So, you want to get your license at 16 but have no idea how to get to that point, whether you’re 15, 16 or over. Before you can even get a license, you have to ensure you have a learner’s permit.
Permit
If you are in between the ages of 15-17, you are able to apply for a learner’s permit and license. First, you will need to select a course in which you will learn to drive that will teach you the laws and safety standards on the road. If you are looking for a little behind-the-wheel action and a quick and easy way to get your permit, driving schools such as Roadrunner Driving School are accessible right in Amarillo. If you prefer learning online, courses like Aceable, NHSA (National Highway Safety Administration) and many other driving courses can be found.
- After selecting a course, according to the Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety), you must have 6 hours of driver’s ed completed in order to apply for your permit. As soon as these 6 hours have been completed, you can’t just go to the DPS and get your permit. First thing you have to do is make an appointment with the DPS. Then, there are several documents you need to take to prove your residency in the US, frequent school attendance and that you completed 6 hours of Drivers Ed. For school attendance, you must request a VOE on the CHS website through the counseling section. Once you get your VOE, it will be valid for 30 days. Then you need proof of US residency, Texas residency, proof of your identity (things like birth certificates and insurance papers can prove this information), your social security number, a fee, and proof you’ve completed 6 hours of driver’s ed. Now you’re ready to go to the DMV, whether it’s here in Amarillo or you drive to Tulia or Hereford to get it.
- The nice thing about a learner’s permit is that there is no test. What you will have to do is fill out a few documents of information, most involving the documents of residency and personal information such as your birthday, hair and eye color and whether you wish to be an organ donor. After taking your picture and filling out this info, you will receive a paper permit until your card is shipped a few weeks later. But this doesn’t mean you can now just drive freely. Remember, with a learners permit you must always drive with an adult over 21 and if you haven’t finished your driver’s ed, you need to proceed with the course and that you must have your permit for 6 months before you can get your license, even if you turn 16 soon after you receive your permit.
License
- So you’ve finished driver’s ed and have had your permit for 6 months now. You’re 16 and ready to get your license and finally have your freedom! But now what? Well, before you can do anything, you need to make sure that you’ve completed the two-state required course on texting and driving (ITTD) that either your DPS provider informed you of or your driver’s ed course gave you. Be sure to do this course right before you get your license, though, because after completing this course, you will receive a certificate that is only valid for 180 days prior to the date you schedule your in-car exam.
- If you have completed this and have a certificate stating that you have completed driver’s ed, you are now free to go get your license after scheduling an appointment with the DPS. Like before, you need to have a VOE that is valid for 30 days, and validation of residency, social security number, your ITTD certificate as well as vehicle insurance and registration for whatever vehicle you and your guardian will be using for your test.
