DL or ID within two years of expiration from another U.S. state/territory
• Consular document issued by a state/national government
• Texas Inmate ID card issued by TDCJ

Minor Restricted Driver License (MRDL) — Hardship License

A Minor Restricted Driver License (MRDL), also known as a "Hardship" License, allows minors who are at least 15 years of age to drive alone without an adult.

This license is granted to minors who have established a necessity for driving — such as being the head of a household and needing to drive to work or school.

An application for a MRDL must be initiated 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 make the application. If none exists, an employer or county judge may apply on behalf of the minor.

Requirements for MRDL Applicant

• Must be at least 15 but not older than 18
• Must complete and pass a driver education course, vision test, knowledge test & driving test
• Must meet all MRDL requirements

DPS will issue a MRDL if it determines the license is necessary due to:

• Illness of a family member
• Minor applicant enrolled in a vocational education program requiring the license
• Failure to issue the MRDL would result in unusual economic hardship for the family

Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program

The Texas Graduated Driver License (GDL) program was implemented January 1, 2002. It is comprised of two phases, designed to give new drivers the chance to improve their driving skills over time in lower-risk environments.

Phase One — Learner License

Applicants under 18 must hold a learner license for a minimum of six months prior to the issuance of a provisional Class A, B, or C driver license.

• There is no minimum time a person must hold a restricted motorcycle or moped license before applying for a Class M license
• Phase One does not apply to Class M or MRDL holders
• The learner license must remain valid during the mandatory six-month period

A new Texas resident with a valid out-of-state learner license must surrender it and apply for a Texas Learner License.

Phase Two — Provisional License Restrictions

Phase Two restricts the driving privileges of individuals who are under 18 years of age.

Out-of-state learner license holders who are 16+, with proof of completing an approved driver education in another state (or a TX Behind-the-Wheel course), may apply for a Texas Provisional License.

Any license issued to a person under 18 (other than a learner license) will have "PROVISIONAL" printed on it and expire on the individual's 18th birthday.

Classified Driver Licenses

Class A, B, C, and M driver licenses are issued to persons who are exempt from — or not required to obtain — a Commercial Driver License (CDL). A classified driver license allows operation of:

• Fire or emergency vehicles operated by a political subdivision employee or volunteer firefighter
• Military vehicles operated for military purposes by active duty, reserve, or National Guard personnel
• Recreational vehicles driven for personal use
• Air carrier vehicles on airport premises or restricted service roads
• Vehicles used exclusively to transport seed cotton modules or cotton burrs
• Farm vehicles transporting agricultural products, machinery, or supplies to/from a farm

Class A

• Any vehicle or combination of vehicles in Class B or C
• GCWR of 26,001+ lbs with towed vehicle GVWR over 10,000 lbs
• Does NOT permit motorcycle or moped
• Minimum age: 18

Class B

• Any Class C vehicle (not motorcycle/moped)
• Single vehicle not exceeding 10,000 lbs
• Farm trailer GVWR up to 20,000 lbs
• Bus seating 24+ passengers
• Minimum age: 18

Class C

• Single vehicle GVWR under 26,001 lbs
• Towing a trailer ≤10,000 lbs or farm trailer ≤20,000 lbs
• Does NOT permit motorcycle or moped
• Minimum age: 16

Class M

• Motorcycle or moped
• Minimum age: 16 (moped: 15)
• Must complete 16-hr DPS-approved motorcycle training course
• Under 18 must also hold a valid Class C license

Moped & Motor-Driven Cycle (250cc or Less)

To ride a moped or motor-driven cycle of 250cc or less, a person must be at least 15 years of age, hold a valid restricted Class M license, and have completed the classroom phase of a state-approved driver education course plus a 16-hour DPS-approved motorcycle operator training course.

Commercial Driver License (CDL)

CDL holders may drive all vehicles in the class for which their license is issued — including their personal vehicle — with the exception of motorcycles and mopeds.

Any vehicle requiring an endorsement (school bus, hazardous material, etc.) may not be driven unless the proper endorsement appears on the CDL.

CDL Classes

Class A CDL

GCWR of 26,001+ lbs

• Interstate: min age 21
• Intrastate: min age 18
• Expires after 5 years

Class B CDL

Single vehicle GVWR 26,001+ lbs or vehicle for 24+ passengers

• Interstate: min age 21
• Intrastate: min age 18
• Expires after 5 years

Class C CDL

Vehicle for 16–23 passengers or hazardous materials transport

• Interstate: min age 21
• Intrastate: min age 18
• Expires after 5 years

Texas Identification (ID) Card

The Texas DPS can issue an ID card with a photograph of the applicant and a distinguishing number maintained in the driver's record file.

Horizontal

For individuals 21 years of age and over

Vertical

For individuals under 21 — "Under 21" printed on card

Annotations on License or ID Card

Annotations may include:

• Medical and Emergency Information
• Allergic Reaction to Drugs Information
• Organ Donor Status

The reverse side is required to include the statement: "Directive to physician has been filed at telephone #" and "Emergency contact number."

Organ Donation

If you choose to be an organ donor, a small red heart with the word "donor" is printed on your license. You can register to be an organ, tissue, and eye donor online at DonateLifeTexas.org.