Owning a car is practically essential for everyone these days, it gives you freedom and allows you to move around and travel wherever you want, but there is a problem: in order to drive a vehicle you need to pass a rather uncomfortable procedure: the test. Now, the United States is working to change the course of road safety in all its states, and make it more accessible to all residents. This time it is Texas’ turn to announce important changes to its citizens and, since last January, some users are able to obtain their driver’s licenses at no cost, as you read, free!! So that economic barriers can be eliminated for some sectors of the population.
So, if you live in Texas and are thinking about applying for your driver’s license, this news is of great interest to you! Here we explain who can benefit, what the requirements are, and what steps to follow to obtain your license without paying a single dollar!!
Who will be the privileged ones?
Not all Texas residents will be able to access this exemption, but rather it will be a very select group of people who can receive the driver’s license for free. And this measure has been assigned by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), so it is aimed at the following vulnerable groups:
- Those veterans with disabilities related to their military service greater than 60%.
- People with honourable proofs of discharge from military service.
- Residents with official disability certification issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Those with a disability of 50% or more or 40% with amputation of a lower limb.
It should be noted that this measure will not apply to commercial licenses (CDL), only to personal licenses and Real ID issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Why will it be free for these groups?
Very simple, these people are at risk of social exclusion due to their conditions, so the State seeks to eliminate a financial barrier for these people to make them more accessible in terms of processes and bureaucracy.
What are the steps to get a free license?
Just because it’s free doesn’t mean there aren’t any exams yet, so yes, you’ll have to take a written exam and a practical exam, as always. The theoretical exam will be based on traffic rules, signs and safe driving practices. Don’t worry because it’s very easy, it’s a multiple choice test.
As for the practical exam, this is a bit more complicated and will take you more time, you’ll have to show what your driving skills are, practice and surprise the examiner!!
And in Texas?
In Texas it is the same as in all the states, and as we said, it is one of those states in which it will be mandatory to take a theoretical and a practical exam!
How much does a driver’s license cost?
In Texas it depends on the type and duration of the document you want to acquire:
- A six-year license costs $25
- An eight-year license costs $32.
- As for minors (18-24 years old), it will be a 6-year license and will cost $25 dollars.
- For minors under 18 years old there will be two options:
- $16 for a one-year license
- $25 for a six-year license.
As for commercial licenses, for each year from one to four years it will cost $24, and a license from five to eight years will cost $60.
Remember that when you go to the Texas Department of Public Safety because you have passed the exam, you will need to present the required documentation proving your status as a disabled veteran or as a certified disabled resident. Once you have presented your documentation, request the issuance of your free driver’s license, and welcome to the roads!