Legal Driving Age in Texas (2025): Complete Licensing Guide
Each state enacts laws that govern when a person can obtain a driver’s license. Many states, including Texas, have adopted a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system for learner’s permits and driver’s licenses. These programs are designed to help teen drivers gain practical experience driving and develop safe driving skills so they are prepared to obtain a full driver’s license.
The Texas GDL system includes stages such as a learner license (permit), provisional license, and eventually a full, unrestricted driver’s license. These requirements are intended to promote safer driving habits and reduce the risk of accidents among teen drivers by gradually increasing their driving responsibilities.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through each stage of the licensing process in Texas as of 2025, including age requirements, eligibility criteria, necessary documentation, and restrictions at each level.
What Is a Graduated Driver Licensing Program?
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs have been shown to reduce the risk of accidents for teen drivers. Studies have indicated that GDL programs can reduce injury crashes by 19% and fatal crashes by 21% for 16-year-old drivers.
By restricting when a teen driver can operate a vehicle, the GDL programs reduce the risk of teen driving accidents. As the teen driver learns skills and gains experience, they “graduate” to another level that provides more driving privileges.
GDL programs use three stages for teen drivers. During the first stage, a teen driver receives their learner’s permit. They can drive only when an adult with a valid driver’s license is in the vehicle with them.
After meeting specific requirements, the teen driver can obtain an intermediate license, known as a restricted or provisional license. The intermediate license allows the teen to drive with specific restrictions. The final stage is a full driver’s license with no restrictions based on age.
What Is the Legal Driving Age in Texas?
Texas follows a GDL system to help teen drivers build skills and experience before earning full driving privileges. The first stage in this system is obtaining a Learner License (Instruction Permit).
To be eligible for a Learners License in Texas, a teen must:
- Be at least 15 years old,
- Complete an approved driver education course, and
- Provide proof of high school enrollment or graduation.
Learners Licenses are issued to individuals between 15 and 17 years of age. With this permit, a teen may operate a motor vehicle only while accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and seated in the front passenger seat.
Additional restrictions apply during this phase:
- The permit holder must hold the Learner License for a minimum of six months before becoming eligible for the next stage—a Provisional License.
- The teen must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Provisional License.
- Cell phone use while driving is prohibited, including hands-free devices, except in the case of an emergency.
This learner phase is designed to provide young drivers with a safe, supervised environment to practice their driving skills and prepare for greater independence behind the wheel.
Obtaining a Provisional Driver’s License in Texas
The second phase of the Texas GDL program is the Provisional License. Teen drivers between 16 and 17 years of age can apply for a Provisional License. They must have completed the behind-the-wheel portion of their driver education course and had their Learners License for at least six months. They must also pass a driving test and the Impact Texas Teen Driver Program.
The restrictions for a Provisional License include:
- Only one passenger in the vehicle can be under 21 years old who is not a family member
- All cell phone use is prohibited, including hands-free devices, except in emergencies
- Driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. is restricted unless the teenager is driving for work, school activities, or an emergency
When the teenager turns 18 years old, they graduate to an unrestricted driver’s license. Even though a regular driver’s license does not have the restrictions of a Provisional License, the driver must obey all traffic laws, including texting while driving laws. There is also a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving.
What Should I Do if My Teenager Is Involved in a Traffic Accident in Dallas, TX?
Parents should educate their teen drivers on what to do following a car accident.
Steps teen drivers should take after an accident include:
- Call 911 to report the accident and wait for police officers to arrive.
- If possible, call parents immediately to notify them of the accident.
- Tell the police officer what happened without admitting fault. Parents need to stress the importance of telling the truth without making assumptions about fault.
- Take pictures of the accident scene and use their cell phones to make a video.
- Ask eyewitnesses and bystanders to provide their names and contact details.
- Do not refuse medical treatment by emergency medical responders.
Teenagers need to understand that they should avoid discussing the accident and their injuries with friends. They should not post any information about the accident or their injuries online. It is best if they do not use social media while their personal injury case is pending.
Preparing Texas Teens for Safe, Responsible Driving
The Texas Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system offers a structured and proven approach to helping teens develop into safe, confident drivers. By gradually introducing young drivers to the responsibilities of the road—starting with supervised learning and moving toward full independence—the program significantly reduces the risks associated with teen driving.
Understanding the legal driving age and the various stages of licensure is essential for both teens and their parents. With the right preparation, ongoing education, and adherence to Texas traffic laws, young drivers can build strong habits that will keep them and others safe on the road for years to come.
Contact The Dallas Personal Injury Law Firm of Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, TX, contact us for more information, please contact the experienced Dallas personal injury lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers today. We offer free consultations.
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