TEXAS GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSE PROGRAM
The Texas Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program was implemented for persons under age 18. GDL creates two phases of driving requirements for minors.
Phase One
Applicants under age 18 must hold an instruction permit or hardship license for a minimum of six months prior to issuance of a provisional Class A, B, or C driver license. In addition, the minimum age of the person who must accompany any instruction permit holder during the operation of the vehicle is 21 years of age. Except for hardship licenses, a minor is not eligible to graduate to Phase Two (provisional license) for a Class A, B, or C driver license until they have completed this phase and met all other current licensing and age requirements.
The instruction permit must remain valid during the mandatory six-month period to meet this regulation. If an instruction permit is suspended/revoked during this period, upon the completion of the suspension period, the remaining six-month period must be completed to meet the GDL Phase One requirement.
Once the applicant has held a valid instruction permit or hardship license for a minimum of six months, has reached the age of 16 for a Class C license (17 years of age for a Class A or B non-CDL), and has completed both the classroom and laboratory (driving) portions of driver education, they are eligible to "graduate" to Phase Two.
Phase Two
The second phase restricts the driving privileges of persons under 18 years of age during the twelve-month period following the issuance of an original Class A, B, or C driver license (Provisional License). These persons may not operate a motor vehicle with more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not a family member. They may not operate a motor vehicle between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the operator to attend or participate in employment or a school-related activity or because of a medical emergency. In addition, they may not operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communication device..
The license restriction will state, "TRC 545.424 applies until MM DD YY" and will indicate the date in which the second phase of the graduated driver license expires for the person who holds that license. Upon completion of the twelve-month period, the above time and/or passenger restrictions no longer apply. The licensee may wish to apply for a duplicate license at a driver license office to remove this restriction. A fee is required to obtain a duplicate license. If not, this restriction will be removed at the time the applicant renews the license on their next birthday, provided the Phase Two twelve-month time has lapsed.
Provisional Driver License
All original licenses, other than an instruction permit, issued to persons under 18 years of age will be marked "Provisional." The license will be vertical and will be dated to expire on the applicant's 18th birthday or next birthday occurring after the date of issuance. A fee is required to obtain this license. The renewal fee is required for each one year of renewal period. If the instruction permit or driver license is not due for renewal, a fee is required for a duplicate instruction permit or duplicate license (i.e.: lost license, change of address, removal of GDL restrictions).
For additional information, visit the Texas DPS website at:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us |