Connor Nash | December 26, 2025 | Car Accidents
Every state sets its own rules about the age at which a person can obtain their driver’s license. Texas, like many states, uses a Graduated Driver License (GDL) system for both learner’s permits and driver’s licenses.
These rules help drivers gain practical experience on the road and get sufficient driving time under their belt before being allowed to get behind the wheel completely unrestricted. Keep reading below to learn more about the Texas licensing rules for 2026.
The Basics of a Graduated Driver Licensing Program
The number one reason why states implement GDL programs is safety. The GDL program allows new drivers to gain experience in low-risk situations through legally enforceable driving restrictions. This helps these new drivers avoid high-risk situations that frequently result in car accidents.
According to the CDC, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teens. GDL programs help reduce the number of fatal accidents that occur. GDL programs have also been shown to reduce overall crash rates by 20% to 40%.
What Are the Steps for Teens in Getting a Driver’s License?
GDL programs typically have three basic stages for teen drivers. The first is the learner’s permit. During this stage, teens may participate in supervised driving while a parent or other adult is in the vehicle.
Next, the teen driver may obtain their intermediate or restricted license. This type of license allows them to drive on their own, but they must adhere to strict rules, such as limiting the number of passengers and avoiding driving between certain hours. Finally, a full, unrestricted license will be issued once all requirements are met.
What Is the Legal Driving Age in Texas?
Like many other states, Texas follows a GDL program. The first step is the Texas Learner’s License.
To qualify for this license, a teen must meet the following requirements:
- At least 15 years old
- Completion of a driver education course
- Verification of Attendance and Enrollment from their school
Upon issuance of the learner license, a teen may drive as long as they follow the additional restrictions placed on these licenses.
The following restrictions apply to a learner license:
- Must have a licensed adult 21 years or older in the front passenger seat
- No cell phone usage allowed – even hands-free devices (except in case of emergency)
Teens must hold a learner license for at least six months before applying for a provisional license.
Texas Provisional License Requirements
The next step of the Texas GDL program is the provisional license.
To obtain a provisional license, a teen must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have held a learner license for at least six months
- Complete the behind-the-wheel portion of driver education
- Complete the Impact Texas Teen Driver program
- Pass a driving test
Although the provisional license allows a teen to drive on their own, there are still some restrictions, which include:
- No more than one passenger under 21 in the vehicle who is not family
- No cell phone usage allowed
- No driving between midnight and 5:00 am, unless required for work, school, or emergencies
When a teen reaches 18, they graduate to a full, unrestricted driver’s license. Although the restrictions mentioned above are removed, teen drivers with a full license must still adhere to all traffic laws.
What to Do If Your Teen Driver Is Involved in a Car Accident
Teens are still learning the rules of the road, so it is important that they know what to do in the event of an accident.
If your teen is involved in a car accident, they should:
- Call 911 and seek immediate medical treatment if they sustained any injuries
- Call the police to notify them of the accident and let an officer respond to the scene
- If possible, the teen should call their parents to let them know about the accident
- Take photos of the accident scene, including all the vehicles involved
- Remain calm and tell the responding officer what happened, but do not admit fault
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident
Teens should avoid discussing their accident on social media. Anything they say could be used against them, and their posts may affect liability after the accident. Finally, seek help from an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you and your teen recover compensation after an accident when another driver’s negligence was the cause.
Contact the Dallas Car Accident Attorneys at Nash Law Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been in a car accident in Dallas, TX, Nash Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our Dallas car accident lawyers will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Contact us today at (214) 831-4414 or visit our Austin law office for a free consultation with a Dallas personal injury lawyer.
Nash Law Personal Injury Lawyers Dallas
2807 Allen St., Suite 2033, Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 831-4414
