Texas Adult Drivers Education Requirements

The state of Texas wants all of its drivers to stay safe. That's why it requires both teens and young adults to complete a drivers education course before they can get their first drivers license. Continue reading to learn more about Texas' adult drivers education requirements.

Who Is Required to Take Drivers Education?

In Texas, all new drivers under 25 are required to complete a drivers education course. While drivers under 18 must complete a version of the course designed for teens, most drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 opt to take an adult drivers education class, which also fulfills Texas' drivers education requirements.

To get their license, all drivers under 25 need to bring a certificate of completion from their drivers education course with them when they take their driving test. New drivers who are 25 or older aren't required to complete a drivers education course, but the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) still recommends that they enroll in one.

What Is Adult Drivers Education?

Like teen drivers education courses, adult programs cover the rules of the road, traffic signs, alcohol awareness and more. Adult drivers education courses are six-hours long and they can be completed online. In addition to fulfilling Texas' drivers education requirements, 18- to 24-year-olds who enroll in adult drivers education courses can expect a number of benefits.

• Drivers who complete an adult drivers education course will develop a thorough understanding of Texas' traffic laws that will help them stay safe behind the wheel.
• Completing certain adult drivers education courses can exempt drivers license applicants from having to take a written knowledge exam.
• All drivers are required to complete the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) program before they can get their first license. Drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 who complete an adult drivers education course can complete the shorter Impact Texas Young Drivers (ITYD) version of the course, rather than the longer Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) version.

Can Older Drivers Take an Adult Drivers Education Course?

Although new drivers over 25 aren't required to take a drivers education course, they're still welcomed to enroll in one. Adult drivers education courses are chock full of useful information that can help prepare new drivers to get behind the wheel. Plus, new drivers over 25 who complete a state-approved drivers education course can also be exempt from taking a written knowledge exam at a Texas DPS office before they can get their license.