Hardship Driver License Program

A minor age 15 may receive a hardship license if certain qualifications are met:

The statement below comes directly from the Texas Department of Public Safety Minor's Restricted Driver License Application:

The department may issue a license to any minor who satisfies the requirements if the department finds that (1) the failure or refusal to issue such license to any such minor will work an unusual economic hardship on the family of the applicant of the license (2) the license should be granted to the minor because of the sickness or illness of members of the family of the applicant , or (3) a license should be granted to the minor because he is regularly enrolled in a vocational education program and requires a driver license to pursue the program and has completed an approved course in driver education.

On the application, you must check an appropriate selection and complete information that asks the parent or guardian the following:

If there is any unusual hardship on the family or the minor
If there is a death-related emergency (including the name, date, and relationship of the decendent)
If there is a sickness or disability of a family member (a physician statement is required)
If the minor is in a vocational educational program (certificate from the school is required, including the school address and the dates and times of attendance)

In addition:

You must also explain in detail (in writing) the necessity for the minor to drive and why others cannot perform this function.  Driving to school activities such as band and sports is not sufficient reason.

And...the parent or guardian and the minor must sign the application and it must be notarized.

A word of warning:

You are applying to a state agency who seriously frowns on fraud when completing their applications.  They will verify your claim and if fraudulent they will prosecute.

The Form

You can download and printout the Hardship Driver License Application here.