How To Apply For Texas Drivers License As A Teen - Phase 2

If you are a teen driver in Texas, then you know there are two phases when it comes to getting your driver's license. We covered Phase 1 in a previous post. Now it's time to look at Phase 2 of the Graduated Driver License Program (GDL Program) and what that means for you!

Phase II – Provisional Driver License

To obtain a provisional driver license, the Texas DPS requires you to have held your valid learner license for at least six months, unless you have reached 18 years of age. You must be between 16 and 17 years of age and have completed the behind-the-wheel portion of driver's education, which includes:

• 7 hours of in-car observation sitting beside the instructor, watching the instructor demonstrate certain points of instruction.
• 7 hours of in-car observation driving and demonstrating to the instructor that you have learned the points of instruction.
• 30 hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice, 10 of which must be at night, with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older in the vehicle at all times.

In addition, you must also have completed the Impact Texas Teen Driver Program within the previous 90 days of taking your skills test and you must successfully pass your driving test.

Restrictions and Rules

As with any driver's license or permit, there are certain restrictions and rules teen drivers must follow in Texas after obtaining a provisional driver license:

• You may not drive a motor vehicle with more than one passenger in the vehicle under 21 who is not a family member.
• You may not drive a motor vehicle between midnight and 5:00 a.m., unless the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the drive to work, to attend or participate in a school-related activity, or due to a medical emergency.
• You are restricted from using a wireless communications device, including a hands-free device, except in the case of an emergency.

The provisional driver license will expire when you turn 18. Within 30 days of it expiring, you will need to visit your local driver license office to renew it. At that point, you will be issued a driver license for individuals 18-20 years of age.

Applying for your Provisional Driver License

When all the requirements have been met, it is time to apply for a provisional driver license. You will first need to complete the driver license application before arriving for your appointment (This form is also available at all driver license offices). You will also bring a parent or legal guardian or bring the notarized application signed by the parent or guardian and visit your local driver license office.

Once you have arrived at your appointment, you will need to provide the following documentation to the License and Permit Specialist:

• Application for the issuance of a driver license.
• Evidence of lawful presence, if you are not a U.S. Citizen
• Proof of Identity
• Texas Driver Education Certificate of Completion (DE-964 or DE-964E)
• Evidence of successfully passing the driving test (if you took the driving test at a driver training school, the results must be provided by the school in a sealed envelope and provided to DPS at the time you are applying for your license)
• Impact Texas Driver Program Certificate of Completion
• Provide your signature.
• Provide your thumbprints.
• Have your picture taken.
• Pay the application fee.
• Pass Vision Exam.
• Provide proof of Vehicle Insurance (if you will be taking the driving skills test)

If you are taking the driving test at a local driver license office, you will be required to schedule online and present proof of current registration and insurance for the vehicle you will be testing in at the time of the driving test.

All Set!

If you pass everything and meet all the requirements, you will be issued a provisional driver license and will receive a temporary one at that time. Before leaving the office, make sure all of the information on the temporary driver license is accurate. If anything is incorrect, let the License and Permit Specialist know. Your new driver license will arrive in the mail in about 2 - 3 weeks.

You are eligible to renew your driver license up to 30 days prior to the expiration date, which will occur on your 18th birthday. You may renew online and the cost is the same as renewing at a driver license office. If you choose to renew in person before you turn 18, you will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If you renew in person after your 18th birthday, you will no longer need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; however, you must make alternate transportation arrangements to visit your local driver license office, as it is a violation of state law to operate a motor vehicle with an expired driver license.

There is definitely a lot on the Phase 2 list also! As always, if you have any questions that Coastline can help you with, please reach out to our friendly support staff.