Earning a driver’s license is a monumental milestone in any teen’s life. An exciting step towards gaining more independence and freedom, it also comes with a high level of risk and entails great responsibility. To help teens navigate these risks with confidence, young drivers across the U.S. must earn their licenses through a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.
Knowing the requirements for each licensing stage makes this sometimes confusing process quicker and easier, allowing teens to focus their energy on learning behind the wheel. In Texas, the GDL program works in two parts: the first phase is the Learner Permit, and the second is the Provisional License.
“The key to making our roads safer for all is ensuring that every single individual has both the knowledge and the confidence to navigate them with a safety-first mindset,” says Nigel Tunnacliffe, Co-Founder and CEO of Coastline Academy, the largest driving school in the country and the 6th fastest-growing education company in America according to Inc.com. “The licensing program in Texas is designed to ensure that every student attains a blend of classroom knowledge and practical experience before graduating to a full license. Understanding the requirements prior to enrolling in lessons can help teens focus on the content of their courses and get the most out of the experience.”
Learner’s License
In Texas, the process of getting a license can start as early as 14 years old. However, it is important to note that the specific requirements change based on the age at which you start. For example, drivers who begin at age 14 will experience different standards and a different timeline than those who begin after their 18th birthday. Those above 18 will be required to take a special adult driver’s ed course. Regardless of age, individuals should always check with their local DMV to be clear on the requirements before enrolling.
All drivers under 18 must complete a licensed driver education course before getting behind the wheel. This can take the form of traditional or online driving school, parent-taught driver education (with the correct credentials), or courses offered through a public school. The classroom phase of driver’s education courses can be started at 14 years of age, but students cannot apply for their learner’s license until they have turned 15. Once eligible to apply, students must provide relevant identity documentation, as well as a Texas Driver Education Certificate showing classroom completion and a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE form) issued by a school, or a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
The learner’s license allows teens to practice driving with a licensed adult. The adult must be at least 21 years of age, possess their full license, and accompany the teen in the front seat. Drivers must hold this license for at least 6 months, or until they turn 18, before moving on to the next stage. If the learner’s license is suspended for any reason, the sixth-month period will be increased by the number of days of the suspension.
Provisional License
To graduate to the second licensing stage, teens must be at least 16 years of age. This means that a 15-year-old must wait until their birthday to apply for a provisional license, even if they have held their learner’s license for more than 6 months. They must also complete the behind-the-wheel portion of their driver’s education and successfully pass their driving test. In Texas, teens must also complete the Impact Texas Teen Driver Program within the 90 days prior to the test. Teens can complete the driving test requirements through your local driver’s license office or an authorized Driver Education school and must provide evidence of successfully passing the driving test when applying for their provisional application.
After meeting these requirements, teens are ready to apply for their provisional license. They will first need to schedule an appointment at a driver license office and complete a driver license application prior to their visit. They must bring any additional required documentation, as well as parent or legal guardian (or their signature on a notarized application), when attending the appointment.
The provisional license expands the holder’s driving privileges—for example, they are now allowed to drive without adult supervision. However, the provisional license also comes with certain major restrictions. First, teens may not drive a vehicle with more than one passenger in the vehicle under 21 who is not a family member. Second, they are restricted from driving between midnight and 5 AM unless driving is necessary for work, school, or in cases of medical emergency. Third, holders are prohibited from using wireless communications devices—even hands-free devices—except in the case of an emergency.
This license automatically expires when the driver turns 18. The license can be renewed online or at a local driver’s license office within 30 days of its expiration. At this point, drivers will be issued a license for individuals under 21 years of age. The full license is granted once the driver renews their license for the first time after having turned 21.
At whatever point teens choose to embark on the path to getting their license, it is important for them to have a good understanding of the process before they begin. While teen drivers have many hurdles to jump through, this allows them to come into the experience with sufficient preparation and helps with developing a safety-first mindset.
“Driving is truly a lifelong journey,” says Tunnacliffe. “Education begins before the student ever gets behind the wheel and continues on long after they’ve received their full license. While getting their license is an important milestone for teens, it’s important for them to understand that it is just one stage in an ongoing process of developing and improving.” The process of getting a driver’s license is a formative point in the lifelong process of learning to be a responsible driver, and, as such, should be approached with care and intention. The earlier teens are able to begin developing their knowledge and skills, the more prepared and confident they will be down the road.
