From Learner’s Permit to License: Your Roadmap with Rhodes Driving Schools

Earning a Texas driver’s license is an exciting milestone, whether you’re a teen eager to gain independence or an adult starting your driving journey. The process can feel overwhelming, but Rhodes Driving Schools in San Antonio makes it clear and achievable with our state-approved programs, experienced instructors, and convenient services like Third Party Skills Testing. With over 40 years of serving the community, we’ve guided thousands of drivers from learner’s permit to license. This roadmap outlines the steps to get your Texas driver’s license and how Rhodes supports you every step of the way.

The Texas Driver’s License Process

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversees driver licensing, with different requirements for teens (under 18) and adults (18 and over). Below, we break down the process for each group and show how Rhodes Driving Schools ensures your success.

For Teens (Under 18): The Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program

Texas uses a two-phase Graduated Driver License (GDL) program to help teens build skills safely. Here’s the roadmap:

1. Complete a Driver Education CourseRequirement: Complete a 32-hour driver education course, including 6 hours of classroom instruction on Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.Rhodes’ Role: We offer the 32-hour course in-person at our four San Antonio locations (Eckhert, Bandera, West, Southwest) or online as a parent-taught program. Our engaging curriculum, led by state-certified instructors with over 10 years of experience, prepares you for the written knowledge test. Contact our Bandera location at (210) 680-3980 to enroll.What You Need: Proof of identity, Social Security number, Texas residency, and school enrollment (if applicable).
2. Requirement: Complete a 32-hour driver education course, including 6 hours of classroom instruction on Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.
3. Rhodes’ Role: We offer the 32-hour course in-person at our four San Antonio locations (Eckhert, Bandera, West, Southwest) or online as a parent-taught program. Our engaging curriculum, led by state-certified instructors with over 10 years of experience, prepares you for the written knowledge test. Contact our Bandera location at (210) 680-3980 to enroll.
4. What You Need: Proof of identity, Social Security number, Texas residency, and school enrollment (if applicable).
5. Obtain a Learner’s PermitAge Requirement: At least 15 years old.Steps:Pass the written knowledge test, which you can take at the DPS or through Rhodes’ approved testing services.Submit required documents and pay the learner’s permit fee (typically $16).What You Get: A learner’s permit allowing supervised driving with a licensed adult over 21.Rhodes’ Role: Our classroom and online courses include practice tests and study materials to ensure you ace the written test. We also guide parents through the parent-taught process for seamless permit preparation.
6. Age Requirement: At least 15 years old.
7. Steps:Pass the written knowledge test, which you can take at the DPS or through Rhodes’ approved testing services.Submit required documents and pay the learner’s permit fee (typically $16).
8. Pass the written knowledge test, which you can take at the DPS or through Rhodes’ approved testing services.
9. Submit required documents and pay the learner’s permit fee (typically $16).
10. What You Get: A learner’s permit allowing supervised driving with a licensed adult over 21.
11. Rhodes’ Role: Our classroom and online courses include practice tests and study materials to ensure you ace the written test. We also guide parents through the parent-taught process for seamless permit preparation.
12. Complete Behind-the-Wheel TrainingRequirement: Complete 14 hours of behind-the-wheel training (7 hours driving, 7 hours observing) as part of the 32-hour course, plus 44 additional hours of supervised driving (10 at night) with a parent or guardian.Rhodes’ Role: Our state-licensed vehicles and certified instructors provide hands-on training, covering essential skills like parallel parking, lane changes, and defensive driving. We practice on San Antonio’s roads, from busy I-10 to suburban streets, ensuring you’re ready for real-world conditions. Schedule your lessons at our West location: (210) 695-8883.
13. Requirement: Complete 14 hours of behind-the-wheel training (7 hours driving, 7 hours observing) as part of the 32-hour course, plus 44 additional hours of supervised driving (10 at night) with a parent or guardian.
14. Rhodes’ Role: Our state-licensed vehicles and certified instructors provide hands-on training, covering essential skills like parallel parking, lane changes, and defensive driving. We practice on San Antonio’s roads, from busy I-10 to suburban streets, ensuring you’re ready for real-world conditions. Schedule your lessons at our West location: (210) 695-8883.
15. Pass the DPS Driving TestAge Requirement: At least 16 years old, with a learner’s permit held for at least 6 months.Steps:Complete all required driving hours and log them.Pass the DPS driving skills test, which Rhodes can administer at our Eckhert location as a Third Party Skills Test provider.Provide documents and pay the provisional license fee (typically $11).What You Get: A provisional license with restrictions (e.g., no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., except for emergencies; no more than one passenger under 21).Rhodes’ Role: We prepare you with mock tests and practice on DPS test routes, ensuring confidence. Our Third Party Skills Testing at Eckhert makes the process convenient. Call (210) 523-7483 to schedule your test.
16. Age Requirement: At least 16 years old, with a learner’s permit held for at least 6 months.
17. Steps:Complete all required driving hours and log them.Pass the DPS driving skills test, which Rhodes can administer at our Eckhert location as a Third Party Skills Test provider.Provide documents and pay the provisional license fee (typically $11).
18. Complete all required driving hours and log them.
19. Pass the DPS driving skills test, which Rhodes can administer at our Eckhert location as a Third Party Skills Test provider.
20. Provide documents and pay the provisional license fee (typically $11).
21. What You Get: A provisional license with restrictions (e.g., no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., except for emergencies; no more than one passenger under 21).
22. Rhodes’ Role: We prepare you with mock tests and practice on DPS test routes, ensuring confidence. Our Third Party Skills Testing at Eckhert makes the process convenient. Call (210) 523-7483 to schedule your test.
23. Upgrade to a Full LicenseAt age 18, restrictions are lifted, and your provisional license becomes a full Texas driver’s license, provided you have no traffic violations.
24. At age 18, restrictions are lifted, and your provisional license becomes a full Texas driver’s license, provided you have no traffic violations.

For Adults (18 and Over)

Adults follow a streamlined process, as the GDL program does not apply:

1. Complete a Six-Hour Course: First-time drivers aged 18–24 must complete a six-hour adult driver education course, which Rhodes offers online or in-person at our four locations. The course covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, and test preparation.
2. Pass the Written Knowledge Test: Taken at the DPS or through Rhodes’ approved testing services.
3. Pass the Driving Skills Test: Schedule with Rhodes at our Eckhert location for a stress-free experience.
4. Provide Documentation: Proof of identity, Social Security number, Texas residency, and insurance.
5. Pay the License Fee: Typically $25 for a standard license.
6. Rhodes’ Role: Our six-hour course is tailored for adults, with flexible scheduling and personalized behind-the-wheel training to build confidence. Contact our Southwest location at (210) 233-1094 to get started.

Why Choose Rhodes for Your Journey?

Rhodes Driving Schools, a family-owned business serving San Antonio for over 40 years, offers unmatched support to help you earn your Texas driver’s license:

1. Experienced Instructors: Our state-certified instructors, each with over 10 years of experience, provide patient, personalized guidance.
2. Flexible Options: Choose in-person classes at our four locations or our online parent-taught course for teens, plus online adult courses for convenience.
3. Third Party Skills Testing: Take your DPS driving test at our Eckhert location, with familiar instructors and vehicles, reducing test-day stress.
4. Comprehensive Curriculum: Our programs cover everything from road rules to defensive driving, ensuring you’re prepared for both the written and driving tests.
5. Community Support: With a shuttle service to Brandeis High School and four accessible locations, we make driver education convenient for San Antonio families.

Success25 Tips for Success

1. Study the Texas Driver Handbook: Use Rhodes’ practice tests and study materials to prepare for the written test.
2. Log Driving Hours Early: Start supervised driving as soon as you get your learner’s permit to build experience.
3. Practice Test Maneuvers: Focus on parallel parking, lane changes, and other DPS test skills during behind-the-wheel sessions.
4. Schedule Strategically: Book your driving test at Rhodes’ Eckhert location for a familiar environment and expert preparation.
5. Stay Calm: Trust your Rhodes training to handle test-day nerves and demonstrate safe driving.

Success Story

Meet Sophia, a 17-year-old from San Antonio: “I was so nervous about getting my license, but Rhodes made it so easy. The online course helped me pass the written test, and my instructor at the West location practiced DPS test routes with me. Taking the test at Eckhert was stress-free, and I passed on my first try! Now I’m driving to school confidently.” Sophia’s journey reflects the success of thousands of Rhodes students.

Call to Action: Start Your Road to a License with Rhodes!

From learner’s permit to license, Rhodes Driving Schools is your trusted partner in San Antonio. Our expert instructors, flexible programs, and Third Party Skills Testing make earning your Texas driver’s license straightforward and stress-free. Visit rhodesdrivingschools.com to explore our teen and adult programs, or contact one of our San Antonio locations to enroll:

1. Eckhert: (210) 523-7483
2. Bandera: (210) 680-3980
3. West: (210) 695-8883
4. Southwest: (210) 233-1094

Take the first step toward your Texas driver’s license with Rhodes Driving Schools today!