After your teen obtains their Learner License from the DPS, they can begin the required behind-the-wheel (BTW) driving hours. A total of 44 hours must be completed and logged.
Breakdown of the 44 BTW Hours
The 44 hours are divided into two main categories:
1. Instruction & Observation (14 Hours Total) – With Designated Parent Instructor
These 14 hours must be supervised by the official Parent Instructor listed on the PTDE Program Guide Packet.
- In-Car Observation (7 hours): The student sits in the passenger seat observing while the Parent Instructor drives and demonstrates specific driving points.
- Daily Limit: A maximum of 4 hours of observation can be logged per day.
- Behind-the-Wheel Instruction (7 hours): The student drives while the Parent Instructor is in the passenger seat, providing instruction and guidance.
- Daily Limit: A maximum of 2 hours of BTW instruction can be logged per day.
Combined Daily Limit for Instruction/Observation: A maximum of 4 hours total (combining observation and instruction) can be logged per day with the Parent Instructor.
2. Behind-the-Wheel Practice (30 Hours Total) – With a Qualified Licensed Adult
These 30 hours are for additional supervised practice.
- Supervisor Requirements: The student drives with a passenger who is at least 21 years old and has held a valid driver license for a minimum of one year. This can be the Parent Instructor or another qualified adult.
- Night Driving: At least 10 of these 30 practice hours must be completed at night (defined as 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise).
- Daily Limit: A maximum of 2 hours of practice driving can be logged per day.
Logging Your Hours
You can log these driving hours using:
- The online driving log tool within the ParentTaught.com course (found in the “Complete Driving Hours” step).
- Or, by hand using the official TDLR paper forms:
The completed driving log (either printed from our tool or the filled-out paper forms) must be presented to the DPS when applying for the Provisional Driver License.
For more details and resources, including lesson plans for the instruction hours, please refer to the “Complete Driving Hours” step in the ParentTaught.com course.
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