Before You Start
Any behind-the-wheel hours logged before your TDLR packet is purchased do not count toward your requirements. This is the single most common mistake families make, and there is no way to retroactively fix it. Order the packet first, get your receipt number, then begin instruction.
What's in the Packet?
The PTDE packet is a PDF document that TDLR emails to you after payment. It contains everything you need to get started with parent-taught driver education:
- PTDE Program Guide — the official instructions and Texas traffic law overview that the parent instructor is expected to read
- Instructor Designation Form — designates who will serve as the parent instructor
- DL-91B Instruction Log — the 14-hour log for tracking instruction and observation hours with the parent
- 30-Hour Practice Log — for tracking supervised practice driving hours
- Receipt Number — your unique 452PT number, needed for course enrollment, certificates, and DPS visits
Each student needs their own separate packet at $20 each. Siblings cannot share a packet — every teen must have their own receipt number.
For more on how the driving logs work, see Driving Logs.
How to Order
The entire process takes about five minutes. You order directly from TDLR (the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) — not from your course provider.
- Go to the TDLR Parent Taught Driver Education page
- Complete the application with the student's name, date of birth, and parent instructor information (must be a parent, step-parent, grandparent, or legal guardian)
- Pay the $20 fee by credit or debit card — this is non-refundable and goes directly to TDLR
- Check your email for the packet PDF — it arrives instantly from [email protected]
- Save your 452PT receipt number from the packet — you'll need it for everything going forward
As of January 2026, TDLR delivers packets exclusively by email. The previous option to order by mail is no longer available.
Make sure the email address you enter is correct and that you use one you actively check. Double-check the parent instructor information before submitting — it can be difficult to change later.
Your Receipt Number
Your receipt number is a 14-character code that starts with 452PT (for example, 452PTXXXXXXXXXX). This number ties everything together in the PTDE process. You'll need it to:
- Enroll in your online course at ParentTaught.com
- Have your DE-964 certificates issued
- Present at DPS when getting your learner permit and provisional license
Where to Find It
Your receipt number appears in three places:
- On the confirmation page immediately after payment
- In the confirmation email from TDLR
- On the first page of the packet PDF
Important: Your TDLR receipt number (452PT...) is not the same as any order number from your course provider. If a form asks for your “TDLR receipt number” or “452PT number,” that's this one.
Troubleshooting
Didn't receive the email?
The packet email comes from [email protected]. If you don't see it within a few minutes:
- Check your spam/junk folder — this is where it ends up most often
- Check your trash folder — some email clients auto-delete unfamiliar senders
- Verify the email address you entered during checkout was correct
- Remember that the download link also appeared on the confirmation page right after payment
Lost your packet or receipt number?
You can re-download your packet anytime using TDLR's lookup tool. Search by your email address or by receipt number and zip code.
Only TDLR has access to receipt number records. If you need help finding yours, use the lookup tool above or contact TDLR directly.
Contact TDLR
If you still need help with your packet, contact TDLR directly:
- Phone: (800) 803-9202
- Email: [email protected]
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM Central Time