University of Dallas

Getting a Texas Driver's License

(you do not need a letter from the ISO verifying your enrollment to get or renew a Texas DL)

If you are going to drive a car in Texas while you are a student, the Texas Drivers Handbook states that "new Texas residents. . . have 30 days after entry into the state to secure a Texas Drivers License." This policy does not give students much time to get their license, especially with all the other things that new students in the US have to contend with. Suffice it to say that students who will be driving a car should take prompt action to get a license.

The issuing of drivers' licenses in Texas comes under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Their website is http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense

What you are required to do depends upon your age.

If you are under age 25: you will first have to take the 6-hour Texas Adult Driver Education course. This course can be taken on-line. Here is the web site of one provider. http://www.idrivesafely.com There are several different companies that offer the course, but when you pass the final test, this provider will send you a certificate in the mail that excuses you from having to take the written test at the DPS Testing Station.

Take the certificate to the testing station along with the other documents listed below. You will have to take a vision test at the testing station.

If you are 25 or older: you will go to a DPS Testing Station. The Irving station is located at 1003 West Sixth Street, Irving, TX 75060 at Mac Arthur Blvd. (Go to the DPS web site to find other testing stations in the Metroplex.) There you will have to take the written test of Texas driving rules and a vision test.

Procedures for F-1 students at DPS testing stations

Take the following documents:

Passport and I-94
I-20

You will first speak to the officer at the reception counter who will ask you for your Social Security card. Tell the officer that you are an F-1 student and that you don't yet have an SSN. You will be given an affidavit to sign affirming that you do not have an SSN.

You will then be directed to either take the written test or be permitted to take just a vision exam (if you have a certificate from the 6-hour course described ablove) and sign up for the drivng skills test.

Requirements for the driving skills test

Things You'll Need

Verification of insurance
Vehic in good mechanical condition
Vehiclele with valid tag
Proper identification

1. Bring a vehicle for the driving test. The vehicle must have proof of liability insuranace, have a vaid inspection certificate (on the windshield) and pass inpsection by the examiner before the driving test is given.
2. Follow the examiner's instructions. The examiner will not try to trick you by asking you to do anything that is against the law.
3. Control your vehicle safely and as directed by the examiner. You must understand and follow all traffic signs, be able to come to a quick stop without skidding the tires, parallel park and back the vehicle safely approximately 50 feet.
4. Observe the other traffic and other conditions around you that might cause problems while you are driving. The examiner needs to see you looking in your mirrors often, watching for other drivers.
5. Demonstrate the ability to stay in your lane of traffic. When approaching intersections, slow down and look both ways even if you do not have to stop. Passing and changing lanes are allowed if you can perform the maneuvers safely.
6. Show your ability to use turn signals appropriately. Remember to use turn signals as directed in the Texas Driver's Handbook.
7. Complete the driving test. The examiner will explain the errors made and how to correct them. A written record of your driving test will be given to you.