Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed Course

Help your teen earn a license: both online drivers education and behind-the-wheel training.

How does online drivers ed work?

It's simple. Create an account by choosing a username and password. We'll take you through the steps of enrolling in the course and give you some important information. Before you know it you'll be on the road to satisfying your Texas drivers education requirement!

Your course is available to you online 24/7. That means you can log in and out whenever you want and from any computer that has Internet access! When you log back in, we'll take you back to the exact place you left off. After you request your Certificate of Partial Completion, you'll be able to move through the course topic-by-topic. Doesn't that sound better than spending time in a classroom? And if you have a question about course content, customer support is open 7 days a week.

At the end of the course there will be a final exam. According to Texas regulations, you are only allowed to take the final exam three times. If you fail the final exam for this course three times, you will have to take the course over again.

How do I get my drivers license?

Step 1: Begin a DPS / TDLR-approved Texas drivers ed course

Texas requires all new drivers under 18 to take drivers education. In order to apply for their Texas learner license / instruction permit, all applicants under 18 must first complete at least 6 hours of a 32-hour DPS / TDLR-approved Texas drivers education course.

The Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) program is an alternative to the conventional drivers education class. Through this program, teens between the ages of 14 and 17 take the theory part of their drivers education online and parents can provide the behind-the-wheel training.

Our DriversEd.com online Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Education Course was initially approved by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and is now licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). It follows the concurrent method, meaning it has two concurrently taught components, both of which are supervised by a parent or guardian.* It consists of:

  1. 32 hours of online coursework on the rules of the road and driver safety
  2. 34 hours of in-car driving lessons instruction (including 10 hours of night driving)

Note: Effective September 1, 2013, the required number of hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving will increase from 20 to 30, including 10 hours at night

Course Enrollment Requirements

  1. To enroll in Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Education, all Texas drivers education students must first request and receive a Parent-Taught Drivers Education Program Guide from the TDLR. You can submit your request online or by mailing in a completed copy of the Parent Taught Program Guide request form. There is a fee for the PTDE program guide.
  2. The instructor can be a parent, stepparent, grandparent, step-grandparent, foster parent, or legal guardian and must meet the following requirements:
    • Must have a valid Texas drivers license for the last three years. Active U.S. military personnel and their spouse may participate as instructors if they hold a valid license from their state of permanent residence or last duty station for the preceding three years.
    • The instructor must have fewer than 6 points on his or her driving record.
    • Cannot have a conviction (including a probated sentence) of criminally negligent homicide or driving while intoxicated.
    • Must have a license that has not been suspended, revoked, or forfeited in the past three years for traffic–related violations.
    • May not be disabled due to mental illness. Questions as to mental stability will be forwarded to the Medical Advisory Board for determination.

    Please Note:

    It is the responsibility of the instructor to check both their criminal and driver records prior to requesting the program guide. The DPS will not check the instructor's record until the issuance of the learner license or provisional drivers license to the student. For instructors with out of state driver license history during the past 3 years, the instructor must bring a complete driver history called a "certified abstract" from their former state(s) to the driver license office when the student applies for issuance of the learner license or provisional driver license.

    If at that time it is determined that the instructor has a prohibited conviction, the student's learner license or provisional drivers license will be denied and all prior classroom or behind-the-wheel/in-car instruction credit is invalid.

After completing the first 6 hours of PTDE coursework, the student can then apply for the learner license in order to begin in-car instruction. From here, the PTDE course will consist of concurrent behind-the-wheel instruction and online coursework.

Parents or students interested in taking the block method of Parent-Taught Drivers Education (in which the theory part of drivers education is taught first and separate from the behind-the-wheel training) should contact us for details.

Step 2: Study for the Texas learner license / instruction permit test

In order to get the learner license and eventually the Texas drivers license, everyone no matter how old must pass a written test on traffic laws and signs. 70% of test-takers fail on their first try and end up returning to the DMV.

A proven way to increase your chances of passing your learner license test is with up-to-date online Texas DPS practice permit tests. Randomly generated questions test your driving knowledge and prepare you for the real deal.

Fifty online practice permit tests come free with our Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Education Course.

Step 3: Apply for the Texas learner license / instruction permit

Apply for your learner license at a Driver License Office.

To be eligible for the Texas learner license, you must:

  1. Be at least 15 years old.
  2. Submit an Application for Texas Driver License, DL-14A.
  3. Pay the required fee for Learner License Issuance.
  4. Show proof of Liability Insurance (if you own the vehicle).
  5. Show proof of identity.
  6. Show proof of Social Security number.
  7. Submit a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance in School Form.
  8. Submit a Certificate of Driver Education, DE-964 Classroom (proof of completion of objectives for the first 6 hours of drivers education)
  9. Pass a vision test.
  10. Pass the knowledge test covering road signs and road rules. There are 40 multiple choice questions and you'll need a 70% minimum score to pass. With our Texas drivers education course, you can take the knowledge test online for free.
  11. Once you pass the knowledge test, you'll be issued a learner license.

All students must have a learner license before they can start the in-car phase of the driver education program.

If you're in our area, you can complete the in-car phase with the professional, patient, friendly instructors of DriversEd.com! We tailor our lessons to your learning style, and all our Texas driving lessons take place in a MINI Countryman with a top safety rating.

If you're outside our area or wish to take driving lessons with a different driving school, we'll transfer you conveniently to the commercial driving school of your choice.

Step 4: Practice driving under supervision

Once you have your learner license, if you're under 18, you'll need to practice driving under supervision for at least 6 months. Remember, you can only drive when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is seated next to you.

Your learner license must remain valid during the entire 6 months before you can earn your Provisional License. If your learner license is suspended or revoked during this period, upon the completion of the suspension period, the remaining 6 month period must be completed before you can be issued a Provisional License.

    Step 5: Take the driving test for your Texas drivers license

    Once the student has turned 16 and held a learner license for at least 6 months, the student must pass the driving skills test administered by the DPS prior to receiving a Class C Provisional drivers license.

    Starting September 1, 2015, any student taking the 32-hour or parent-taught drivers ed course must complete the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) course before taking the driving skills test. The Impact Texas Teen Drivers course is provided for free by the Texas DPS.

    You will need to bring the required documents to the driver license office to take the driving skills test and apply for your license. These include your Certificate of Completion for your drivers education course and your ITTD certificate.

    Provisional License Restrictions

    A Provisional License holder:

    1. May not operate a motor vehicle with more than one passenger in the vehicle under 21 years old who is not a family member.
    2. May not operate a vehicle between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the operator to attend or participate in employment or a school-related activity or because of a medical emergency.
    3. May not operate a vehicle while using a wireless communication device, such as a cell phone.

    When you turn 18, your Provisional License will expire and you may apply for a standard driving license with full privileges.

      Texas Parent-Taught Course Eligibility

      Who must take Texas driver education?

      If you're between 15 and 18 years old and planning to obtain a Texas learner license, you'll need to complete a DPS / TDLR-approved drivers education course.

      DriversEd.com's online course fulfills the Texas drivers education requirement for the Parent-Taught Drivers Education Program (see below).

      Does the DriversEd.com course satisfy DPS and TDLR requirements?

      Yes. Our course is licensed by the TDLR (course C3244) and satisfies all DPS requirements. It is equivalent to the regular 32-hour in-class drivers education course and it provides instructions and time logs for the 34 hours of in-car instruction.

      Note: Effective September 1, 2013, the required number of hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving will increase from 20 to 30, including 10 hours at night.

      What is the Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) Program?

      The Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) program became law in 1997 as an alternative to drivers education in a conventional school setting. This program allows teens to take their drivers education course online (with DPS / TDLR-licensed providers) and allows parents to provide the in-car training.

      In order to participate in PTDE, the parent must first submit a request, online or by mail, for a Parent-Taught Drivers Education Program Guide from the TDLR.

      IMPORTANT: The student may not begin the DriversEd.com Texas online course until the parent has received an official PTDE program guide from the TDLR. By law, any instruction, online or in-car, that occurs prior to the receipt of this program guide will not count toward the required instruction time.

        Concurrent Method

        Almost all students in Texas complete driver education under the concurrent method. Under the concurrent method, prior to taking the written examination and applying for a learner license, the student, at minimum, must complete the first 6 hours of classroom instructions of any approved Parent Taught Driver Education course.

        Prior to beginning any driving (i.e. any behind the wheel driving or in-car observation), the student must obtain a Texas learner license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (to apply the student must be at least 15 years of age and must meet all other eligibility requirements).

        Under the concurrent method, after completion of the first 6 hours of the classroom instruction and obtaining a Texas learner license from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the instructor and student must complete the remaining 26 hours of classroom instruction simultaneously with the 7 hours of in-car observation, 7 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, and 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice (10 hours which must be conducted at night) prior to applying for a driver license.

        Block Method

        Under the block method, the student completes all 32 hours of classroom instruction of the program as prescribed by our course, which is recognized by the DPS and approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The student is then eligible to test for a Texas Learner License. Prior to advancing to the 34 hours of behind-the-wheel and in-car practice, the student must be at least 15 years of age and meet all other eligibility requirements to obtain a Texas Learner License. (The 34 hours consist of 7 hours of in-car observation, 7 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, and 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, 10 hours which must be conducted at night.)

        If a student selects the block method but wishes to transfer to or from the Parent Taught Driver Education Program or a DPS / TEA / TDLR-approved driver training school, all 32 hours of classroom instruction must be completed prior to transferring to a DPS / TEA / TDLR-approved driver training school. No hours of instruction (classroom or behind-the-wheel) may be transferred between the Parent Taught Driver Education Program and a DPS / TEA / TDLR-approved driver training program.

        Note: Effective September 1, 2013, the required number of hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving will increase from 20 to 30, including 10 hours at night.

        Do you offer the Concurrent Method of PTDE or the Block Method?

        Our Texas course is set up for the Concurrent Method of PTDE. This means that after you complete 6 hours of the online course, you'll receive a Certificate of Partial Completion which allows you to take the written exam at the DPS. If you request your Certificate of Partial Completion before April 25, 2013, you will receive a physical copy. If you request your Certificate of Partial Completion after April 25, 2013, you will receive a downloadable copy. After you get your learner license, you can continue with the online course and the behind-the-wheel training with your parent.

        For more information about the Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Education Program, please see the TDLR website. Specific questions about the program should be directed to:

        Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
        Driver Education and Safety
        PO Box 12157
        Austin, TX 78711

        CS.Driver.Education.Safety@tdlr.texas.gov

        (800) 803-9202 [in state only]
        (512) 463-6599
        Fax: (512) 463-9468
        Relay Texas-TDD: (800) 735-2989

        What is the difference between drivers education and drivers training?

        Drivers Education: a course that teaches you the rules of the road, vehicle safety, and everything that you need to know before you get behind the wheel for the first time. In Texas, every new driver under 18 years old must take a 32-hour drivers education course before applying for the learner license. DriversEd.com provides a DPS / TDLR-approved Parent-Taught Drivers Education course.

        Drivers Training: the in-car driving lessons that you take with a licensed driving instructor. In Texas, if you are under 18, you must take 34 hours of drivers training (7 hours of in-car observation and 27 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, including 10 hours of night driving.) However, if you are participating in the Parent-Taught Drivers Education program, your parent can serve as the instructor for all of your drivers training. See explanation of PTDE above.

        Note: Effective September 1, 2013, the required number of hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving will increase from 20 to 30, including 10 hours at night.

        Course Information

        How long will it take for me to finish the course?

        By Texas law, the PTDE course (concurrent method) takes a minimum of 28 days and 5 nights at a pace of no more than 2 hours per each lesson. Apart from that the pace is up to you. You can log in and out whenever you want and we'll keep track of where you left off last.

        Is the participation of a parent or guardian required?

        This course is part of the Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education program. This means that a parent must supervise the student's progress in the online course and take an active role in the process of learning to drive.

        How do I access the unlimited free practice permit tests?

        After you pay for the course, your free practice permit tests will be accessible in your account.

        When will I receive my Certificate of Completion?

        Once you've completed the first 6 hours of your online drivers ed, you'll be able to request a Certificate of Partial Completion, which you'll need to have to take your learner license test.

        Then once you've passed the final online exam and finished the last unit of the course, you'll be able to request a Certificate of Completion for your records. If you requested the Certificate of Partial Completion after April 25, 2013, both of these certificates will be downloadable. If you request the Certificate of Partial Completion before April 25, 2013, then you will receive physical copies in the mail.

        All physical certificates are mailed via First Class Mail by default.

        How can I change the delivery method of my physical Certificate of Completion?

        You can change your delivery method online in your account.

        Will I need to take drivers training after I take this course?

        No. If you are taking the DriversEd.com Texas course, then you are participating in PTDE and your parents can provide the necessary 7 hours of in-car observation and 27 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.

        Note: Effective September 1, 2013, the required number of hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving will increase from 20 to 30, including 10 hours at night.

        Will I need to take a high school drivers ed class in addition this course?

        No. The DriversEd.com Texas course gives you everything you need to complete drivers education.

        Pricing and Payment

        You can pay online using VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Google Pay. Please note that prepaid debit/gift cards issued by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Chime, CashApp, etc. cannot be used to make a payment.

        What is DriversEd.com Roadside Assistance?

        At DriversEd.com, we are here for you every step of the way - that's why we've teamed up with Allstate Roadside Services to provide DriversEd.com students with 1 month of free roadside assistance. Turns out you can put a price tag on peace of mind!

        Here's how it works:

        1. Sign up for any DriversEd.com Drivers Ed course.
        2. During checkout, make sure to click the button to claim your free trial of Roadside Assistance. Free trial enrollment is only available during checkout. After your trial ends, your card will be charged monthly, and you can cancel at any time.
        3. Hit the road with peace of mind knowing you are covered with emergency roadside assistance.

        What you'll get:

        • Roadside coverage available 24/7, anywhere in the United States
        • Anyone in the DriversEd.com driver's family can use it!
        • Digital tools to help you get the right service fast
        • Towing, fuel delivery, lockout service, and more!
        • For more information about the benefits involved, check out our terms and conditions here.

        How do I use my Roadside Assistance service?

        If you need to use your Roadside Assistance Benefits for towing, fuel delivery, or another included service, contact Allstate at 1-855-520-3691.

        How do I cancel my DriversEd.com Roadside Assistance?

        If you would like to cancel your Roadside Assistance, simply contact our dedicated Roadside Assistance agents.

        Got more questions? Contact our dedicated DriversEd.com Roadside Assistance line:

        Phone: +1 (888) 289-2816
        Email: roadside@driversed.com

        Refund Policy

        It is important to us that you are satisfied with your purchase. If you change your mind about the course, we'll refund the full cost of any course purchased on our website within thirty (30) days of purchase, as long as a certificate of partial completion has NOT been issued. Once a partial completion certificate has been issued, NO REFUND will be available. Refunds will only be issued if the course has not been completed. We will issue your refund within thirty (30) days of your request.