Yes, it’s possible to switch to ParentTaught.com if your teen has started driver education with another Texas driving school (either online or a traditional brick-and-mortar school). However, there are a few important things to understand:
Key Considerations When Switching
- Complete ParentTaught.com Course Required: We do not offer a “Behind-the-Wheel Only” or a shortened version of our course. If you switch to ParentTaught.com, your teen will need to enroll in and complete our entire 32-hour online classroom curriculum, regardless of how many classroom hours they completed with the previous school.
- PTDE Program Guide Packet: You must order the PTDE Program Guide Packet from the TDLR and designate an eligible Parent Instructor before any instruction (classroom or behind-the-wheel) under the Parent-Taught program can begin or be officially logged.
- Learner License Holding Period: If your teen already has a Texas Learner License obtained through the previous school, the 6-month minimum holding period for the permit does not restart. The original issuance date of the permit still applies.
- Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Hours: Any formal behind-the-wheel instruction hours (the 14 hours typically provided by a driving school instructor or the designated Parent Instructor) completed with the previous school do not transfer to the Parent-Taught program. Under PTDE rules, all 14 hours of formal instruction and observation must be provided by the designated Parent Instructor (or a driving school via a PTDE transfer certificate after completing our online course) and must occur after you have received your PTDE Program Guide Packet.
- Behind-the-Wheel Practice Hours: The 30 hours of supervised practice driving (which includes 10 night hours) can be logged once your teen has their Learner License and you have your PTDE packet. If your teen has already completed some practice hours with a qualified supervising adult (21+ with license for 1+ year) after getting their permit, those hours may count, provided they are properly documented on the 30-Hour Practice Log.
- Eligibility: You and your chosen Parent Instructor must meet all eligibility requirements for the Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed program.
Summary of Steps to Switch:
- Ensure you have an eligible Parent Instructor.
- Order the PTDE Program Guide Packet from the TDLR.
- Enroll in and complete the ParentTaught.com online course (all 32 classroom hours/12 lessons).
- If your teen doesn’t have a Learner License, they will earn the DE-964 Learner License certificate after Lesson 1 of our course and can then apply for it at the DPS.
- Complete all 44 required behind-the-wheel hours (14 instruction/observation with Parent Instructor + 30 practice) after receiving the PTDE packet and Learner License.
- Follow the remaining steps for getting a Provisional License (ITTD course, driving test).
If you have specific questions about your situation, feel free to contact our support team.