Learner's Permit
You must have a valid Texas learner's permit before we can start driving lessons. If you don't yet have one, you can easily obtain one by taking an online course.
Schedule Your DPS Appointment
But the very first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with DPS to submit your documents, have you picture taken, and get your permit issued, because the wait time for this appointment can be 3-4 months! You can schedule your appointment here.
After scheduling your DPS appointment, you can complete the required classroom instruction through an online course (see Teen Learner's Permit below).
Note: If you want to move things along faster, there is a way you should be able to book a same-day appointment with DPS. See these instructions.
Adult Learner's Permit
If you are 18 or older, it's extremely simple. You just need to take a 6-hour Texas adult driver's ed course such as this one (choose "Texas Adult Drivers Ed"). At the end of the course you will take your permit test (as the last part of the course) and print your ADE-1317 completion certificate which you can then take with you to the DPS along with the documents listed here to get your learner's permit (and it's always a good idea to bring even more proof of residency and proof of identity documents than they require, in case they don't accept one or more of them for whatever reason). They will be testing your vision, so make sure to have your eyeglasses or contacts if you need them for distance vision. There will be a $33 charge to get your permit.
Teen Learner's Permit
If you are under 18, things are just a bit more complicated, and I am happy to help walk you through the process. The first thing you need to do is sign up for Parent Taught Driver's Education (PTDE) through the state of Texas here. Your primary instructor will need to be your parent, guardian, or other designated adult (but I can do lessons with you before they ever get in the car with you behind the wheel!). Once you have your "receipt number," you can sign up for a 32-hour online Texas parent-taught driver's ed course such as this one (choose "Texas Parent Taught Drivers Ed").
After the first six hours of instruction (which you must complete in no fewer than three days), you will take your permit test online and print your PT DE-964 certificate marked "DPS Copy" and "For Learner License Only" (this is proof you have completed the first six hours of the 32-hour course).
You will need to bring the following items to DPS for them to issue your learner's permit:
PT DE-964 certificate (marked "DPS Copy" and "For Learner License Only")
PTDE Program Guide Receipt Page (the first page of your program guide from TDLR)
Classroom instruction log from your online course showing you have completed the first 6 hours
Proof of identity, social security number and residency documents listed here (and it's always a good idea to bring even more proof of identity and proof of residency documents than they require, in case they don't accept one or more of them for whatever reason).
A signed Verification of School Enrollment (VOE) form from your school attendance office, or a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED).
Eyeglasses or contacts, if you need them for distance vision, as you will be required to pass a vision exam
Parent or legal guardian with you to sign forms
A completed application for Texas Driver's License. If you are younger than 17 years 10 months, use this form; if you are older than 17 years 10 months, use this form. (You can also fill this out after you arrive at the DPS if you prefer. They will provide you with the correct form.)
$16 application fee
Take a look at this DPS document for further details and items that may be needed. Also see the checklist from your online course provider to be extra sure you have everything covered!