In Texas, there are Two Phases that need to be completed in order to get your unrestricted drivers license. The Phases are fairly simple to understand and comply to and are as follows:
- You must be under 18 years old and have an instruction permit or hardship.
- During this phase, the student must be accompanied by a driver who is at least 21 years of age.
- If after six months you have not had your instruction permit suspended/revoked, you can graduate to Phase Two.
- Phase Two also lasts for six months* unless the drivers license has been suspended or revoked.
- Under Phase Two, a driver under 18 years of age may hold a Texas Drivers License BUT certain restrictions apply.
- You 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.
- You may not operate a motor vehicle 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.
- You may not operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communication device.
- You 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.
* Stamped on your licenses will be a restriction phrase that reads, “TRC 545.424 applies until MM DD YY”. This indicates the date that the second phase of the graduated driver license program expires. Upon completion of the six-month period, the restrictions no longer apply.
At this time, you may chose to apply for a duplicate license to remove the restriction phase. A fee will be required. If you chose NOT TO REMOVE this restriction phrase, it will be removed the next time you renew your license on your birthday, provided the Phase Two six-month time has lapsed. KEEP IN MIND – just because the restriction phrase remains on your drivers license, if it has reached the expired date, all restrictions are null and void and you will have the full driving responsibilities.
We don’t mean to scare you but consider this – MOST new drivers fail their DPS Written Exam the first time they try it. So, BEAT THE STATISTICS! Here’s how.
We offer state-specific Practice Test Packages that can help you beat the odds and pass your written exam the very first time. Written by professional instructors, these packages are designed to TEACH you what you need to know to succeed. Use it to review all the questions one at a time or to generate realistic exams - or do both. Any way you look at it - practice makes perfect. And with I DRIVE SAFELY Permit Practice test, you're bound to come out a winner with your permit in hand
Getting Your Unrestricted License
Get the lowdown on what it takes to go from a Learner’s permit to your Unrestricted License.
Got Questions?
Getting the right answers to the questions you ask the most is the best way to set you down the right path to getting your license.
Forms You'll Need
Before you go, be prepared! Check out our list of forms you may need as you go through the steps to getting your license.
