Texas Restricted License
Texas has three types of restricted licenses: a learner’s license, a hardship license, and an occupational license. Here’s how to get each one.
Written by Samuel Todd
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Texas has three types of restricted licenses: a learner’s license, a hardship license, and an occupational license. Learner’s licenses and hardship licenses are for drivers between the ages of 15 and 18, and occupational licenses are for drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked.
Navigating the different restricted licenses in Texas can seem like a daunting task—but have no fear! Top-rated
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What is a restricted license in Texas?
There are three different restricted licenses in Texas:
- Learner’s license: New Texas drivers, between the ages of 15 and 18, will have some safety restrictions placed on their license.
- Hardship license (minor’s restricted driver's license): Some teens can receive full driving privilege if their family demonstrates that they will face serious economic hardship without it.
- Occupational license: Drivers who had their license suspended or revoked can apply for an occupational license, which will allow them to travel for work, school, or other essential duties.
MORE: How to get cheap car insurance for young drivers
How to get a Texas learner’s license
- Be between 15 and 17 years old
- Provide proof that you have earned, or are preparing to receive, ahigh school diploma or its equivalent
- Give yoursocial security number
- Provide vehicle registration and proof of insurance
- Present aTexas Driver Education Certificate
- Pass the driver knowledge exam and vision exam
- Have your picture taken
Whew—once you’ve completed all of those requirements, congratulations! You’re on your way to getting a full-privilege driver’s license. In the meantime, there are some restrictions you’ll have to keep in mind.
Restrictions on a Texas learner’s license
Here’s a quick run-through of the restrictions that come with a Texas learner’s license:
- You must have a licensed adult, 21 years or older in the front seat when you drive
- You cannot use a cellphone or hands-free device unless it’s an emergency
- You cannot have any other passengers
Don’t worry—even though these restrictions are pretty strict, they only last for six months! After you’ve held your learner’s license for a total of six months (or turned 18), you’re ready to get your provisional driver’s license.
MORE: Texas driver’s license requirements
How to get a Texas hardship license
If you’re between the ages of 15 and 18 and you need full driving privileges right away, Texas allows you to apply for a hardship license (also known as a minor’s restricted driver's license). Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Complete all requirements of a learner’s license (including a driver education course, vision test, knowledge exam, and driving test)
- Demonstrate one of the following to theDepartment of Public Safety:The hardship license is necessary due to the family’s economic burdenThe hardship license is necessary due to a family member’s illnessThe hardship license is required for the minor’sVOE program
Once the DPS reviews your application, they’ll issue a hardship license, which has no restrictions. Essentially, it’s the same as skipping to your full-privilege driver’s license right away!
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How to get a Texas occupational license
Finally, if your license was suspended or revoked for a violation (for example, a
DUI
or reckless driving conviction), you can apply for a Texas occupational license
.This is a two-step process. First, you need to obtain a court order for an occupational license by petitioning:
- The Justice of the Peace
- The county or district court where you reside
- The court of original jurisdiction where the offense occurred
Though the exact petition you need to fill out varies by court, here’s an
example of a petition
from the Travis County Law Library. Be sure to have your personal information, license information, and information surrounding your offense available—you’ll need each of them to fill out the petition. Once the court reviews and approves your petition, it’s time for step two: applying for an occupational license through the Texas DPS. Here’s what you’ll need to submit:
- Your approved court order (usually, the judge will send this to the DPS for you)
Mail these documents to the Texas DPS:
Texas Department of Public Safety
Enforcement and Compliance Service
P.O. Box 15999
Austin, TX 78761-5999
Once you’ve completed this process, the Texas DPS asks that you allow 21 days for processing. After that, as long as you don’t have an extended waiting period, the DPS should issue your occupational license!
Restrictions on a Texas occupational license
Occupational license restrictions are super simple. While you’re driving with an occupational license, you can use your car for:
- Work
- Performance of essential household duties
- School-related activities
How to find affordable car insurance in Texas
It’s no secret: if you’re a young driver or a driver with lots of violations, you’re probably facing a lofty monthly insurance payment. Here’s the good news, though—
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