Yes, if you prefer, your teen can complete the 14 hours of in-car observation and behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed commercial driving school instead of the designated Parent Instructor after completing the ParentTaught.com online classroom portion. Here’s how:
Steps to Transfer BTW Instruction to a Driving School
- Complete ParentTaught.com Classroom Hours: The student must complete all twelve ParentTaught.com online course lessons (1-12) and earn both the Learner License DE-964 Certificate and the Provisional Driver License DE-964 Certificate.
- Obtain a Transfer Certificate:
- Log in to the ParentTaught.com course.
- Navigate to the “Resources” tab on the course page.
- Select the “Transfer to a driving school” option.
- Enter the name and address of the driving school you are transferring to.
- A DE-964 Transfer Certificate will be emailed to you. Print this certificate.
- Provide Certificate to Driving School: Give the printed DE-964 Transfer Certificate to the chosen commercial driving school. They will then provide the 14 hours of in-car observation and behind-the-wheel instruction.
- Complete Remaining Requirements: Even if a driving school provides the 14 hours of instruction, your teen must still:
- Complete the 30 hours of supervised practice driving (including 10 night hours) with a qualified licensed adult (this is typically still done with a parent/guardian).
- Hold their Learner License for at least 6 months (unless they turn 18 sooner).
- Complete the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) program within 90 days of their driving test.
- Take the Driving Test: Pass the driving test at the DPS or an approved third-party skills testing provider to get their Provisional Driver License.
Important Note: You still need a designated Parent Instructor listed on your PTDE Program Guide Packet from the TDLR, even if you plan to use a commercial driving school for the 14 hours of formal instruction. The PTDE program framework requires this.