Texas Teen Drivers Ed FAQs

Texas Drivers Ed - Getting Started

How does online drivers ed work?

Getting your Texas drivers license doesn't have to be complicated. Our online course handles the classroom portion of driver education, whether you're going the parent-taught route or plan to use a professional driving instructor for behind-the-wheel training.

Here's how it works: Create an account, and you'll have 24/7 access to the course from any device. Log in and out whenever you want—we'll save your progress and pick up right where you left off. It's the same state-approved curriculum you'd get in a classroom, just on your schedule.

The course includes interactive lessons, practice tests, and a final exam. Texas regulations allow three attempts on the final exam. Our course prepares you thoroughly, so most students pass on the first try.

Questions along the way? Our customer support team is available 7 days a week.

What's the difference between parent-taught and instructor-led drivers ed?

Driversed.com offers two paths to complete your driver education requirement. Both start with the same online classroom course—the difference is who provides your behind-the-wheel training:

Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE)

You complete our online course for the classroom portion
A parent, stepparent, grandparent, or legal guardian provides all behind-the-wheel instruction
More flexible scheduling—practice driving when it works for your family
Lower overall cost
Requires 44 hours of in-car training (7 hours instruction + 7 hours observation + 30 hours practice)

Instructor-Led Driver Education

You complete our online course for the classroom portion
A licensed driving instructor provides behind-the-wheel training
Professional instruction from certified teachers
Can be combined with parent practice hours
Great option if parents prefer not to teach or want professional support

Which should you choose? Many Texas families prefer parent-taught for the flexibility and cost savings. Others choose instructor-led for the professional expertise, especially for nervous parents or teens who want structured lessons.

Who needs to take Texas driver education?

All Texas residents under 18 who want a drivers license must complete a TDLR-approved driver education course. This includes the classroom phase (our online course) and the in-car phase (either parent-taught or instructor-led).

If you're 18 or older, you have two options: take our 6-hour adult driver education course, or complete the full 32-hour teen course for more comprehensive training.

Drivers Ed Requirements in Texas

What are the requirements for parent-taught drivers ed in Texas?

To complete the parent-taught (PTDE) program, you'll need to meet these requirements:

Teen Requirements:

Be between 14-17 years old
Complete a TDLR-approved online course (that's us!)
Pass the DPS knowledge test
Hold a learner's permit for at least 6 months
Complete all behind-the-wheel requirements
Pass the DPS driving skills test

Parent/Guardian Requirements:

Be the teen's parent, stepparent, grandparent, foster parent, or legal guardian
Hold a valid drivers license for at least 3 years
Have no DUI/DWI convictions in the past 3 years
Have no drivers license suspensions in the past 3 years
Not be a licensed driver education instructor (commercial instructors can't teach their own children through PTDE)

Behind-the-Wheel Requirements:

7 hours of in-car instruction provided by the parent
7 hours of in-car observation (teen watches parent drive)
30 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night

Our course includes a comprehensive parent guide with lesson plans, checklists, and tips to help you teach each skill effectively.

What if I'm not comfortable teaching my teen to drive?

That's completely normal! Many parents feel nervous about being in the car while their teen learns. You have options:

Go fully instructor-led: Complete our online course, then book in-car lessons with our professional instructors or another licensed driving school.
Use our parent resources: Our PTDE course includes detailed guides specifically designed for parents who are new to teaching driving. We walk you through what to teach, when to teach it, and how to stay calm in the passenger seat.
Start in low-stress environments: Our parent guide recommends starting in empty parking lots before progressing to residential streets, then busier roads. Building skills gradually helps both parent and teen feel more confident.

Getting Your Drivers License in Texas

How do I get my Texas drivers license?

The process is the same whether you choose parent-taught or instructor-led. Here's the roadmap:

Step 1: Start Your Online Course

Enroll in our TDLR-approved course. You can begin at age 14, though you'll need to be 15 to get your learner's permit.

Step 2: Complete 6 Hours and Get Your Permit

After finishing the first 6 hours of the course, you'll receive a Certificate of Partial Completion. Take this to the DPS (or take the knowledge test online through our course) to get your learner's permit.

Requirements for the learner's permit:

Be at least 15 years old
Proof of identity and Social Security number
Proof of Texas residency (2 documents)
Verification of school enrollment (VOE form)
Certificate of Partial Completion from your drivers ed course
Pass vision test
Pass knowledge test (40 questions, need 70% to pass)
Pay the permit fee

Step 3: Complete Behind-the-Wheel Training

With your permit in hand, begin the in-car phase:

For parent-taught:

7 hours of driving instruction from your parent
7 hours of observation (watching your parent drive)
30 hours of additional practice (10 at night)
Use our parent guide to structure your lessons

For instructor-led:

7 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed instructor
7 hours of in-car observation
30 hours of additional practice with a parent (10 at night)

Step 4: Finish the Online Course

Complete all remaining modules and pass the final exam to receive your Certificate of Completion.

Step 5: Complete Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD)

Before your driving test, you must complete the free ITTD course from Texas DPS. This takes about 2 hours and focuses on distracted driving awareness. Your ITTD certificate is valid for 90 days.

Step 6: Take the Driving Skills Test

Once you've held your permit for 6 months, turned 16, and completed all requirements, schedule your driving test at a DPS office. Bring:

Your learner's permit
Certificate of Completion from drivers ed
ITTD certificate
Proof of insurance
A vehicle that passes inspection

Pass the test, and you'll receive your provisional license!

Can I take the permit test online?

Yes! Our course includes the official DPS knowledge test online—no trip to the DPS required for this step. You'll take it at home on your own schedule, and if you pass, we'll provide the documentation you need for your permit.

The test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. Our course includes unlimited free practice tests so you can prepare thoroughly before the real exam.

What are the restrictions on a provisional license?

Texas uses a Graduated Driver License (GDL) system. When you first get your license at 16, it's a provisional license with these restrictions:

Passenger limits: No more than one passenger under 21 who isn't a family member
Nighttime curfew: No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless it's for work, school, or an emergency
No cell phones: No wireless device use while driving, even hands-free

These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18, when your provisional license automatically converts to a full, unrestricted license.

All About Taking Texas Drivers Ed with DriversEd.com

How long does Texas teen drivers ed take?

The online classroom course:

Minimum 32 hours of instruction
For parent-taught (PTDE): Texas requires a minimum of 28 days to complete, with no more than 2 hours per day
For instructor-led: Progress at your own pace, though most students complete it in 2-4 weeks

The behind-the-wheel phase:

44 total hours for both options
Most families complete this over 3-6 months while holding the learner's permit

Total timeline: Most students take 6-8 months from starting the course to earning their license, primarily due to the 6-month permit holding requirement.

What's included in the DriversEd.com course?

For all students:

Complete 32-hour online curriculum covering traffic laws, road signs, vehicle safety, and defensive driving
Interactive lessons with videos, animations, and real-world scenarios
Unlimited free practice permit tests
Online DPS knowledge test (skip the trip to the DPS!)
Certificate of Partial Completion (for your permit)
Certificate of Completion (for your license)
Customer support 7 days a week

Additional resources for parent-taught students:

Comprehensive behind-the-wheel training guide for parents
Lesson-by-lesson teaching plans
Printable checklists to track required hours
Tips for teaching specific skills (parallel parking, highway merging, night driving)
Parent-only course sections explaining what to teach and when

For students choosing instructor-led:

Discount on in-car driving lessons with DriversEd.com instructors
Option to transfer to another licensed driving school in your area

When will I receive my certificates?

Certificate of Partial Completion: Available immediately after completing the first 6 hours of the course. Download it from your account to apply for your learner's permit.

Certificate of Completion: Available after you pass the final exam and complete all course modules. This is what you'll need for your driving skills test at the DPS.

Both certificates are available electronically for instant access—no waiting for mail delivery.

Do drivers ed certificates expire in Texas?

Your DriversEd.com certificate doesn't have an expiration date. However, your knowledge test score is only valid for 2 years, so plan to complete the licensing process within that timeframe.

Important: Your Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) certificate expires after 90 days. If more than 90 days pass between completing ITTD and taking your driving test, you'll need to retake the free ITTD course.

Behind-the-Wheel Training

What does behind-the-wheel training include?

Whether you choose parent-taught or instructor-led, the in-car phase covers essential driving skills:

Basic vehicle operation:

Starting, stopping, and steering
Using mirrors and signals
Speed control and braking

Driving maneuvers:

Turning and lane changes
Backing up and parking
Three-point turns
Parallel parking

Traffic situations:

Navigating intersections
Merging and highway driving
Dealing with pedestrians and cyclists
Handling adverse conditions

Defensive driving:

Scanning for hazards
Maintaining safe following distance
Anticipating other drivers' actions

For parent-taught students, our course provides detailed guides on how to teach each skill, including when to introduce new challenges and how to give constructive feedback.

Can parents provide behind-the-wheel training for instructor-led students?

Yes! Even if you choose instructor-led for the required 7 hours of professional instruction, parents still provide the 30 hours of supervised practice. This combination gives teens the benefit of professional teaching plus plenty of practice time with family.

Many families find this hybrid approach ideal—professional instructors cover the technical skills and test preparation, while parents provide the volume of practice needed to build true confidence.

What if I need more help with specific driving skills?

We've got you covered:

For parent-taught students: Our course includes troubleshooting guides for common challenges. If your teen is struggling with parallel parking or highway merging, we provide extra tips and techniques.
For any student: You can book individual in-car lessons with our professional instructors to focus on specific skills, even if you're primarily doing parent-taught. A single lesson on parallel parking or highway driving can make a big difference.
Practice tests and resources: Our unlimited practice tests help identify knowledge gaps so you can review before the permit test.

Pricing and Enrollment

How much does Texas teen drivers ed cost?

Our online course: $69 (regularly $115)

This covers the complete classroom portion for either parent-taught or instructor-led students, including all certificates, practice tests, and the online DPS knowledge test.

Additional costs to budget for:

Learner's permit fee: ~$16
Drivers license fee: ~$25
In-car lessons (if choosing instructor-led): Varies by provider
Impact Texas Teen Drivers course: Free from Texas DPS

For parent-taught students, our $69 course is often the only driver education expense—making it significantly more affordable than commercial driving school packages that can run $300-$500+.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Google Pay. Please note that prepaid debit cards and gift cards (including those from Visa, Chime, CashApp, etc.) cannot be used for payment.

What's your refund policy?

We want you to be completely satisfied. If you change your mind, we'll refund the full course cost within 30 days of purchase, as long as you haven't completed the course. Refunds are processed within 30 days of your request.

Additional Information & FAQs

What is DriversEd.com Roadside Assistance?

New drivers (and their parents!) can rest easier with roadside assistance. We've partnered with Allstate to offer DriversEd.com students one free month of roadside coverage.

What's included:

24/7 roadside assistance anywhere in the United States
Towing, flat tire service, battery jump, fuel delivery, and lockout service
Coverage for the whole family—not just the new driver

How to enroll: Select the roadside assistance option during checkout. After your free month, it's just $5/month, and you can cancel anytime.

To use the service: Call Allstate at 1-855-520-3691

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

Is DriversEd.com approved by the state of Texas?

Yes! Our course is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), school #C3244. We're also:

Accredited by the Driving School Association of the Americas (DSAA)
Approved by the Road Safety Educators' Association
The only driving school with both of these credentials
We've been teaching driver education for over 25 years and have trained more than 3 million drivers nationwide.

I have more questions. How can I get help?

Our customer support team is available 7 days a week:

Help Center: Visit driversed.com/support for instant answers

Email: Contact us through your account dashboard

Phone: Available during business hours (check our website for current hours)

Whether you're a teen working through the course or a parent figuring out the PTDE process, we're here to help at every step.