# How Do Learner’s Permits Work? | Attorney Brian White ![How Do Learner’s Permits Work?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/How-Do-Learners-Permits-Work-300x200.jpg) In [Texas](https://www.houstontx.gov/), a learner’s permit—also known as a learner license—is the first step in the state’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) program. It allows teens as young as 15 years old to begin learning to drive under supervision. With a learner’s permit, the driver may only operate a vehicle while accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and seated in the front passenger seat. To qualify for a [Texas learner’s permit](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/can-you-drive-in-another-state-with-a-learners-permit/), teens must first complete the classroom portion of a state-approved driver’s education course and pass a written knowledge exam covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Once issued, the learner license must be held for at least six months, during which the teen must log at least 30 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night. During this phase, teens must avoid [traffic violations](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-you-should-know-about-traffic-violations-in-texas/) and maintain a clean driving record. Completing this stage prepares new drivers for the next step in the GDL process: the provisional license, which comes with fewer restrictions but still limits certain high-risk activities like late-night driving and carrying young passengers. Texas’s structured permit system is designed to help young drivers gain confidence and skill behind the wheel in a gradual, supervised manner. ## Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program Stages Texas uses a two-phase Graduated Driver License (GDL) system to help young drivers gain experience behind the wheel safely and gradually. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ### Phase One – Learner License The learner license is available to teens aged 15 to 17 who have completed a state-approved driver education course. This license allows the teen to drive only when accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and seated in the front passenger seat. The learner must hold this license for at least six months and be at least 16 years old before progressing to the next phase. ### Phase Two – Provisional License This license grants teens the ability to drive without supervision but still includes key limitations. For the first 12 months, the driver may not have more than one passenger under 21 in the vehicle unless they are family members. Additionally, drivers under 18 are prohibited from using any wireless communication devices, including hands-free technology, except in emergencies. Driving is also not allowed between midnight and 5 a.m., unless for work, school, or medical needs. This provisional period continues until the driver turns 18, after which they may obtain a full, unrestricted license. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. As a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, Brian represents clients throughout Houston in cases involving [car accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/), [truck accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/), [motorcycle accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/), [brain injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/brain-injury-lawyer/), [wrongful death](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/), and more. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives across Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. 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State and federal agencies [![Hit and Run Accidents in Texas: What Victims Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Hit-and-Run-Accidents-in-Texas-What-Victims-Need-to-Know-300x200.jpeg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/hit-and-run-accidents-in-texas-what-victims-need-to-know/) [Hit-and-Run Accidents in Texas: What Victims Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/hit-and-run-accidents-in-texas-what-victims-need-to-know/) Hit and run accidents can cause debilitating injuries. Sadly, victims of hit-and-run crashes have the burden of [![How to File a Car Accident Claim with Fred Loya](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/iStock-1029711564-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-file-a-car-accident-claim-with-fred-loya/) [How to File a Car Accident Claim With Fred Loya](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-file-a-car-accident-claim-with-fred-loya/) Fred Loya is one of five brands that fall under the Loya Insurance Group. The other brands include Young America [![The Woodlands Car Accident Statistics](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-woodlands-car-accident-statistics/) [The Woodlands Car Accident Statistics](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-woodlands-car-accident-statistics/) Located approximately 30 miles north of Houston, The Woodlands, TX, is a bustling and growing community part --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-do-learners-permits-work/