Texas Driver License question

Brand new to Texas and need to obtain local Driver License.

I searched for info on Texas Department of Public Safety web site but I am not really clear if I need to pass any exams (like written and driving tests). My Cnd license is current and up to date.

Also, when is the good time to visit Driver License Office because it seems they are always packed.

Thank you for any input.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Whitsett on January 28, 2010 at 5:35pm

Nope, the US considers Canadians to be good drivers, so all you have to do is turn in your DL and get a US one. As for when is the best time to go, that really depends on where you live. The near town ones can be busy at all times, the ones further out may not be that bad. You can renew online and never have to wait, but in your case I think you may just have to suck it up and wait in line.

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Permalink Reply by Philip Henderson on January 28, 2010 at 7:01pm

not sure on the time to go to the office, but you don't need to write a test or take the practical test either. You just need to fill in some forms, pay some money and surrender your Cdn license. You can't keep both your Cdn and the Texas license. They will send your Cdn license back to the DPS in Canada, in whichever province you are from. Oh, and take any work permit related documents with you also, they will ask for that (your I-94, H1B or TN documents, letter of employment, etc.)

Welcome to Texas! Get involved with the CCOH, it's alot of fun!

-Philip

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Permalink Reply by I Mehl on January 29, 2010 at 11:22am

Thanks to everyone for replies, much appreciated.
I waited over 3 hours in the line (last Wednesday), kidd you not. Never waited longer in my life back home but finally, it's done.
Times to visit DPS office: around 11am (to lunch) and then around 1pm, it seems the line slows down a bit. But never go around 3pm when the kids are off from school and start to come in with their parents.
Good luck to everyone!

Really happy to find this site.

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Permalink Reply by Jessica Rubin on February 4, 2010 at 12:54am

A good time to go (if you can manage it) is 7:00 a.m. You'll be 20th in line and you'll have to wait outside until about 7:45 a.m. when the facility opens. Then 18 or 19 people ahead of you will move into the road test line and you'll be the first or second person processed in the driver's license line. It's a long wait outside but it's a longer wait inside any other time of day.

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Winchester on February 22, 2010 at 12:11pm

I hope you already got it by now! I didn't have to do any tests - just handed in my license and the eye exam. Bring cash! Wait until an hour after they open so the first rush gets processed. That's the best time to come to minimize your wait.

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Permalink Reply by Karen Fraser on July 19, 2010 at 10:16pm

I expect that you have already been to get your Driver's Licence, but for anyone else checking out this thread...

I went to the Driver's Licence Office near the Beltway and I-10 last week. The screener 'bounced' me for not having my Birth Certificate ("if the passport says you were born in Canada, I need your Canadian birth certificate"). When I came back, a different lady was there and said she didn't know why the other lady said I needed my birth certificate! So, play it safe and take your birth certificate (and marriage certificate if you use your spouse's name). Also, don't forget to take your car title/bill of sale and insurance card if you own a vehicle.

As for the time to go, I first went at 7.30 AM and stood in line. I saw the first screener at about 8.15 and expect that if she hadn't sent me away, I would have been all finished by 9 AM. When I came back after getting my documents, it was 9.30 AM and the line was brutal. I didn't leave there until 12.50 PM.

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Permalink Reply by Jenn Wahler on November 12, 2010 at 7:18pm

I'm hoping someone can offer some helpful info..

I'm entering the US on a Fiance Visa, which allows me to enter for 90 days with the intent of marrying a US citizen, after which I file for permanent residence. The I-94 they'll give me at the border will state that I'm allowed to be in the country for 90 days, even though i'll still be there legally once I've married my Fiance and filed to become a permanent resident.

Problem is, to obtain a driver's license, the TX DMV needs to see that I'm allowed to be in the country legally for at least 6 months. Now I know Canadians are allowed to visit for a period of 6 months so i'm not sure if that works in my favor. I thought I remembered hearing that Canadians can drive with their Canadian license for 6 months - year, and I'm a careful driver so it's not so much that I'm worried about getting pulled over as I'm concerned that when I DO go to apply for my license, I'll be fined or something for not getting a TX license within 90 days, as required by new residents. It's a catch 22! Now, it's possible I'll receive my work permit within the 90 day period and that should be sufficient proof, but if I don't, what's the best way to proceed?

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Permalink Reply by Carolyn Jardine on December 10, 2010 at 9:51am

Oh boy, that's a good question. As I understand it, as soon as your application for permanent residency (with work permit and adjustment of status) is received, your work permit is effective and you will be sent a confirmation letter to that effect, which should be enough evidence to obtain the DL. If it was me, I'd wait it out. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Christina Nightingale on November 19, 2010 at 4:19pm

Hahaha, I actually got my first license (learner's permit at 15 and full license at 16) here in Texas and even first timers don't have to take any tests or anything. That's why Texans are such terrible drivers!

I only had to take a single written exam (8 wrong out of 40 was still a pass, though I think this ratio has since changed) and then complete the full "driver's ed" program at a driving school. I think the kids who didn't attend a driving school and just did their practice driving with their parents may have had to take something else in addition though.

You could actually be just about the worst driver in the world and still get your full license just by paying $5 for the piece of plastic! Amazing, lol, of course they're going to consider Canadians good drivers!

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Permalink Reply by Aman Mazda on October 17, 2011 at 1:15pm

I am moving from Calgary to Austin and currently hold a GDL license. I wonder whether "full" driver license is required to get the Texas driver license or GDL would be fine. Thank you in advance for your answer.