Before heading out to get that new license, note that there are prerequisites to obtaining a Texas drivers license:
- Proof of insurance. You have to have liability insurance to drive and you'll need it to obtain a license, get a car inspected, etc.
- Auto Inspection. To get a license you first have to register your vehicle but it has to be inspected in order to get the registration. (If you are already a Texas driver and your tags and inspection are expired, it's registration first, then inspection.)
- Vehicle Registration. After getting your car or truck inspected, you can obtain your Texas license plates.
- Driver's License. Once your auto is in order - insured, inspected, and registered - it's time to obtain that Texas driver's license.
See page 2 for details on each step. But first, get some driving tips for getting safely around town.
Driving in Texas
Even while you're still using your out-of-state license you'll need to be sure to follow traffic laws. Depending on where you live, some may not seem so unusual but since laws vary from state to state, here's some quick tips for driving in Austin and Texas.
- Buckle up.. Wear your seatbelt. It's the law. There is a special emphasis on child safety and ensuring that all children who ride in Texas vehicles are properly restrained. New laws require all children under 15 years of age to be properly restrained no matter where in the car they are seated. Police do not issue warnings for not wearing your seatbelt. [Seatbelt Laws]
- Don't drink and drive. It's the law. It is illegal to consume alcoholic beverages while operating a motor vehicle. In Texas the alcohol concentration limit is .08 for purposes of determining legal intoxication. [Intoxication Laws]
- Right on red. Unless otherwise posted, a right turn at a red light is legal after coming to a complete stop (and making sure the lane is clear).
- A need for speed - limits. Yes, IH-35 is an Interstate Highway but as it passes through various city limits the speed limits change. This is true of many highways in the area. Watch for the signs and lighten up on the accelerator.
- Left turn only. Some center lanes are marked LEFT TURN ONLY. Do not enter these center lanes more than 100 feet, or five car lengths from the intersection. These are not passing lanes. Be aware that in some cases these lanes may be used by traffic traveling from both directions.
- Don't Mess With Texas. Keep litter in your vehicle until you reach your destination or a designated trash receptacle. It helps keep our state and city clean and beautiful - and it'll help you avoid fines for littering. [Don't Mess With Texas]
Next Page > "INSURE, INSPECT, REGISTER, LICENSE" > Page 1, 2
Links within this article go to official sites of the State of Texas, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Department of Insurance.