Parent Instructor Eligibility Requirements

Understanding who can serve as a parent instructor is essential before starting the Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE) program. This guide covers eligibility requirements, the designation form, and what to do if you don't have an eligible instructor.

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
Has at least seven years of driving experience

License Requirements

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.

Disqualifying Factors

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 an offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle in the past three years
Three or more moving violations in the past three years
Two or more moving violations resulting in an accident in the past three years
A B restriction on their driver license

One Instructor Per Student

Only one designated instructor is allowed per student for the 14 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction and observation. However, any licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has held their license for at least one year can supervise the 30 hours of practice driving.

Your Responsibility

It is your responsibility to determine if your instructor is eligible. Carefully review the requirements before proceeding with the course.

If the DPS denies your instructor at an appointment and you believe they are eligible, you can contact the DPS Teen Permit program at TPSTprogram@dps.texas.gov to request a review.

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. You may also see this referred to as the "PTDE Instructor Designation Services Request Form."

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

If someone other than a direct relative or guardian will be the instructor, they must meet these requirements:

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

How to Complete the Designation Form

Download the PTDE Instructor Designation Form from TDLR
Fill in the student's information and the designated instructor's information
The parent or legal guardian must sign the form
The form must be notarized
Bring the completed, notarized form to the DPS along with your other required documents when applying for the Learner License and Provisional Driver License

I Don't Have an Eligible Instructor. What Do I Do?

You cannot take this course without an eligible instructor. Here are your options:

See if you can find someone else who meets the eligibility requirements to be your instructor
Consider using the Designation Form to have a parent or guardian designate an eligible person
If you cannot find an instructor and you are eligible for a refund, contact us

Need More Help?

If you're unsure about instructor eligibility or need assistance finding a solution, contact our support team at support@parenttaught.com and we'll help get you on the road!