Overview
The Texas Driver Handbook provides essential information on obtaining and maintaining a driver's license, state traffic laws, vehicle requirements, safety procedures, and penalties for violations. It serves as a comprehensive resource for new and existing drivers to operate vehicles safely and legally in Texas.
Purpose and Use of the Handbook
- Helps individuals qualify for a Texas driver license and become safer drivers.
- Not an official legal reference; refers to Texas Transportation and Penal Codes for legal language.
- Updated regularly to reflect legislative changes; check the DPS website for the latest information.
- Includes contact information for questions, ADA accommodations, and grievance procedures.
Key License Information
- Texas residents must have a valid license; new residents have 90 days to obtain one.
- Types: Learner (instruction permit, ages 15–18), Provisional (ages 16–18), Hardship, and standard Class A, B, C, and M licenses.
- Graduated Driver License (GDL) program phases privileges for drivers under 18.
- License validity: generally eight years for those 18+, shorter for certain groups.
- Identification (ID) cards available for all ages.
Application and Renewal Procedures
- Application must be in person with required documents (ID, SSN, residency, etc.).
- Out-of-state applicants must register vehicles in Texas and surrender out-of-state licenses.
- Required driver education for applicants under 25.
- Renewal required every eight years, with online/mail/phone options for eligible individuals.
Fees and Special Exemptions
- Fees vary by license type and applicant age; see Appendix D for detailed fee table.
- Veterans with ≥60% service-related disability may be exempt from fees for non-commercial licenses.
License Restrictions, Replacements, and Cancellations
- Restrictions based on medical or skill limitations; see Appendix E for codes.
- Address changes must be reported within 30 days.
- Replacement or updated licenses available online or by mail, unless limited by license type.
- Licenses may be suspended, revoked, canceled, or denied for legal, medical, or administrative reasons.
Vehicle Requirements and Registration
- Annual vehicle inspection required; proof of insurance mandatory.
- List of required and forbidden vehicle equipment; specific rules for registration, farm vehicles, and temporary tags.
Insurance and Financial Responsibility
- Minimum liability insurance required: $30,000 (injury/death of one), $60,000 (two+), $25,000 (property damage).
- Failure to provide proof may result in fines or license suspension.
Driving Laws and Safety
- Right-of-way rules, traffic signals, road signs, and pavement markings detailed.
- Defensive driving, proper signaling, passing, turning, and speed management emphasized.
- Special sections for pedestrian, bicycle, motorcycle, and large vehicle safety.
Penalties and Legal Consequences
- Fines, jail, suspension, or revocation for offenses like driving without a license, DWI/DUI, failure to yield, and more.
- Severe penalties for alcohol/drug offenses, especially for minors (Zero Tolerance law).
- Legal requirements and penalties for reporting and responding to vehicle crashes.
Special Situations and Safety Programs
- Guidance on night, winter, and highway driving; dealing with skids, floods, breakdowns.
- Requirements for seat belts, child safety seats, open truck beds, and distracted driving.
- Procedures for being stopped by law enforcement and for ADA and driving disability programs.
Additional Resources
- Glossary of terms, license office directory, study questions, and detailed fee/restriction tables included in appendices.
- Online options for licensing, records, emergency contacts, and disability disclosures are provided.