What to Bring to DPS for Your Driving Test

When you are ready to apply for your Texas driver license, schedule a first-time application appointment at txdpsscheduler.com. At DPS you will take the vision exam and the driving (road) test. Your Certificate of Completion documents that you finished a TDLR-approved driver education course and passed the in-course written exam — so most students do not retake the written test at DPS. Download your Certificate of Completion before you go.

Document Checklist

1. Certificate of Completion — Print it and bring the paper copy; DPS requires the printed certificate.
2. ITAD certificate — Complete the Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) course before your road test and bring the printed certificate. ITAD is required before the DPS driving skills test for adults 18–24 who take driver education and for applicants 25 and older.
3. Proof of identity and lawful presence — e.g., U.S. passport, passport card, or birth certificate plus supporting documents.
4. Social Security number — Verified electronically by DPS.
5. Two proofs of Texas residency — Two printed documents showing your name and Texas residential address.
6. A car for the road test — With current proof of insurance, a current registration sticker, and valid license plates.
7. Glasses or contacts — Only if you need them to drive.
8. Appropriate footwear — Closed-toe shoes with flat soles. No flip-flops or heels.
9. Payment for the DPS fee — Paid directly to DPS. See additional fees.

Common Questions

Does my Certificate of Completion expire?

The ADE-1317 itself has no state-set expiration date, but you should use it at DPS within two years. The separate DPS ITAD certificate has a 90-day validity window. See certificate validity.

Do I need a learner permit first?

Not if you take the road test at DPS. A learner permit is optional for adults, and you can apply directly for your license. Two exceptions: DPS requires a valid restricted driver license (the adult practice permit) and a current ITAD certificate before a third-party skills test at a driving school, and on-road lessons with a school are public-road driving, so they need the permit too. See What to bring to DPS for an optional learner permit if you choose to get one.

Do I need to transfer to a driving school for lessons?

No. The adult course has no behind-the-wheel component, so there is nothing to transfer. If you want practice before the test, hire a school directly — our adult driving school directory lists options by metro — and some schools can also give the driving test itself as a DPS-authorized third-party skills-testing site.

What if DPS has questions about my certificate?

It is issued by a TDLR-licensed adult driver education provider. If an office has questions, ask to speak with a supervisor. For more detail, see Certificate acceptance at Texas DPS.