Meredythe Heaton Wilkinson | February 12, 2026 | Car Accidents
If you are getting ready to drive in Texas, earning your driver’s license is a big step. The process can feel confusing at first because the rules change based on your age and whether you are a teen or an adult. This guide breaks down the main steps, what documents you may need, and what to expect so you can show up prepared and stay focused on safe driving.
Learning the rules now can also help you avoid common mistakes that lead to car accidents, tickets, and insurance problems later.
Obtaining Your Texas Driver’s License
The process for getting your Texas driver’s license can depend on your age.
Teen Drivers
If you are between the ages of 15 and 17, you can obtain a Texas learner’s license. To do so, you’ll need to complete the necessary hours of classroom instruction and provide a high school diploma, GED, or Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form.
You’ll also need to have documents that prove the following:
- U.S. citizenship or legal residence
- Your identity
- Texas residency
- Passing of the driving knowledge exam
Make sure to bring your Texas Driver Education Certificate, too. Once you pass your vision exam and pay a small fee, you can obtain your license.
With this learner’s license, you can begin to practice driving. Keep in mind that there are restrictions regarding when you can drive. You can then obtain your provisional license.
Adult Drivers
If you are between the ages of 18 and 24, you’ll need to take a six-hour adult driver’s education course, which you can do online or at a state-approved school. Those who are 25 and older do not need to take this course, but it is always a good idea to do so.
You’ll then need to complete the Texas Adult Drivers program. This is an hour-long, free video course that emphasizes the risks of distracted driving.
The next step is to gather all of the documents you will need, including:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residence
- Social Security number
- Proof of Texas residency
- Proof of identity
- Impact Texas Driver certificate
- Proof of insurance
You will need to fill out the application for your driver’s license, pay the application fee, and pass the vision and knowledge exam. The last step is to take the driving skills test.
What Happens if You’re in an Accident?
It can be incredibly frustrating to get into a collision right after obtaining your license. But if the accident occurred because of another party’s misconduct, you have the chance to file a personal injury claim. Whether you’ve sustained a minor bone fracture or a brain injury, you may be entitled to compensation.
Texas is a fault-based state for car accidents, so you will need to demonstrate that the other party was responsible for the crash. To accomplish this, it’s important to have an attorney by your side.
A lawyer can gather key evidence, establish who the liable parties are, and negotiate aggressively for the compensation you need to recover. In some cases, it may even be necessary to go to court.
Contact the Austin Car Accident Lawyers at Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
A new license should be a fresh start, not the beginning of a painful recovery. If you were hurt in an Austin car accident and believe another driver caused the crash, Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your options and protect your rights from the start.
Our team can gather evidence, deal with the insurance company, and pursue compensation while you focus on getting better. Contact Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers today to speak with an Austin car accident attorney about your case.
Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers Austin
3933 Steck Avenue, Suite B-115, Austin, TX 78759
(512) 503-4878