By now, you may have been driving for a few years, but it never hurts to refresh on your legal obligations when operating a vehicle so you can avoid tickets, fines, and even jail time.

What kind of driver’s license do I need?

You must have a license in order to drive, or you can face penalties. There are several types of driver’s licenses available to different groups of people—minors, minors with a hardship, professional drivers, and your average adult. Each type of license has different qualifications and requirements you must meet to obtain and to keep that license:

Learners Driver’s License

• To obtain this license:
  • You must be between 15 and 17 years of age;
  • You must have completed driver education class; and
  • You must have an adult 21 years or older with a driver’s license in the front passenger seat when driving.
• You are restricted from using a wireless communications device, including a hands-free device, except in the case of an emergency. No texting and driving!
• You must hold this license for at least six months, unless you turn 18. Your learner license will expire on your 18^th birthday.

Minor’s Restricted Driver’s License (Hardship License)

• To obtain this license:
  • You must be at least 15 years of age; and
  • You must have completed Driver Education class.
• A Minor’s Restricted Driver’s License (MRDL), also known as a hardship license, may be issued under certain instances where it has been established that there is a necessity to drive and the applicant is under 16 years of age.

Provisional Driver’s License

• To obtain this license:
  • You must be between 16 and 17 years of age;
  • You must have held your valid Learners Driver’s License for at least six-months, unless you have reached 18 years of age;
  • You must have completed the classroom and behind-the-wheel portions of driver education; and
  • You must successfully pass your driving test.
• Once you obtain your Provisional Driver’s License, you are no longer required to have an adult 21 years or older drive with you, but there are still some restrictions:
  • You may not drive a motor vehicle with more than one passenger in the vehicle under 21 who is not a family member;
  • You may not drive between midnight and 5:00 am, unless the operation of the vehicle is necessary for you to work or to attend or participate in a school-related activity, or is due to a medical emergency; and
  • You are restricted from using a wireless communications device, including a hands-free device, except in the case of an emergency. Again, no texting and driving!
• Your Provisional Driver License expires on your 18^th birthday.

Unrestricted Driver’s License

• To obtain this license, you must be 18 years or older.
• You no longer have the restrictions of a Learner’s Driver’s License and Provisional Driver’s License! (But still, don’t text and drive).

DID YOU KNOW: A regular driver’s license does not give you the ability to drive a motorcycle. You must apply for a special “Class M” driver’s license and pass a written test (sometimes you must also complete a road test). If you or your passenger are under 21, you must wear a helmet, but it’s always advisable to wear proper safety gear no matter your age!

What laws apply to me when I’m driving a vehicle?

In Texas, driving is a privilege, not a right. Your choices while driving could result in your driver’s license being suspended or revoked. Below are a few examples of things not to do if you want to keep your license:

• A Provisional Driver’s License can be suspended if you get two or more moving violations within 12 months (this includes things like speeding tickets).
• A Driver’s License can be suspended if you are a habitual offender, which is when you have four moving violations within 12 months OR seven moving violations within 24 months. Keep an eye on the speed limit and drive cautiously!
• Your Driver’s License can be suspended if you are arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and you refuse to give evidence of your blood alcohol level, or if you consent to a blood alcohol level test and your result is greater than 0.08 (the legal limit).
• Your Driver’s License can be suspended if you are convicted for a DWI or possession of marijuana or other illegal drugs.
• If you are under the age of 21 and convicted for possession, purchase, consumption, or receipt of cigarettes or tobacco products you must attend a tobacco awareness program or do community service. If you do not complete the tobacco awareness program or community service, your driver’s license could be suspended. 

It’s pretty simple to abide by the rules of the road—pay attention to speed limits and don’t drive while districted, overly tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Car Insurance

It may be your very first time having a car, or maybe you’ve been on your parents’ car insurance and are seeking your own. How do you choose what coverage to get? In Texas, you are required to have Liability Coverage, which pays to repair the other driver’s car if you caused the accident and pays the other driver’s and his or her their passenger’s medical bills. Minimum required amounts of liability coverage include at least $30,000 of coverage for injuries per person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 of coverage for property damage. Note that these are only the minimum requirements, and it’s often advisable to obtain insurance with higher limits and additional types of coverage.

Failure to carry the required vehicle insurance is a misdemeanor and can lead to a fine. Additionally, you should always carry proof of insurance in your vehicle (a lot of vehicle insurance cards are available electronically these days, but it’s easy to keep the paper card in your glove box). Any time you get pulled over, you will need to show the police officer your driver’s license and copy of your proof of insurance.

Car Registration and Inspections

Once you buy or lease a vehicle, you have to properly maintain it and keep it safe for use on the roadways. While annual vehicle inspections have historically been required, starting in 2025, Texas drivers will no longer be required to get their cars inspected. It’s important to check with your local authorities to ensure there aren’t separate requirements for residents of your county, and you will still be required to pay an annual fee of $7.50 for the privilege of driving and using Texas roadways.

If you’re interested in learning more, please visit the resources below:

• Texas Young Lawyers Association, Your New Ride: Legal Considerations for Owning Your First Car (ADD LINK ONCE POSTED)
• Texas Young Lawyers Association, Ten Minute Mentor, Understanding Automobile Insurance Coverage (https://www.texasbarcle.com/CLE/AATYLAPlayer5.asp?lEventID=106&sTitle=Understanding+Automobile+Insurance+Coverage+&sAuthor=Tal+++Hammock)