Texas teen permit rules

For a teen learner license, finish the initial six classroom hours in the concurrent route or all 24 classroom hours in the block route, and pass the knowledge exam during the course or at DPS. Provide the application, identity, residency, citizenship or lawful-presence evidence, Social Security information, education certificate and school evidence; arrange parental authorization, pay the fee and pass vision screening. The handbook accepts a diploma or equivalent, enrollment with at least 80 school days in the previous fall or spring semester, or current enrollment after at least 45 days in an equivalency-exam preparation program. Its VOE timing is 30 days during the school year or 90 days during summer. The linked DPS page and VOE form give different attendance and summer-validity rules; those differences remain unresolved.

Teen applicants ages 15–17 need a classroom-completion certificate for the six-hour concurrent or 24-hour block education route, and proof of passing the knowledge exam; otherwise take that exam at DPS. Provide a diploma, GED or school VOE. A VOE requires 90% attendance in the prior semester and a school signature; it lasts 30 days, or 90 days when issued June–August. If a VOE is unavailable, summer applicants who remain enrolled may use their last report card showing their name, attendance and grades; another option is proof of 45 days of active enrollment in an equivalency-exam preparation program. Bring a parent or guardian, a notarized application they signed, or evidence allowing parental authorization to be waived, such as emancipation. Supply the required application, citizenship or lawful-presence, residency, identity and Social Security information; pay the fee and pass the vision exam.

For school applicants without a diploma or equivalent, the VOE form allows current enrollment plus 90% attendance in each class, credit in every previous-semester course, or compliance with a school-approved VOE plan. GED applicants need current enrollment for at least 45 calendar days and the program’s attendance requirement; an institution of higher education can certify its enrollment and attendance conditions. During a school year the form expires after 30 days; a form issued within that school year’s last five days lasts until the next school year begins.