Texas license renewal for older drivers
Drivers 79 and older must renew in person (no online, phone or mail renewal) and pass a vision exam; ages 79-84 get an 8-year license, 85 and older a 2-year license ($9). There are no mandatory driving tests based solely on age; a skills evaluation or medical information may be requested if there is a concern. All drivers must appear in person at least once every 16 years for a vision exam and new photo.
Preparing for the renewal test
If you need to take a written or signs test to renew, it covers the same handbook as new drivers' tests. Our Texas practice tests and road signs test are free to use, and the read-aloud button can help if small print is hard to read.
Rules that may have changed since you first got your license
Some of the rules in today's Texas handbook are newer than many drivers' first test. Worth a look before renewal:
- Phones: Reading, writing or sending messages on a phone or portable wireless device while driving is illegal for all drivers. Drivers under 18 (learner and provisional) may not use any wireless device, including hands-free, except in an emergency. Wireless device use is prohibited in school zones where signed.
- Move over: For a stopped emergency vehicle, police, fire truck, tow truck, utility service vehicle or TxDOT/highway maintenance vehicle with lights activated: vacate the lane closest to it on a road with two or more lanes in that direction, or slow to 20 mph below the posted limit (if the limit is 25 mph or more) or to 5 mph (if the limit is under 25 mph).
- School buses: Stop when approaching a school bus from either direction that is displaying alternately flashing red lights; do not pass until the bus resumes motion, the driver signals you to proceed, or the lights stop flashing. No stop needed for a bus on a different road or on a controlled-access highway where the bus is in a loading zone and pedestrians may not cross. Fine $500-$1,250 for a first conviction. The handbook gives no stopping distance.
- Alcohol: the limit for adult drivers is 0.08%.
Vision standard
Without corrective lenses, 20/40 or better in each eye and both together means no restriction. With corrective lenses, 20/50 or better in the best eye or both together means a corrective-lenses restriction. 20/60 or 20/70 in the best eye means corrective lenses plus daytime-only driving, a 45 mph limit and other restrictions as advisable. Worse than 20/70 in the best eye fails. One eye: 20/25 or better without lenses means no restriction. Color vision is checked on all original applicants.
Source: Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, checked 2026-10-27.