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 before applying for a Provisional Driver License.
Breakdown of the 44 BTW Hours
The 44 hours are divided into two main categories:
1. Instruction & Observation (14 Hours Total)
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.
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.
2. Behind-the-Wheel Practice (30 Hours Total)
These 30 hours are for additional supervised practice driving.
- 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:
- 14-Hour Instruction and Observation Log (DL-91B) - Used to mark the 7 hours of in-car observation and 7 hours of behind-the-wheel training with your designated instructor. Download DL-91B PDF
- 30-Hour Practice Log - Used to mark the 30 hours of practice with any person 21 years of age or older who has had their license for at least a year.
The completed 30-hour practice log (either printed from our tool or the filled-out paper form) must be presented to the DPS when applying for the Provisional Driver License. The DL-91B is a parent tracking form and is not required at DPS, though bringing it is recommended.