Texas Drivers Ed: Your Complete Guide to Getting Licensed
Everything Texas parents and teens need to know about driver education, learner permits, road tests, and getting a provisional license. Find the information you need, step by step.
Two Ways to Complete Driver Education
Texas teens have two options for completing driver education requirements.
Parent Taught Driver Ed (PTDE)
- Complete online course at your own pace
- Parent teaches behind-the-wheel driving
- Flexible schedule, lower cost (~$60)
- Requires TDLR packet ($20)
Traditional Driving School
- Classroom or online instruction
- Professional instructors for behind-the-wheel
- Set schedule, higher cost (~$400-600)
- No TDLR packet required
Texas Drivers Ed Guides
Detailed guides for every step of the Texas teen licensing process.
Texas Learner Permit
Requirements, documents needed, and how to get your learner license at the DPS.
Read guideRoad Test Guide
What to bring, what to expect, common mistakes, and how to pass on your first try.
Read guideProvisional License
Restrictions, requirements, and what teens can and cannot do with a provisional license.
Read guideHardship License (MRDL)
Eligibility requirements and how to apply for a Minor's Restricted Driver License.
Read guideDE-964 Certificate
What it is, the two types, expiration rules, and how to get your driver education certificate.
Read guideITTD Course
The free Impact Texas Teen Drivers course required before your road test.
Read guideVOE Form
Verification of Enrollment requirements, validity periods, and how to get one.
Read guideOut-of-State Permit
How to transfer a learner permit from another state to Texas, including the 6-month reset.
Read guideTexas Teen License Timeline
The typical path from starting driver education to getting a provisional license.
Start Driver Education
Begin 24-hour classroom course (online or in-person)
Get Learner Permit
After first 6 hours of course + passing written test, visit DPS for permit
Complete Practice Hours
44 hours behind-the-wheel (7 instruction + 7 observation + 30 practice, including 10 night)
Take Road Test
Complete ITTD, schedule DPS road test, pass driving exam
Provisional License
Receive provisional license with GDL restrictions
Ready to Start Parent Taught Driver Ed?
ParentTaught.com offers a TDLR-approved online course with everything you need: 24-hour curriculum, written test, certificates, and digital driving logs.