One of the most common questions we receive at ParentTaught.com is whether Drivers Ed certificates expire in Texas. It’s an understandable concern, as many official documents have expiration dates.
However, we’re happy to clarify that DE-964 certificates, which are issued upon completion of a driver education course, do not expire in Texas. This means that once you’ve successfully completed a driver education program and received your DE-964 certificate, it remains valid indefinitely.
However, there’s a slight nuance to be aware of: the written test score on the certificate expires after two years. This means that if you wait longer than two years after receiving your certificate to apply for your learner’s permit, you’ll need to retake the written knowledge test at the DPS.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the two types of DE-964 certificates and their validity:
1. Learner License Certificate:
- This certificate is issued after completing the first six hours of driver education and passing the written knowledge test.
- It’s valid indefinitely, but the written test score expires after two years.
2. Driver License Certificate:
- This certificate is issued after completing the entire driver education course, including the remaining classroom hours and behind-the-wheel instruction.
- It’s also valid indefinitely, with no expiration date.
Important Note:
It’s important to distinguish the DE-964 certificate from the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) certificate. The ITTD certificate is a separate requirement for drivers under 18 and expires 90 days after completion.
In summary:
- DE-964 certificates for driver education do not expire in Texas.
- The written test score on the Learner License Certificate expires after two years.
- The ITTD certificate for teen drivers expires 90 days after completion.
We hope this clarifies any confusion about the expiration of driver education certificates in Texas. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at ParentTaught.com.