Texas Driver's Handbook - National Driver Training Institute

Texas Driver’s Handbook
Special Note:
You may not receive a
Texas driver license until
all valid driver licenses
issued are surrendered.
Page 2
the school year or more than 90 days before the date of application during the summer.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has developed a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form (VOE)
you must obtain from your school. Ask school officials to complete and sign the form then present it to the
customer service representative (CSR) at the driver license office when applying for or renewing your
license.
Minor Restricted Driver License (Hardship License)
A minor restricted driver license (MRDL), also known as a hardship license, may be issued to a minor who
establishes the necessity to drive. The difference between a provisional license and an MRDL is that the
Graduated Driver License requirements do not apply to an MRDL and the holder of an MRDL can become
fully licensed at age 15.
An application for an MRDL must be executed by an authorized adult on behalf of the minor. Both the adult
and the minor must sign the form and present it in person at the driver license office. Only a parent, guardian,
or person having custody of a minor may make application on behalf of a minor. If the minor does not
have a parent, guardian, or custodian then an employer or county judge may apply on behalf of the minor.
A person applying for an MRDL:
1. Must be at least 15 years of age but not more than 18;
2. Complete and pass a driver education course, vision test, knowledge test, and driving test; and
3. Meet all other requirements for an original applicant.
DPS may require supporting documentation or conduct an investigation to confirm the information provided
on the application.
DPS will issue an MRDL if we determine:
1. Failure to issue the MRDL will result in an unusual economic hardship for the family of the minor
applicant;
2. The MRDL is necessary due to an illness of a family member; or
3. The MRDL is necessary because the minor applicant is enrolled in a VOE program and requires the
license to participate in the program.
Graduated Driver License (GDL)
The Texas Graduated Driver License (GDL) program was implemented January 1, 2002.
Phase One: Applicants who are under 18 years of age must hold a learner license or an MRDL for a minimum
of six months prior to the issuance of a provisional Class A, B, or C driver license. Under the GDL
program, there is no minimum time a person must hold a restricted motorcycle or moped license before he/
she can apply for a Class M license. Phase One does not apply to Class M or MRDL holders. The learner
license must remain valid during the mandatory six-mont period to meet this regulation.
If your license is suspended during Phase I then the initial six month period is extended by the number of
days suspended because your license is invalid during that time.
A Texas learner license will be issued to individuals who are 15 years of age, present an out-of-state instruction
permit, and submit a VOE form. A Texas learner license must be held for six months from the date of
issuance before the individual is eligible for Phase Two.
Phase Two: Phase Two restricts the driving privileges of individuals who are under 18 years of age during
the 12-month period following the issuance of an original Class A, B, or C driver license (provisional
license). These individuals may not drive a motor vehicle:
1. With more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not a family member
2. Between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the driver to
work, to attend or participate in a school-related activity, or due to a medical emergency
Individuals who are under 18 years of age and obtain their license on or after September 1, 2009, are
restricted from using a wireless communication device, including a hands-free device, until they reach age
18, except in the case of an emergency.
The restriction on the back of the provisional license will state: TRC 454.424 applies until mm/dd/yy.
Out-of-State License Holders
Applicants who are at least 16 years of age but less than 18 who present a valid out-of-state instruction permit
or out-of-state driver license will be issued a Phase Two provisional GDL with passenger and time
Chapter 1: Your License to Drive