By the ChowChow Labs editorial team · Updated November 7, 2026 · How we check our content
Short answer: Under 18, you start with a learner license at 15 or older, hold it at least six months, then move to a provisional license at 16 or older. Provisional drivers face limits on young passengers and late-night driving, and no one under 18 may use a phone while driving except in an emergency.
Learner license
- Available from age 15, after the classroom part of driver education and the vision and knowledge exams.
- A licensed driver who is 21 or older, with at least a year of experience, must sit beside you. They must be alert, sober and able to respond.
Provisional license
- Available from age 16, after driver education, the driving exam and six months with a learner or hardship license.
- Passengers: only one person under 21 who is not family.
- Late nights: no driving from midnight to 5 a.m. unless it is needed for work, a school activity or a medical emergency.
Phones
Drivers under 18 may not use a wireless device while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency. Texting while driving is generally banned for all ages.
Alcohol
Under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol can lead to penalties. At 21 and over, 0.08 is the legal limit, but a driver who has lost normal mental or physical abilities can be charged below it. Only time clears alcohol. Coffee and cold showers do not.
Seat belts
Everyone in a seat with a belt must wear it, front or back. A child under 8 needs an approved car seat unless taller than 4 feet 9 inches.
Checked against the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7, revised January 2026). Laws change, so check Texas DPS for the current rules before you rely on a number. Sources: Texas Driver Handbook, Chapters 1, 10 and 14.
Check yourself
Try these 8 questions from our free mock exams, then tap Show answer. For more, take the rules of the road practice test.
Question 1 · Teen License Rules
A Texas learner-license holder plans to practice driving. Who generally must accompany the learner in the front passenger seat?
- A. A qualified licensed driver at least 21 years old
- B. Any licensed driver at least 16 years old
- C. Nobody if the trip is short
- D. Any friend with a learner license
Show answer
Answer: A. A qualified licensed driver at least 21 years old
Learner driving requires qualified supervision by a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat, subject to the license restrictions.
Question 2 · Teen License Rules
For the usual teen learner-license route, how old must you be to get a Texas learner license?
- A. 18 years old
- B. 13 years old
- C. 14 years old without exception
- D. 15 years old
Show answer
Answer: D. 15 years old
The usual learner-license route starts at age 15 and requires meeting the education and other eligibility requirements. Special hardship provisions are a separate route.
Question 3 · Teen License Rules
A provisional-license driver under 18 wants to take two unrelated friends under 21. No exception applies. Is this allowed?
- A. Yes, whenever it is daylight
- B. Yes, if everyone wears a belt
- C. Yes, if the trip is less than a mile
- D. No, a provisional driver may carry only one non-relative under 21
Show answer
Answer: D. No, a provisional driver may carry only one non-relative under 21
Texas provisional restrictions limit passengers under 21 who are not family members to one. Seat belts do not remove the restriction.
Question 4 · Teen License Rules
A provisional-license driver under 18 wants a social drive at 1 a.m. No work, school, or medical exception applies. What is correct?
- A. The restriction applies only without passengers
- B. The midnight-to-5-a.m. restriction prevents that trip
- C. The trip is allowed because roads are quiet
- D. The restriction ends at midnight
Show answer
Answer: B. The midnight-to-5-a.m. restriction prevents that trip
Provisional drivers under 18 may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a stated exception applies.
Question 5 · Teen License Rules
A driver under 18 wants to make a hands-free social call while driving. No emergency exists. What is correct?
- A. The under-18 restriction also covers hands-free wireless use
- B. Calls are permitted below 30 mph
- C. Hands-free use is always permitted to minors
- D. Only texting is restricted for minors
Show answer
Answer: A. The under-18 restriction also covers hands-free wireless use
Texas restricts wireless communication device use by drivers under 18, including hands-free use, except emergencies.
Question 6 · Alcohol, Drugs & Distractions
A 19-year-old driver has a detectable amount of alcohol but is below 0.08 BAC. Which statement is correct?
- A. Texas zero-tolerance rules can still apply
- B. Driving is always lawful below 0.08
- C. Zero tolerance applies only to drivers under 16
- D. Alcohol rules do not apply to a learner license
Show answer
Answer: A. Texas zero-tolerance rules can still apply
A driver under 21 can violate Texas alcohol-driving rules with any detectable amount. The adult per se threshold is not permission for a minor to drink and drive.
Question 7 · Crashes, Insurance & Safety Belts
An adult passenger rides in the rear seat of a passenger car equipped with belts. What is required?
- A. Belts are required only in front
- B. Belts are optional on short trips
- C. The passenger must wear the safety belt
- D. Belts are unnecessary below 40 mph
Show answer
Answer: C. The passenger must wear the safety belt
Texas safety belt requirements cover passengers in seats equipped with safety belts, including rear seats.
Question 8 · Crashes, Insurance & Safety Belts
A 7-year-old child is 4 feet 6 inches tall. What restraint is required?
- A. A properly fitted, approved child car seat
- B. A seat belt only because the child is over 6
- C. An adult lap belt alone in every case
- D. No restraint in the rear seat
Show answer
Answer: A. A properly fitted, approved child car seat
A child younger than 8 must use an appropriate child passenger safety seat unless taller than 4 feet 9 inches. Follow the system's instructions.
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