img:is([sizes="auto" i], [sizes^="auto," i]) { contain-intrinsic-size: 3000px 1500px } Driving Age by State: Texas Teen Crash Stats Revealed
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Driving Age by State: Texas Teen Crash Stats Revealed

May 1, 2025 | By Francis Injury: Car & Truck Accident Lawyers
Driving Age by State: Texas Teen Crash Stats Revealed

What’s the legal driving age in your state? While most people assume it’s 16, the actual age varies depending on whether you’re getting a learner’s permit, provisional license, or full unrestricted driver’s license. In this guide, we break down the minimum driving age by state, learner’s permit rules, and restrictions that apply to teen drivers across the U.S. All information is current for 2024.

Types of Teen Driver Licenses Explained

  • Learner’s Permit: The first step. Allows a teen to drive with a licensed adult in the car. Issued after passing a written test.
  • Provisional or Intermediate License: Granted after 6–12 months with a permit and passing a road test. Comes with restrictions (like no late-night driving or passengers).
  • Full (Unrestricted) License: Issued once the driver meets age, driving hour, and clean driving history requirements. No restrictions.

Driving Age by State Table (2024)

This table shows the minimum age for each type of license in all 50 states, based on DMV and AAA data.

State Permit Age Restricted License Full License
Alabama151617
Alaska141617
Arizona15.51618
Arkansas141618
California15.51618
Colorado151617
Connecticut1616.518
Delaware1616.517
Florida151618
Georgia151618
Hawaii15.51617
Idaho14.51516
Illinois151618
Indiana1516.518
Iowa141617
Kansas141617
Kentucky1616.517
Louisiana151617
Maine151617
Maryland15.7516.518
Massachusetts1616.518
Michigan14.751617
Minnesota151618
Mississippi151617
Missouri151618
Montana14.51516
Nebraska151617
Nevada15.51618
New Hampshire15.51618
New Jersey161718
New Mexico1515.516.5
New York1616.517
North Carolina151618
North Dakota141516
Ohio15.51618
Oklahoma15.51617
Oregon151617
Pennsylvania1616.517
Rhode Island1616.517.5
South Carolina1515.516.5
South Dakota1414.516
Tennessee151617
Texas151618
Utah151617
Vermont151616.5
Virginia15.516.2518
Washington151617
West Virginia151617
Wisconsin15.51618
Wyoming151616.5

Teen Driving Restrictions by State

Even after getting a restricted or provisional license, teen drivers are subject to additional safety rules in most states. These graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws are designed to reduce high-risk behavior and fatal crashes involving young drivers. Below are the most common restrictions for teens across the U.S.

Common Teen Driver Restrictions

  • Nighttime Driving Curfews: Many states prohibit new drivers from driving between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by an adult or for work/school purposes.
  • Passenger Limitations: Teens are often restricted from driving with more than one non-family passenger under age 21 during the first 6–12 months of licensure.
  • Cell Phone Bans: Most states ban any handheld device use for drivers under 18, including hands-free use in some cases.
  • Seat Belt Enforcement: Seat belts are required for all occupants, and violations may result in suspension or delays in full licensure.

For example, in Texas, drivers under age 18 with a provisional license cannot:

  • Drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless for work, school, or emergency purposes
  • Drive with more than one non-family passenger under age 21
  • Use a cell phone—even hands-free—while operating a vehicle

Violating GDL restrictions can lead to fines, license suspension, or delayed eligibility for a full driver’s license. If your teen was involved in an accident during restricted hours, it could also affect how fault and insurance claims are handled.

For more details, check your state’s DMV or official transportation department website. For example, view the Texas Graduated Driver License (GDL) rules.

Teen Driving Crash Statistics in Texas

Teen drivers face the highest risk of car crashes nationwide—and Texas is no exception. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, thousands of motor vehicle collisions in Texas each year involve drivers aged 15–19. Most of these accidents occur within the first year of driving.

  • In 2022, over 90,000 crashes in Texas involved teen drivers between 15 and 19 years old.
  • Nearly 250 teen drivers were involved in fatal crashes across Texas.
  • Distracted driving, speeding, and inexperience are the top contributing factors.
  • More than 30% of teen crashes occurred between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.—outside permitted hours for provisional drivers in Texas.

These numbers reflect why Texas enforces strict teen driving restrictions. Limiting nighttime driving and passenger loads has proven to lower crash rates. If your teen was injured—or caused an accident—while driving, understanding the legal risks and next steps is critical.

At Francis Injury, we’ve helped countless families navigate the aftermath of serious teen driving accidents. Whether you’re pursuing compensation or need a defense strategy, our board-certified Texas personal injury attorney can help.

Are Parents Liable If Their Teen Causes a Car Accident in Texas?

In Texas, parents can be held financially responsible if their teen driver causes a car crash—especially if the parent owns the vehicle or signed the minor’s driver’s license application. Understanding your legal exposure is critical if your child is involved in an accident.

Parental Responsibility Under Texas Law

When a person under 18 applies for a Texas driver’s license, a parent or legal guardian must sign a minor’s license application. This signature creates legal liability for any damage the teen causes while driving, up to a limit of $25,000 in property damage and $100,000 in personal injury.

This is called “vicarious liability.” Essentially, the parent who signed the application is responsible for ensuring the teen drives safely and within the law.

Owner Liability for Family Vehicles

If a parent owns the vehicle their teen was driving, they may also be liable under the “family purpose doctrine.” This legal principle holds parents responsible for negligent acts committed by family members driving a car for general household use.

For example, if your teen takes the family SUV and rear-ends another driver, the injured party may file a claim against both the teen and the parent’s insurance policy.

Protecting Yourself and Your Teen

  • Ensure your teen driver is listed on your insurance policy.
  • Set clear rules for nighttime driving, passengers, and phone use.
  • Consider signing a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement to establish expectations.
  • Monitor vehicle use and remove access if your teen violates safety rules.

If your child was involved in a wreck and you’re unsure about your liability—or if another family was responsible for your injuries—speak with a knowledgeable Texas personal injury attorney right away. We can help you understand your rights and next steps.

Is Your Teen Ready to Drive? Take the Quiz

Before handing over the keys, take a moment to evaluate your teen’s readiness. Use this quick checklist to determine whether your young driver is truly prepared for the road.

  • ✅ Has your teen completed a certified driver's education program?
  • ✅ Do they consistently follow house rules and show maturity in decision-making?
  • ✅ Have they logged at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including at night and in bad weather?
  • ✅ Do they understand the dangers of distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving?
  • ✅ Have you discussed the specific driving restrictions for minors in your state?
  • ✅ Does your teen agree to avoid driving with too many passengers?
  • ✅ Are they confident—but cautious—when behind the wheel?

If you answered “Yes” to most of these questions, your teen may be ready to hit the road. If not, consider more practice time and reviewing state guidelines. For extra accountability, you can also download our Parent-Teen Driving Agreement from the CDC.

Still unsure about local laws or how to protect yourself legally? Contact Francis Injury today for peace of mind and legal clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Driving Laws

Still have questions about when and how your teen can legally drive? Below are answers to some of the most common driving age questions across the U.S. and Texas.

What state has the youngest driving age?

South Dakota has one of the youngest legal driving ages in the U.S. Teens can get an instruction permit at 14 and a restricted license at 14.5 years old. However, strong curfews and passenger restrictions apply.

Can I drive alone with a learner’s permit?

No. With a learner’s permit, all states require that a licensed adult (often age 21+) be in the front seat. Driving alone with just a permit is illegal and can delay your ability to get a license.

In Texas, you can get a learner’s permit at age 15, a provisional license at 16, and a full, unrestricted license at 18, provided you meet all requirements and drive without violations.

Can a 16-year-old drive alone at night in Texas?

Not without restrictions. In Texas, a provisional license holder under age 18 cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless for work, school, or emergency reasons. Violating this restriction can result in penalties or suspension.

What happens if a teen causes a car accident?

If a teen causes an accident, their parents may be held financially responsible—especially if they co-signed the license application or own the vehicle. Learn more in our section on Parental Liability for Teen Drivers.

Has Your Teen Been in a Car Accident in Fort Worth?

A crash involving a teen driver can leave your family overwhelmed. Whether your child was injured or caused the accident, Francis Injury Law can help you understand your legal options and protect your future. Michael Francis is a trusted car accident lawyer in Fort Worth with decades of experience and results.

Schedule Your Free Consultation