For families in Sugar Land and Richmond, Texas, helping a teenager obtain a driver’s license can feel confusing and overwhelming. The Texas teen driver licensing process includes age requirements, state-mandated education, supervised driving hours, and a formal DPS road test administered by the authorized driving schools such as My First Drive Driving School that serves both Sugar Land and Richmond communities.
Understanding each step ahead of time helps parents and teens stay organized, reduce stress, and improve the likelihood of passing the DPS road test on the first attempt.
Step 1: Getting a Texas Learner’s Permit
Texas teens may apply for a learner’s permit at age 15. To qualify, students must begin a state-approved Texas teen driver education course and complete at least the first six (6) hours of classroom instruction.
Learner’s Permit Requirements:
Enroll in a 32-hour Texas Driver Education course
Pass the knowledge exam included in the course
Visit a Texas DPS office with required documents, including:
Driver Education Learner’s License Certificate
Birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card
Social Security card
Two proofs of Texas residency
Verification of Enrollment (VoE) from school (or report card during summer)
Note: With a learner’s permit, teens may only drive while accompanied by a licensed adult age 21 or older seated in the front passenger seat.
Step 2: Completing Behind-the-Wheel Requirements
Texas requires teens under 18 to complete 37 total hours of behind-the-wheel training as part of the Texas Driver Education Instructor-Led Program.
Behind-the-Wheel Training Requirements:
At least 14 hours with a licensed driving school
7 hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction
7 hours of in-car observation
30 hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian or driving school
At least 10 hours must be nighttime driving
Note: Families may choose to have a driving school provide any combination of instruction between the required minimum and the full 37 hours.
Step 3: Taking the Texas DPS Road Test
Last step in obtaining a teen provisional license is taking the DPS road test. Teens must meet certain requirements before they are eligible to take the road test
Before scheduling the DPS road test, teens must:
Hold a learner’s permit for at least six months
Be at least 16 years old
Complete the full 32 hours of Texas Driver Education
Complete the free 2-hour Texas IMPACT Driver Education course
The road test evaluates various essential skills required for daily driving. Student practice areas should include positioning, intersections, lane changes, turning, stopping, parking, and speed control among other essential driving skills.
Common Reasons Teens Fail the Road Test
Rolling stops at stop signs
Failure to check mirrors or blind spots
Hesitation at intersections
Poor lane positioning
Parking
Inconsistent speed control
How Parents Can Help Their Teen Succeed
Parents can support success through consistent practice, calm coaching, and reinforcing defensive driving habits. Many families choose local instruction through My First Drive Driving School (https://myfirstdrive.net), including their Sugar Land driving school and teen driving school programs.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the Texas teen driver licensing process helps families in Sugar Land and Richmond prepare confidently and support teens toward safe, independent driving.