Minimum age for a car driving licence in Texas (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A learner licence is available from 15 and a Class C licence under 18 from 16, after six months on a learner or hardship licence. A person under 18 may not drive between midnight and 5 am except in listed cases, or carry more than one non-family passenger under 21.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [1] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | A learner licence is available from 15 (under 18, after the classroom phase of an approved driver education course) and requires a supervising passenger 21 or older with at least one year of driving experience. A hardship licence may be issued from 15 for family economic hardship, illness or vocational education. A person under 18 may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. (exceptions for work, school activities and medical emergencies) or carry more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member. [1] |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [1] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | A driver under 18 may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless needed for employment, a school-related activity or a medical emergency. This does not apply when accompanied as required for a learner licence. [2] |
| Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | A driver under 18 may not carry more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member, unless accompanied as required for a learner licence. [2] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | A nonresident aged 16 or over with a driver's licence from the home state or Canadian province may drive Class C or Class M vehicles if that licence allows it at home. [1] |
Notes
- The earliest age is for a licence that allows driving without a supervising adult. It carries graduated-licensing restrictions, described under 'Driving before the minimum age'.
Sources
- Texas Legislature: Transportation Code, Chapter 521. Driver's Licenses and Certificates (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Texas Legislature: Texas Transportation Code chapter 545, Operation and Movement of Vehicles, subchapter H, sections 545.352 and 545.353 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Texas and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 16 (Class C, after 6 months on permit) | 15 (learner licence) | Learner licence at 15; Class C at 16 | Nonresident 16+ with a home licence |
| Arkansas | 16 (intermediate licence) | 14 (learner's licence) | Intermediate from 16; unrestricted at 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Louisiana | 16 (intermediate licence) | 15 (learner's licence) | Intermediate at 16 after 180 days and 50 hours | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New Mexico | 15½ (provisional licence) | 15 (instruction permit) | Provisional from 15½ after 6 months on a permit | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Oklahoma | 16 (intermediate licence) | 15 with driver education; otherwise 16 | Learner permit at 15 with driver education | Nonresident 16+ with a valid home licence |
More rules in Texas
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 70 mph; 60 mph on unnumbered roads
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 15
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no bottle rockets) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No carry ban for blades up to 5.5 in · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting only) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (minors may not buy) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (minors may not buy)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.