Help Category: PTDE Packet & Parent Instructor

  • How do I change my official parent instructor

    Do you need to update the address or instructor name on the PTDE Packet you purchased from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation?

    If you need to change instructors at any point during the instruction, please fill out this TDLR form with the following information:

    • The student’s full name
    • The student’s date of birth
    • The new instructor’s name
    • The receipt number for your PTDE Packet (E.G., 452PTXXXXXXXXXX)
    • How you would like to receive the new instructor designation (mail or email)

    FAQs

    How long does it take to update the information?

    The PTDE Packet is updated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, not ParentTaught.com. This means that we are unable to provide accurate estimates. From our students’ experience, this process typically takes a few days, but it can take over a week during summertime or spring break.

    How do I find my receipt number?

    The PTDE Packet receipt number is found on the first page, formatted as 452PTXXXXXXXXX. If you can’t find your PTDE Packet, follow these instructions.

    Can ParentTaught.com update my instructor?

    No, the registration of the Parent Instructor is with the TDLR; we cannot change the information on the PTDE Packet.

    Visit our Help Center for more articles.

  • I don’t have an eligible instructor, what do I do?

    You cannot take this course without an eligible instructor. See if you can find someone else to be your instructor. If you cannot find an instructor and you are eligible for a refund please contact us by emailing support@parenttaught.com.

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  • I lost my PTDE Packet. How can I get another copy?

    If you’ve lost or cannot find your PTDE Packet, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website has a page where you can download another copy.

    To get another copy, follow these steps:

    1. Visit https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/ParentTaught/PT_Search.aspx
    2. Search for your PTDE Packet by entering either:
      • The email address provided at the time of payment of the packet (this may be different from the email used to log in to ParentTaught.com).
      • OR; Your PTDE Packet Receipt Number and the Zip Code used when purchasing the packet.
    3. You’ll then be able to download another copy of your PTDE Packet.

    Can’t find the receipt number?

    Search your email for a message from “parent.taught.packet@tdlr.texas.gov“. After your initial purchase of the packet the TDLR will have emailed you a receipt.

    If you do not have the information required to search for the PTDE Packet, contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation directly:

    Can I contact ParentTaught.com to find my PTDE Packet?

    We are unable to provide the PTDE Packet as it is sold and managed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, not ParentTaught.com. However, if you are a ParentTaught.com student, you can find the receipt number you submitted in our course on this page. With that number, follow the instructions above to locate your PTDE Packet.

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  • PTDE Packet FAQs

    What is the Parent Taught Drivers Ed (PTDE) Program Guide Packet?

    The Parent Taught Drivers Ed Packet is required to be purchased from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. But don’t worry you can purchase the packet in under 5 minutes, completely online.

    When do I need to get the PTDE Packet?

    This is a state requirement and needs to happen before taking the course.

    How do I order the PTDE Packet?

    The easiest way is to purchase the packet online.

    1. Purchase the Request for Parent Taught Driver Education Instructor Designation Service Application from the TDLR.
      • The application costs $20. After you purchase the application, you will receive an email with a download link. Check your spam and junk folders if you do not see the email in your inbox.

    I lost my PTDE Packet, how do I get it again?

    Don’t worry as long as you have some basic information you can easily download a copy of your PTDE Program Guide here.

    PTDE Packet Tips

    • If you purchased the PTDE packet and had it emailed you can continue with the course. You do not have to wait for it to physically arrive.
    • Having an issue with your order? Contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) directly:

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  • What is the PTDE Instructor Designation Form?

    The Parent Taught Driver Education (PTDE) Instructor Designation Form is a specific TDLR document used in certain situations.

    When is this Form Required?

    This form is required by the DPS only if the person who will act as the student’s primary driving instructor is NOT their parent, step-parent, grandparent, step-grandparent, foster parent, or legal guardian.

    In such cases, a parent, legal guardian, or a judge with jurisdiction over the student can use this form to designate another eligible individual to be the official Parent Instructor.

    Eligibility Requirements for a Designated Instructor (who is not a direct relative/guardian as listed above):

    • Must be at least 25 years of age or older.
    • May not charge a fee for conducting the course (must be a volunteer).
    • Must have at least seven (7) years of driving experience.
    • Must possess a valid driver license for the past three years that has not been suspended, revoked, or forfeited for an offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle.
    • Must not have been convicted (including a probated sentence) of criminally negligent homicide.
    • Must not have been convicted (including a probated sentence) for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in the past 7 years.
    • Must not have six or more points assigned to their driver license.

    If this situation applies to you, the completed and notarized PTDE Instructor Designation Form must be presented to the DPS along with other required documents when applying for the Learner License and Provisional Driver License.

    For general instructor eligibility (parent, guardian, etc.), please see Who can be a parent instructor?

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  • Who can be a parent instructor?

    • The instructor must be the student’s parent, step-parent, grandparent, step-grandparent, foster parent or legal guardian appointed by a court. A power of attorney is not considered a legal guardian. Additionally, a parent, legal guardian, or a judge of a court with jurisdiction over the student can designate a person to instruct the course who:
      • is at least 25 years old;
      • does not charge a fee for conducting the course; and
      • has at least seven years of driving experience.
    • The instructor must have a valid driver license for the prior three years. If you held an out-of-state license during the past three years, you will be required to provide a copy of your driving record showing your three years of licensed driving history.
    • Instructors cannot have:
      • a conviction (including a probated sentence) of criminally negligent homicide
      • a conviction (including a probated sentence) of driving while intoxicated in the last seven years
      • had their driver license suspended, revoked or forfeited for traffic related violations in the past three years; or six or more points assigned to their driver license.

    It is Your Responsibility to determine if your instructor is eligible, carefully review the requirements before proceeding with the course. If you do not have an eligible instructor send an email to support@parenttaught.com and we’ll find a solution to help get you on the road!

    Visit our Help Center for more articles.