Graduated Driver License Program

The Texas Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program was effective January 1, 2002, and created two phases of driving requirements for minors. 

Phase One
If you are under 18 years of age, you must:

  1. Hold a learner or hardship license for a minimum of six months.  
  2. Be accompanied by a person at least 21 years of age.  
  3. Maintain a valid learner license.  If a learner license is suspended or revoked, the remaining six-month period must be completed after the suspension has ended.
  4. Phase One does not apply to motorcycle (Class M) or hardship license holders.

With the completion of phase one, reaching the age of 16, and the completion of the classroom and driving portions of driver education, a minor is eligible to obtain a provisional license and "graduates" to phase two.

Phase Two
Phase two restricts the driving privileges of provisional license holders, and motorcycle/moped license holders (under 17 years of age), during the twelve-month period following the issuance of the license. The following restrictions apply:

  1. May not operate a motor vehicle with more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not a family member,
  2. May not operate a motor vehicle, or a motorcycle/moped unless in sight of the person’s parent/guardian, between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the operator to attend or participate in employment or a school-related activity or because of a medical emergency,
  3. May not operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communication device, except in case of an emergency. 
  4. The license restriction will state, "TRC 545.424 applies until MM/DD/YY" and will indicate the date phase two expires.

Upon completion of phase two, the restrictions no longer apply. This restriction will be removed at the next renewal after the phase two date expires, or the licensee may have the restriction removed by applying for a duplicate license at a driver license office and paying the required fee.

Transferring License from Out-of-State
If you are under 18 years of age and present either a valid out-of-state learner license or driver license, you must:

  1. Meet the application requirements.
  2. Present proof of completion of driver education that is equivalent to the driver education requirements of Texas.
  3. Provide verification of enrollment and attendance in school, or a high school diploma/GED.  If you have not graduated from high school or obtained a GED, verification of attendance in a school out-of-state may be shown by presenting a letter from the school principal on school stationary or letterhead stating you attended school and met the minimum attendance for class credit (at least 80 days) in each class you were enrolled during the semester immediately preceding the current semester, and were enrolled until transfer to Texas. 
  4. Be currently enrolled in school.  If you are currently enrolled in a Texas school, that school may certify to the enrollment and may also certify to the prior attendance, provided they have a record from your previous school that reflects you attended the minimum required days in the previous semester.

If you are 15 years of age, you will be issued a Texas learner license.  Refer to Phase One above for learner license requirements.

If you are at least 16 years of age and present proof of completion of a driver education, you will be issued a provisional license.  Refer to Phase Two above for provisional license requirements.