1. DRIVER'S LICENSES AND LICENSE PLATES: A Texas driver's license and Texas plates must be obtained within 30 and 45 days of arrival respectively. Active duty military who have a valid driver's license from another state DO NOT have to get a Texas driver's license or Texas license plates. To get a Texas driver's license, it is necessary to take the written test, if the present driver's license is current and valid. If the driver's license has expired, the driving test will also have to be taken. Cost is $24 for a six year license. Call the Texas Department of Public Safety (940-855-6610) for more driver's license information; and Wichita County Tax Assessor/Collector (940-766-8248) for more license plate information.
2. TEXAS VEHICLE INSURANCE: Texas law requires you to have auto liability insurance, and if you still owe money on your car, your lender requires that you also carry collision and comprehensive coverage. Texas law requires minimum coverage of $20,000 per injured person, up to a total of $40,000 for everyone hurt in an accident, and $15,000 for property damage. This basic coverage is called 20/40/15 coverage. You will have to show proof of insurance when you 1) are asked for it by a law enforcement officer; 2) have an accident; 3) register your car (on or off base) or renew its registration; 4) obtain or renew your drivers license; or 5) get your car inspected.
3. DRIVER'S LICENSE INFORMATION FOR TEENS: In order for teens under age 18 to get a driver's license, they have to show proof of completion of driver's education classes, Parent Taught Driver Education, have a signed authorization from their parents, (form available at the Department of Public Safety), present a birth certificate, military ID or passport, and have proof of enrollment from their school's attendance office. A 15-year old may get a driving permit by meeting the requirements listed above and taking a written exam. A 16-year old may get a driver's license by meeting the above requirements and taking a written exam. (Road test requirements may be waived with proof of driver's education classes). Driver's education classes must show that the teen has had 32 hours of classroom instruction and 14 driving hours. Contact the Department of Public Safety for questions on the Parent Taught Driver Kit.
Beginning in 2002, teenagers who obtain their driver's license now have restrictions on their license for the first six months. The new Graduated Driver's License Program prohibits teens from having more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member, and from driving after midnight and before 5:00 a.m. unless driving is necessary for employment, school or school-related activities or a medical emergency.
Some high schools offer Driver's Education classes, others do not. Please check with the high school's administration office. Commercial driving schools are available in the local area.