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State Laws and Policies

New Texas Laws Impacting Driver License and Driver Education

Teen Drivers Education requirements effective May 1, 2010

32 hours of classroom

7 hours behind the wheel with a licensed instructor

7 hours observation with a licensed instructor

30 hours behind the wheel with an adult 21 years or older. This is in effect for students who begin Drivers Education after September 1, 2013.

Beginning March 1, 2010, all Teens must take the DPS road test to obtain a Drivers License after they have completed their Driver’s Education course and they’re 6 month waiting period is complete. Applies to all teens applying for a Driver License on or after September 1, 2009, regardless of when they took drivers education.

Beginning March 1, 2010, all Teens who enroll with Driving School of North Texas will take the written and eye exam at the school but must visit DPS to have their photo and fingerprints taken to complete the permit process.

Effective September 1, 2009, all occupants, front and back seat, must wear seatbelts.

The cost of a Learners Permit will be $16.00 effective March 1, 2010.

The permit will expire on the student’s 18th birthday.

The cost of a Provisional DL will be $16.00 effective March 1, 2010.

The Drivers License will expire on the student’s 18th birthday.

New Graduated Driver License restrictions effective September 1, 2009, to teens under the age of 18:

No cell phone use of any kind (dialing, talking, texting)

A licensed teen may not have more than one passenger in the car under the age of 21 who is not a family member.

No driving after midnight or before 5:00 am unless it is necessary for work, school or a medical emergency

Effective March 1, 2010 adults between the ages of 18 and 25 applying for a Drivers.

The license must complete an approved 6 hours driver education course and take a road test.

When can I Drive?

Graduated Driver’s License

The Texas Graduated Driver License (GDL) was implemented as a result of Senate Bill 577. This law changed original licensing requirements for persons under the age of 18. GDL creates two phases of driving requirements for minors. The effective date of this change in the law is January 1, 2002. Basic requirements for obtaining a license have not changed.