Texas Driver Handbook 2017

Chapter 1: Your License to Drive 

Texas Driver Handbook

Table 2: Class A Driver License

Minimum Age

Fee*

Expiration

18 or older (Applicants 18 to 24 are required to successfully complete an 

approved driver education course.)

$24 for license + $1 fee = $25

Six years

17 with completion of an approved driver education course

$15 for license + $1 fee = $16

On applicant’s next birthday

* A $1 administrative fee is included in most transactions. However, if you are completing multiple transactions at the same time either in-person or online then 

you will only be charged the $1 administrative fee once. A $1 administrative fee is not charged for transactions made through the mail.

Class B Driver License

A Class B driver license permits a person to drive:

1.  Any vehicle included in Class C;

2.  A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more and any such vehicle towing either a vehicle 

with a GVWR that does not exceed 10,000 lbs. or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 lbs.; and

A Class B driver license does not permit a person to drive a motorcycle or moped.

Table 3: Class B Driver License

Minimum Age

Fee*

Expiration

18 or older (Applicants 18 to 24 are required to successfully complete an 

approved driver education course.)

$24 for license + $1 fee = $25

Six years

17 with completion of an approved driver education course

$15 for license + $1 fee = $16

On applicant’s next birthday

* A $1 administrative fee is included in most transactions. However, if you are completing multiple transactions at the same time either in-person or online then 

you will only be charged the $1 administrative fee once. A $1 administrative fee is not charged for transactions made through the mail.

Class C Driver License

1.  A single vehicle or combination of vehicles that are not included in Class A or Class B and

2.  A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 lbs. towing a trailer not to exceed 10,000 lbs. 

GVWR or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 lbs.

3.  An autocycle, defined as a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is:

•  Designed to not have more than three wheels on the ground when moving

•  Equipped with a steering wheel

•  Equipped with seats that do not require the operator to straddle or sit astride the seat

•  Manufactured and certified to comply with federal safety requirements for a motorcycle

A Class C driver license does not permit a person to drive a motorcycle or moped.

Table 4: Class C Driver License

Minimum Age

Fee*

Expiration

18 or older (Applicants 18 to 24 are required to successfully complete an 

approved driver education course.)

$24 for license + $1 fee = $25   Six years

16 with completion of an approved driver education course 

$15 for license + $1 fee = $16

On applicant’s 18th birthday

15 with the approval of a hardship license 

$ 5 for license + $1 fee = $6  

On applicant’s next birthday

* A $1 administrative fee is included in most transactions. However, if you are completing multiple transactions at the same time either in-person or online then 

you will only be charged the $1 administrative fee once. A $1 administrative fee is not charged for transactions made through the mail.

Class M Driver License

A Class M driver license permits a person to drive a motorcycle or moped. Before applying for a Class M license, you must pass a 

motorcycle operator training course approved by DPS. Motorcycle training course providers require drivers who are less than 18 

years of age to present proof of completion of the classroom phase of a driver education course, hold a learner license (issued after 

completing the classroom phase of a driver education course), or hold a valid Class C license prior to enrolling in a motorcycle 

operator training course.

Minimum Age

Motorcycle: 16 with completion of the classroom phase of a driver education course (32 hours) and a DPS approved motorcycle 

operator training course (16 hours).

Moped: 15 years of age with completion of the classroom phase of a driver education course (32 hours) and a DPS approved motor-

cycle operator training course (16 hours).

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Chapter 1: Your License to Drive 

Texas Driver Handbook

Motor-driven cycle of 250 cc or less: 15 years of age with DPS approval for a hardship driver license or completion of the classroom 

phase of a driver education course (32 hours) and a DPS approved motorcycle operator training course (16 hours).

For more information on Class M driver licenses, please visit our website, http://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/

motorcycleLicense.htm or see the Motorcycle Operator’s Manual. You may download the manual online at http://www.dps.texas.

gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-8.pdf 

Table 5: Class M Driver License

Type

Amount

Expiration

18 and older 

$24 for license + $1 administrative fee = $25 

Six years

Under 18 

$15 for license + $1 administrative fee = $16 

On applicant’s 18th birthday

Add M

Add M to current license requires a $15 exam fee + $1 administrative fee = $16

Expires with license

Renewal

An additional $8 is required when renewing a Class M license + $1 administrative fee = $9

Expires with license

* A $1 administrative fee is included in most transactions. However, if you are completing multiple transactions at the same time either in-person or online then 

you will only be charged the $1 administrative fee once. A $1 administrative fee is not charged for transactions made through the mail.

Fees and Driver Licenses for Veterans

Veterans who are honorably discharged and receive compensation for a service-related disability of at least 60 percent are exempt 

from paying driver license and ID card fees. Individuals applying for a CDL or who are required to register as a sex offender are not 

eligible for this fee exemption. The veteran must meet all other licensing requirements.

Veteran’s Designation on Driver License

DPS offers a “VETERAN” designation on the face of the driver license and identification card (ID) for qualifying veterans. For 

more information on the veteran designation, visit our website at www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/vetServices.htm.

Identification (ID) Cards

In addition to driver licenses, DPS issues ID cards with a photograph of the applicant. ID cards have a distinguishing number similar 

to a driver license and are maintained in the driver record file. ID cards are displayed in a vertical format for individuals who are 

less than 21 years of age and are horizontal for individuals who are 21 years of age and over. Applicants must provide documents in 

accordance with DPS ID card policy requirements. For a list of acceptable documents to obtain an ID card, visit our website, http://

www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/applyforID.htm 

Table 6: Identification (ID) Cards

Minimum Age

Fee*

Expiration

ID cards can be issued to any person of any age. Anyone under the age 

of 21 will have “Under 21” printed on the card.

$15 card + $1 fee = $16  

(59 or younger)

Six years

$5 card + $1 fee = $6 (60 or older)

* A $1 administrative fee is included in most transactions. However, if you are completing multiple transactions at the same time either in-person or online then 

you will only be charged the $1 administrative fee once. A $1 administrative fee is not charged for transactions made through the mail.

Medical and Emergency Information

On the reverse side of the card, state law requires DPS to print the statement “Directive to physician has been filed at telephone 

#” and “Emergency contact number”. Space is provided on the surface for the license holder to write a telephone number and a 

box to the left of the statement to indicate why the telephone number is provided. 

Space is also provided on the back of the card to allow individuals to voluntarily list health conditions which may impede com-

munication with a peace officer.

Additionally, an application for an original, renewal or replacement driver license or ID includes the option to provide the name, ad-

dress and telephone number of two individuals who may be contacted in the event of injury or death of the applicant.

Allergic Reaction to Drugs

DPS does not print medical information on driver licenses or ID cards. To add medical information to the back of your driver license 

or ID card, use a permanent ink pen and write the following information:

1.  Name of your physician

2.  Emergency contact number

3.  Name of medication that may cause an allergic reaction

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