What Is Parent Taught
Drivers Ed in Texas?
Parent taught drivers ed is a state-approved program that lets you teach your teen to drive instead of sending them to a commercial driving school. Your teen completes the same TDLR-approved curriculum online, earns the same DE-964 certificates, and gets the same driver's license — for a fraction of the cost.
What Is Parent Taught Driver Education?
Parent Taught Driver Education (PTDE) is a Texas program that allows a parent, grandparent, step-parent, foster parent, or legal guardian to serve as their teen's driving instructor. It has been available in Texas since 1997, and today it is one of the most popular ways for Texas teens to earn a driver's license.
The program is regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the same agency that oversees commercial driving schools. Students in both tracks complete the same state-required curriculum, pass the same written exam, and receive the same official DE-964 certificates accepted at every DPS office in Texas. There is no distinction on the license itself — the DPS processes parent-taught and commercial school certificates identically.
The difference is who handles the behind-the-wheel training: instead of a commercial instructor, you teach your teen to drive yourself. The classroom instruction is completed online through a TDLR-approved course provider like our parent taught drivers ed course.
Who Is Eligible for Parent Taught Drivers Ed?
Both the student and the parent instructor must meet eligibility requirements set by Texas law.
Student Requirements
- At least 14 years old to start the course
- At least 15 years old for a learner license (permit)
- At least 16 years old for a provisional license
- Bona fide Texas resident (30+ days)
- Enrolled in school or hold a GED/diploma
Parent Instructor Requirements
- Parent, step-parent, grandparent, step-grandparent, foster parent, or legal guardian
- Valid Texas driver’s license (Class A, B, C, or CDL) for 3+ years
- No DWI or DUI convictions in the past 7 years
- No suspended, revoked, or forfeited license in the past 3 years
- No conviction for criminally negligent homicide involving a motor vehicle
What Does the Course Cover?
The PTDE curriculum is set by TDLR and covers the same topics taught in commercial driving schools — delivered online so your teen can learn at their own pace.
24 Hours of Classroom Instruction
12 self-paced online lessons covering traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, defensive driving, adverse weather, and more. Includes audio read-along on every lesson.
Built-In DPS Permit Exam
A 30-question written exam built into the course. Pass with 70% or higher and your teen skips the written test at the DPS office entirely.
44 Hours Behind the Wheel
You supervise 7 hours of observation, 7 hours of driving instruction, and 30 hours of practice (including 10 at night). Our built-in driving log tracks every session.
Two DE-964 certificates included: Your teen receives a learner license certificate after completing 6 hours and the written exam, and a provisional license certificate after completing all 24 hours. Both are instant digital downloads accepted at every DPS office.
How Does Parent Taught Drivers Ed Work?
Here is the full process from enrollment to provisional license. Most families complete everything in 7 to 9 months.
Enroll in a TDLR-Approved Course
Sign up with a TDLR-approved course provider. Your teen can start lessons immediately — no need to wait for the TDLR packet.
Order the PTDE Packet from TDLR
Purchase the PTDE packet from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation ($20). This registers the parent instructor and authorizes the student to begin driver education.
Complete 6 Hours + Pass the Written Exam
Your teen finishes the first 6 hours of online instruction (Lesson 1: Traffic Laws) and passes the built-in DPS permit exam. This can be done in a single day.
Get the Learner License at DPS
Take the DE-964 learner certificate to a DPS office to get a learner license (permit). Your teen must be at least 15. A licensed adult must be in the car whenever your teen drives with a permit.
Complete the Course + 44 Driving Hours
Finish the remaining 18 hours of online lessons and complete 44 hours of behind-the-wheel practice. Your teen must hold the learner license for at least 6 months.
Complete ITTD + Pass the Road Test + Get Licensed
Complete the free Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) course, pass the driving skills test, and get a provisional driver's license at the DPS.
Parent Taught vs. Driving School
Both paths lead to the exact same result: a TDLR-approved DE-964 certificate and a Texas driver's license. Here is what is different.
What's the Same
- Same TDLR-approved curriculum
- Same DE-964 certificates
- Same written exam
- Same driving skills test at DPS
- Same provisional license
- No difference on the license itself
What's Different
- You teach the driving, not a commercial instructor
- Classroom instruction is online and self-paced
- You set the schedule — available 24/7
- Your teen learns in your car, on your routes
- $60 instead of $350-$500+
- PTDE packet required from TDLR ($20)
What Does Parent Taught Drivers Ed Cost?
One flat fee for the course, plus state fees paid directly to Texas agencies.
All 24 hours, DPS exam, both certificates, driving log, unlimited quizzes
State fee — required regardless of which course you use
$16 learner permit + ~$11 provisional license fee
The TDLR and DPS fees are paid to the State of Texas, not our company. We do not control these fees and they are subject to change. Traditional driving schools charge $350–$500+ for the classroom portion alone.
Common Concerns About Parent Taught Drivers Ed
"Is parent taught drivers ed as good as driving school?"
Yes. The curriculum, certificates, and licensing requirements are identical. Your teen takes the same state-mandated written exam and the same DPS driving skills test. The DE-964 certificates from both tracks are processed identically by the DPS — there is no difference on the learner permit or driver's license.
"What if I'm not a good driving teacher?"
You do not need any special training or certification to be the parent instructor. Texas law specifically designed this program so parents can teach their own teens. The online course handles all the classroom instruction — your role is supervising 44 hours of actual driving practice. Many parents find this is a valuable way to know exactly what skills their teen is developing behind the wheel.
"What if my teen doesn't take it seriously?"
The course includes timed lessons that cannot be skipped, a proctored DPS permit exam with a 70% passing threshold (and a 24-hour cooldown if they fail), and quizzes throughout every lesson. Students must complete each lesson fully before advancing. The structure keeps teens engaged the same way a classroom setting would.
"Do I have to do everything myself?"
No. The online course handles all classroom instruction (24 hours of lessons, quizzes, and the DPS written exam). You handle the behind-the-wheel portion: 7 hours of observation, 7 hours of driving instruction, and 30 hours of supervised practice. For the 30 practice hours, any qualified adult (21+ with a license for 1+ year) can supervise — it does not have to be you for every session.
Trusted by Texas Families
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Started?
Join thousands of Texas families who chose parent taught drivers ed. Same TDLR-approved curriculum and DE-964 certificates as commercial driving schools — $60 instead of $350–$500+.