Written by Aaron R. Winston
Last Updated: September 27, 2024 3:25pm CDT
The Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program in Texas is designed to help teens gradually improve their driving skills while placing restrictions on them while they practice.
It begins with attending a driver education course (learning about traffic laws, road sign color meaning, defensive driving, etc.) and obtaining a learner’s permit as early as 14 for the course and 15 for the learner’s permit.
In most cases, the program works great.
However, some teens may face a hardship situation, making the typical GDL credentials too restrictive, placing a significant burden on them and their families.
The state of Texas offers a hardship driver license for these cases, allowing eligible teens to drive under specific circumstances when driving becomes necessary due to economic hardship, family illness, or vocational needs.
In this in-depth guide, our expert team explains the process, requirements, and steps needed to get a hardship license as a teenager in Texas.
What Is a Texas Hardship License?
A hardship license in Texas, also known as a minor’s restricted driver license (MRDL), is a special license that allows teenagers at least 15 years old to drive without having a licensed adult in the front passenger seat due to specific extenuating life circumstances.
Texas’ Minor’s Restricted Driver License (MRDL) is not subject to the two-phase learning system of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program. A Texas hardship license grants a teen full driving privileges as early as 15 under specific hardship situations.
It is important to note that DPS can impose restrictions on a case-to-case basis when issuing a hardship license to a Texas teen.
Who Is Eligible for a Texas Hardship License?
To be eligible for a Texas hardship license, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 15 years old but younger than 18.
- Complete a state-approved driver education course and pass the driving skills test.
- Provide evidence of a qualifying hardship, such as significant economic hardship, family illness or disability, enrollment in a vocational program requiring a license, or a death-related emergency.
Applicants must demonstrate that the hardship makes it essential for them to drive without the restrictions of a learner’s permit.
Types of Hardship That Qualify a Minor for a Texas Hardship License
Texas Transportation Code §521.223 lists three types of hardships that may qualify a person for a hardship license, which are:
- Unusual Economic Hardship: If the hardship license is not issued, the minor’s family will face significant financial difficulties affecting their basic quality of life and ability to pay for essential costs.
- Illness or Disability of Family Member: The license is necessary to help with the illness or disability of a family member.
- Enrollment in Vocational Education Program: The minor needs a driver’s license to participate in a vocational education program.
Unusual Economic Hardship
What is considered unusual economic hardship? Under the Texas Transportation Code §521.223(a)(1), eight specific scenarios qualify as unusual economic hardship for obtaining a hardship license. Here are the eight situations explained in simpler terms:
- The minor is married and lives separately from their parents or guardians.
- The minor is responsible for managing a household but is not married.
- The minor has dependent children and needs to drive to take care of their children’s welfare.
- The minor is the only person in the household eligible for a driver’s license.
- The minor is the only person in the household eligible for a driver’s license, aside from the head of the household. However, the head of the household is often away from home for extended periods due to work, so the minor needs a hardship license to help maintain the household.
- The minor attends school and needs to work to help financially support their family. No other transportation options are available that wouldn’t cause other family members to miss work.
- The minor needs transportation to and from school, but no school bus or public transportation is available. Nevertheless, needing transportation for school activities like sports, band, or other extracurriculars does not count as an unusual economic hardship when applying for a hardship license.
- The minor needs to drive to help with essential farming or ranching tasks, which are their family’s primary income source.
Family Illness or Disability
To obtain a hardship license due to a family member’s illness, sickness, or disability, a signed statement from the attending physician is required as outlined in Texas Transportation Code §521.223(a)(2).
This statement must confirm that the family member cannot drive due to their health condition. Without this medical attestation from the doctor, the hardship license cannot be issued based on family medical needs.
Vocational Education Program Enrollment
In order to obtain a hardship license due to enrollment in a career and technology or vocational education program, the minor must provide certification from their school administration as part of the application process.
This certification must confirm that the applicant is enrolled in an approved career or vocational course that earns academic credit and that driving is necessary for participation in the program.
Without this certification, the license cannot be issued under Texas Transportation Code §521.223(a)(3).
Death Related Emergency
Although not directly mentioned in the Texas Transportation Code, the official application for a hardship license does include a “death-related emergency” as a qualifying provision to be eligible for a hardship license.
This could include responsibilities like driving to school, attending to essential tasks related to the death, or supporting family members in the absence of the deceased.
Texas Hardship License Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
To qualify for a hardship license, applicants must meet these key requirements:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 15 (but less than 18).
- Proof of Residence and US Citizenship (or Lawful Presence): You must provide proof of US citizenship or lawful presence and proof of Texas residency, such as a birth certificate, US passport, or a valid Texas ID, along with personal documents like utility bills or lease agreements to verify your residence.
- Proof of Identity: You must provide a photo ID issued by a governmental agency to prove you are who you say you are. Your full name and date of birth must be verifiable.
- Social Security Number (SSN): You must provide your social security number when applying for a driver license in Texas if you have one.
- Driver’s Education Requirement: You must complete a state-approved driver education course and pass a driving skills test.
- Qualifying Hardship Requirement (at least one):
- Economic Hardship: Your family would suffer significant financial strain if the minor can’t drive unaccompanied by a licensed adult over 21 in the front passenger seat.
- Family Illness: A family member of yours has a severe medical condition or disability necessitating you be allowed to drive without a licensed adult over 21 in the passenger seat. For instance, your parent has seizures or suffers from fainting spells, making them unable to get a driver license.
- Vocational Education Program Requirements: The minor needs a driver’s license to participate in a vocational education program.
- Death-related Emergency: A family member has died, necessitating you to be able to drive without restrictions.
How to Apply for a Texas Hardship License
To apply for a hardship license in Texas, you must complete and submit the Application for Texas Hardship Driver License (DL-77) form along with the necessary supporting documents to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at a driver license office in person.
Hardship License Application Form
It consists of eight sections, of which we will walk you through how to complete each below to ensure your application is accurate and complete before submitting in person at a driver license office.
1. Applicant Information:
- Fill in your personal details: name, date of birth, Social Security number (SSN), gender, height, weight, eye and hair color, race, and ethnicity.
- Provide your place of birth and details of your parents.
2. Contact Information:
- Enter your residence and mailing addresses, along with phone numbers and email.
- List up to two emergency contacts if desired (name, phone number, and address).
3. Required Information From All Applicants:
- Answer yes or no to citizenship, health conditions affecting communication with a peace officer, register as an organ donor, and donation support questions.
4. Medical History Questions:
- Answer yes or no and explain details about any medical conditions that could affect your ability to drive, including whether you have ever had an epileptic seizure or loss of consciousness, have diabetes that requires insulin treatments, any alcohol or drug dependencies or abuse in the past two years, and whether you have ever been referred to the Texas Medical Advisory Board for Driver Licensing.
- (Answering yes to any of these questions will likely result in the denial of your hardship license application).
5. Vehicle Registration and Insurance Information:
- Answer yes or no about whether you own a motor vehicle that is required to be registered in Texas and if you own a vehicle that is required to have liability insurance or proof of financial responsibility according to Texas law.
6. Applicant Is Applying for a Hardship Driver License Under the Following Provision(s):
- Unusual economic hardship on the family of the minor: Check this box if you need a hardship license relating to financial difficulties affecting your family, and explain why that necessitates you being able to drive unrestricted as a minor.
- A death-related emergency: Check this box if you need a hardship license due to a death-related emergency in your family. Provide the name of the deceased, how you are related to them (e.g., mother, father, etc.), and the date of their death. You can attach their death certificate as proof.
- Sickness or illness or disability of family members: Check this if a family member’s illness or disability requires you to drive. Include their name, their relationship to you, and the name and phone number of the physician who attests that their medical condition is cause for you to have a hardship license. Make sure to attach the physician’s statement.
- Enrollment in a Vocational Education Program: Check this box if driving is needed for vocational school. Provide the school’s name, contact details, class times, and days attended, along with a certification from the school.
7. Additional Information:
- Answer whether you currently hold a Texas learner license, provisional license, or state ID card. Provide the license or state ID number if applicable.
- Answer whether you’ve ever applied for a hardship driver license. If yes, specify where.
- Answer whether you have completed a required driver education course and choose either classroom, driving, or both.
- Provide the names and license numbers of both your father and mother. Include the names of each parent’s employers, work hours, and work contact details.
- List other household members, their license numbers, and their relationship to you.
- Explain all necessary driving you will need to do and why others are unable to do this driving. Use an extra page if necessary.
- You and your parent/legal guardian must sign to acknowledge that you received information about the state laws regarding driving distracted, driving while intoxicated, a minor driving with alcohol in their system, and the implied consent law.
8. Parental Authorization:
- Your parent or guardian must sign the authorization section stating they take full responsibility for you to be authorized to be issued a driver’s license, and they understand that the Texas Department of Public Safety may make any investigation necessary to confirm or deny any information contained in your application or information concerning early enrollment authority in a driver education course.
Schedule a DPS Appointment to Get Hardship License
Visit the Texas DPS website to schedule an appointment at your local driver license office. Appointments fill up quickly, but same-day appointments are available on a limited basis at most driver license office locations.
Submit the Hardship License Application
At your driver’s license office appointment, submit the completed hardship application form (DL-77) and the required documents. You will also need to pay the applicable $16 fee.
What to Do If Your Texas Hardship License Application Is Denied?
If your hardship license application is denied by the Texas DPS, you have the legal right to reapply. Before submitting a new application, it is essential to carefully review the reason for the denial, address any issues, and include any missing documentation.
Ensuring that all necessary information is provided can improve your chances of approval on the next submission.
Obtaining a Texas hardship license can provide much-needed relief for teens facing exceptional circumstances like economic hardship, family illness, or vocational needs.
By meeting the eligibility requirements, completing a driver education course, and submitting the proper documentation, minors can receive the necessary driving privileges to help their families and carry out personal responsibilities.
Though the process can be complex, understanding the steps and preparing thoroughly can make it easier to secure a hardship license when it’s most needed.
At Express Legal Funding, we understand how financial hardship can impact families and legal cases alike.
As a nationally recognized and trusted provider of pre-settlement funding based in Plano, Texas, we help individuals access the financial support they need while navigating complex legal challenges to help with personal expenses and the cost of daily living.
If you’re facing hardship and are suing another person or company for injuries or damages, we can assist with bridging the gap. We can advance you non-recourse pre-settlement funds until a resolution for your case is reached.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Texas Hardship License Eligibility
The following are some of the most commonly searched questions and their answers about hardship licenses in Texas:
What is the minimum age to apply for a hardship license in Texas?
The minimum age to apply for a hardship license in Texas is 15 years old.
When does a Texas hardship license expire?
A hardship license expires on the minor’s next birthday in Texas.
What happens if I don’t provide all the required information on my Texas hardship application form?
Incomplete or missing information on the application may result in the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) being unable to verify your eligibility, leading to a refusal to issue a hardship license.
What are the legal consequences of lying on a Texas hardship license application?
Providing false information on your hardship license application in Texas is serious and can lead to criminal charges with penalties of a fine of up to $4,000.00 and/or a jail time sentence.
Is it hard to get a hardship license in Texas?
Yes, getting a hardship license in Texas can be difficult because there are many requirements to meet, with some qualifying hardship situations requiring more nuanced evidence than others.
Being enrolled in a vocational educational program where you need a license to drive is clear-cut, while unusual economic hardship situations vary greatly and are complex.
How much does it cost to get a hardship license in Texas?
Applying for a hardship license in Texas costs $16, the same fee as for learner and provisional licenses. This non-refundable fee must be paid when submitting the application to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Am I allowed to apply for a Texas hardship license online?
No, the law requires Texas hardship license applications to be presented in person at a driver license office in Texas.
What if I don’t have a parent or guardian to apply for a hardship license?
In Texas, if a minor doesn’t have a parent, guardian, or custodian, an employer or a county judge can apply for a hardship license on their behalf.
About the Author
Aaron Winston is the Strategy Director of Express Legal Funding. As "The Legal Funding Expert," Aaron has more than ten years of experience in the consumer finance industry. Most of which was as a consultant to a top financial advisory firm, managing 400+ million USD in client wealth. He is recognized as an expert author and researcher across multiple SEO industries.
Aaron Winston earned his title "The Legal Funding Expert" through authoritative articles and blog posts about legal funding. He specializes in expert content writing for pre-settlement funding and law firm blogs.
Each month, tens of thousands of web visitors read his articles and posts. Aaron's thoroughly researched guides are among the most-read lawsuit funding articles over the past year.
As Strategy Director of Express Legal Funding, Aaron has devoted thousands of hours to advocating for the consumer. His "it factor" is that he is a tireless and inventive thought leader who has made great strides by conveying his legal knowledge and diverse expertise to the public. More clients and lawyers understand the facts about pre-settlement funding because of Aaron's legal and financial service SEO mastery.
Aaron Winston is the author of A Word For The Wise. A Warning For The Stupid. Canons of Conduct, which is a book in poetry format. It consists of 35 unique canons. The book was published in 2023.
He keeps an academic approach to business that improves the consumer's well-being. In early 2022, Aaron gained the Search Engine Optimization and the Google Ads LinkedIn skills assessment badges. He placed in the top 5% of those who took the SEO skills test assessment.
Aaron's company slogans and lawsuit funding company name are registered trademarks of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He has gained positive notoriety via interviews and case studies, which are a byproduct of his successes. Aaron R. Winston was featured in a smith.ai interview (2021) and a company growth case study (2022).
In 2023, Aaron and Express Legal Funding received accolades in a leading SEO author case study performed by the leading professionals at WordLift. The in-depth data presented in the pre-settlement funding SEO case study demonstrate why Aaron Winston maintains a high-author E-E-A-T. His original writing and helpful content continue to achieve unprecedented success and stand in their own class.
Aaron was born in Lubbock, TX, where he spent the first eight years of his life. Aaron attended Akiba Academy of Dallas, TX.
