Getting a learner’s permit is an exciting step towards driving independence for your son. This guide outlines the requirements and process in Texas for obtaining a learner’s permit, often referred to as a learner license.
Understanding the Texas Learner License
A learner’s permit, or learner license in Texas, allows supervised driving practice for teens. It’s valid until your son’s 18th birthday and requires at least six months of holding the permit before he can apply for a provisional driver’s license. Key restrictions include:
- Supervision: A licensed adult, 21 years or older, must be in the front passenger seat at all times while your son is driving.
- Cell Phone Use: No cell phone use is permitted, even with hands-free devices, except in emergencies.
- Suspension Impact: Any suspension of the learner license extends the required six-month holding period by the number of suspension days.
Learner’s Permit Eligibility in Texas
Your son can take the written driver’s license exam and apply for a learner’s permit when he meets these criteria:
- Age: At least 15 years old.
- Driver’s Education: Completion of state-approved driver’s education:
- 32 hours for the block method.
- 6 hours for the concurrent method.
- Certificate of Completion: Received the DE-964 certificate from the driver’s education provider.
- Verification of Enrollment: If under 18 and without a high school diploma or equivalent, he’ll need a Verification of Enrollment form.
Required Documents for the Learner’s Permit Application
You, as the parent instructor on record, must accompany your son to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Office. Schedule an appointment online beforehand to streamline the process. Bring the following documents:
- Completed Application: Download and complete the driver license application (DL-14b) in advance.
- U.S. Citizenship/Lawful Presence: Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence if not a U.S. citizen.
- Texas Residency: Proof of Texas residency.
- Identity Verification: Documents proving your son’s identity (e.g., birth certificate).
- Social Security Number: Proof of Social Security Number.
- Vehicle Registration: Proof of Texas vehicle registration.
- Vehicle Insurance: Proof of vehicle insurance or a signed statement if no vehicle is owned.
- Driver’s Education Certificate: The DE-964 certificate showing completion of classroom instruction. If the written exam wasn’t taken during driver’s education, it will be administered at the DPS office.
- Verification of Enrollment/Diploma: A Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form (valid for 30 days, 90 days in June-August), or a high school diploma/GED. Ensure the VOE form is signed by a school official.
- Parent-Taught Instructor Designation: Receipt confirming your designation as the parent-taught instructor.
- Application Fee: Payment for the learner’s permit application fee.
Next Steps After the Learner’s Permit
Once your son receives his learner’s permit, he can begin practicing driving under your supervision. Remember, consistent practice and adherence to the restrictions are crucial for developing safe driving habits. After six months with the permit, he can then apply for a provisional driver’s license.
