Ale Prado | July 24, 2024 | Texas Law
Many teens are excited to get a license because of the freedom it offers. However, driving is a privilege and a responsibility that young adolescents may not be ready for.
There’s no denying that new drivers suffer from a skills deficit related to their lack of knowledge and experience. This can lead to all kinds of issues that result in car accidents, starting with poor judgment.
One common cause of accidents among teen drivers is distracted driving (involving peers, cell phones, and other distractions). In the 15 to 20 age group, nearly 7% of accidents involve distraction. This may not sound like a lot, but it’s higher than any other age group. Other issues include speeding, lack of awareness, and driving under the influence.
This is why it’s so important for parents to spend time practicing driving with teens and helping them develop the knowledge, reflexes, and critical thinking skills needed to safely operate a moving vehicle. Of course, there are legal safeguards, as well. What is the legal driving age in Texas, and what do teens need to do to get a license?
Legal Driving Age in Texas
To become a licensed driver in Texas, you must be at least 18 years of age. However, teens can start driving much younger with a learner license. Students may begin taking driver education courses at the age of 14 and apply for a learner license between the ages of 15 and 17.
Teens who have held a learner license for at least six months can apply for a provisional driver’s license when they reach the age of 16. Both license types expire on the holder’s 18th birthday, requiring renewal 30 days before expiration to maintain a license and driving privileges.
Teens age 18 and over do not need to obtain a learner or provisional license; they can simply apply for a driver’s license.
How To Apply For Your First Driver’s License
There are several requirements to obtain a learner license. First, you must complete classroom driver education instruction and provide proof of completion (Texas Driver Education Certificate).
You must also provide proof of:
- U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
- Texas residency
- Identity
- SSN
- Verification of Enrollment or Attendance (VOE) form or high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Vehicle registration (or statement affirming you don’t own a vehicle)
- Car insurance
Once you have gathered the required documents, you can fill out your application and make an appointment at your local driver’s license office. Your parent or guardian must come with you, and during your appointment, you must provide a signature and thumbprint, take a vision test, have your photo taken, and pay the fee.
You will also have to pass the driver knowledge exam (as part of your driver’s education or at the driver’s license office) and the skills exam.
With a learner license, you may practice driving with a licensed adult aged 21 or older. You must hold this license for at least six months and turn 16 before you can apply for a provisional driver’s license.
The application process for a provisional license is almost identical to the learner license, except you must also provide proof that you have completed the behind-the-wheel portion of driver’s education, as well as the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) program. With this license, you have more freedom to drive on your own or with passengers under the age of 21.
Always Behave Responsibly Behind the Wheel
If you want to avoid common accidents like rear-end collisions that could cause license suspension and result in property damage, injury, or death, you must behave responsibly. This means following rules, maintaining awareness, driving defensively, and practicing with older drivers. With perseverance, you’ll soon obtain your adult driver’s license.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 300
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
109 York Ave Suite #201
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 409-7000
