Drivers License Help?

[madiartzer 41]

I'm getting kind of confused about the process of getting a drivers license here in Texas. I've tried calling the DMV, but there's no way to talk to a person, it's all automated.

My Canadian drivers license expired while I was waiting for my green card, so I can't just surrender my old license for a Texas one.

My understanding is that I need to do the written and driving tests, which is fine. But I see on some sites, it's saying I need to get a learners permit first? It says first time drivers need a learners permit first. 

Am I considered a first time driver now if I don't have a valid license to transfer and have never had a Texas license? Or am I good to just go and take the tests for my full license?

The drivers license process is so different from Ontario, I'm finding myself overwhelmed and confused. If anyone has any experience with this, it's greatly appreciated.

[Jon&Margz 132]

We live in California so TX laws may be different.  My wife had to first obtain her drivers permit,  complete 40+ hours of driver training, and then pass a driving test.  Have you received your green card?  I only ask because CA issued my wife a drivers permit - which expired when her K1 visa expired (90 days after arriving).   We asked when the license could be reinstated - they told us when the green card was received.   I've heard from others who said if you have a work permit (EAD) it's an acceptable document.  My wife now has a CA license - and the expiration date matches the expiration date of her green card.  

 

My advice would be to go to the DMV office to meet in person for answers.   It's a hassle ...but you'll get reliable answers. 

[madiartzer 41]

5 minutes ago, Jon&Margz said:

We live in California so TX laws may be different.  My wife had to first obtain her drivers permit,  complete 40+ hours of driver training, and then pass a driving test.  Have you received your green card?  I only ask because CA issued my wife a drivers permit - which expired when her K1 visa expired (90 days after arriving).   We asked when the license could be reinstated - they told us when the green card was received.   I've heard from others who said if you have a work permit (EAD) it's an acceptable document.  My wife now has a CA license - and the expiration date matches the expiration date of her green card.  

 

My advice would be to go to the DMV office to meet in person for answers.   It's a hassle ...but you'll get reliable answers. 

I just got my green card last week! I had heard from other people here on VJ that Texas is sort of strict about only accepting green cards, and so I waited until I had that! 

Yes, we may just have to go visit the DMV in person. I really don't want to have to 😫 hahaha, since it is out of town,  I work until 5 and it closes at 5, so I'll have to go during my lunch break. But I'll do whatever I have to, I guess!

[Highmystic 234]

11 minutes ago, madiartzer said:

I just got my green card last week! I had heard from other people here on VJ that Texas is sort of strict about only accepting green cards, and so I waited until I had that! 

Yes, we may just have to go visit the DMV in person. I really don't want to have to 😫 hahaha, since it is out of town,  I work until 5 and it closes at 5, so I'll have to go during my lunch break. But I'll do whatever I have to, I guess!

I've found that "sometimes" when listening to the blah blah recordings, just hit "0" and it may connect to a live person.  It does not work if they changed it to "press 4 to speak to someone"... Worth a shot.

 

[madiartzer 41]

2 minutes ago, Highmystic said:

I've found that "sometimes" when listening to the blah blah recordings, just hit "0" and it may connect to a live person.  It does not work if they changed it to "press 4 to speak to someone"... Worth a shot.

 

This is good to know! I'll have to try that out!

[IzzyKL 21]

Texas immigrant here! Just got my license a couple months ago. You definitely don't need to get a learners' permit first if you are above 18, even if you don't have a previous US state-issued license. Also, it is the DPS that issues the driving licenses, not DMV. As my license was not from a country that is transferable, I had to do the short written test (computerised) and the driving test, but if you've been driving before, it is pretty easy to pass. Note that you can only schedule your driving test once you have passed your written test, and the license will need to be mailed to you, so expect the whole process to take at least 2 weeks or more. 

[ohcoffeeeyes 120]

On 11/8/2019 at 1:23 AM, IzzyKL said:

Texas immigrant here! Just got my license a couple months ago. You definitely don't need to get a learners' permit first if you are above 18, even if you don't have a previous US state-issued license. Also, it is the DPS that issues the driving licenses, not DMV. As my license was not from a country that is transferable, I had to do the short written test (computerised) and the driving test, but if you've been driving before, it is pretty easy to pass. Note that you can only schedule your driving test once you have passed your written test, and the license will need to be mailed to you, so expect the whole process to take at least 2 weeks or more. 

It's mailed to you but you get a piece of paper that basically acts like a license, so if you want to start driving straight away, you can, just carry the paper around. Just thought I'd add that!