What is the Impact Texas Drivers Program?

The Impact Texas Drivers Program (ITDP) was created to reduce the number of automobile crashes in the state, specifically those caused by distracted driving. Distracted driving claimed 3,500 lives in 2021, so the program teaches drivers how to avoid bad habits that could lead to these types of crashes through informative videos. All Texas drivers must complete either the Impact Texas Teen Drivers course or the Impact Texas Adult Drivers course before taking the driving skills test.

Impact Texas Teen Drivers

The Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) program is a two-hour, eight-module video series that tells teen drivers what could happen if they drive while distracted. It includes facts about distracted driving and real-life stories about teenage drivers who died from it.

Who Needs to Take the Impact Texas Teen Drivers Course?

There are two sets of teenage drivers who need to take the ITTD:

  • Drivers 15-17 years old — The course is necessary for those required to finish an approved parent-taught or minor driver education course.

  • Drivers 18-24 years old — The course is necessary for those required to finish an approved parent-taught, minor, or adult driver education course.

You should take the ITTD after you finish your 32 hours of driver's ed, which you can complete with DriversEd.com.

What Will I Learn in the Impact Texas Teen Drivers Course?

The theme of the ITTD course is “It is not about bad kids doing bad things, but about good kids making poor choices.” The intent is to show that most of these poor choices revolve around drivers using their cell phones behind the wheel, instead of paying attention to the road.

This eight-part video helps the to-be driver identify "what's lethal" through state-specific materials and statistics. It highlights the problems of reckless and distracted driving in teens and how to fix them. The video also explains the Graduated Driver's License and the restrictions it brings for new drivers. 

Impact Texas Adult Drivers

The Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) program is a one-hour, three-module video series for new adult drivers that explains the dangers of distracted driving through real-life stories and statistics.

Who Needs to Take the Impact Texas Adult Drivers Course?

There are two groups of adult drivers who need to complete the ITAD:

  • Drivers 18-24 years old — These drivers must complete the course after meeting behind-the-wheel driver education requirements and before taking the driving skills test.

  • Drivers 25 years old and above — These drivers are not required to take a driver education course, but it is highly recommended.

The proper path to getting your license is to complete your 6 hours of adult driver's ed, complete the ITAD, and then take your skills test. You can take your adult driver's ed course entirely online.

What Will I Learn in the Impact Texas Adult Drivers Course?

The theme of the three-part ITAD video is "It is not about bad people doing bad things, but about good people making poor choices." The Department of Public Safety wants newer adult drivers to stop trying to multitask on their cell phones and pay attention to the road instead. You'll learn the definition of distracted driving, who it affects, and how to prevent both reckless and distracted driving. 

What Else Do I Need to Know About the Impact Texas Drivers Program?

These helpful tips may save you some time with the ITDP.

How Do I Take the Course?

Start by going to the ITDP website and picking which version of the program you need to enroll in. Create an account, and you can begin watching the videos. The video is only compatible with a desktop or laptop.

How Much Does The Course Cost?

The Department of Public Safety provides the course for free for all Texas drivers.

How Long Do I Have to Take the Course?

You can complete the course one module at a time. So you can watch the eight-part ITTD or three-part ITAD one module at a time at your convenience until you complete it. 

Does the Completion Certificate Expire?

Both the ITTD and ITAD completion certificates expire 90 days after you finish the course. If you do not pass your driving skills course within 90 days, you must retake the appropriate impact course.

Learn the Dangers of Distracted Driving Through the Impact Texas Drivers Program

The ITDP teaches both teens and adults the dangers of driving before they get on the road. Save yourself from becoming another statistic by putting down your phone when you're behind the wheel. Whether you're a teen or an adult, DriversEd.com has a Texas driver's ed course for you. Complete our courses at your convenience through a series of lessons and videos all approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.