Parent Taught Drivers Ed FAQ

How do I start my Parent Taught Drivers Ed?

First you must submit a request form to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for the Parent Taught Driver Education (PTDE) Packet. You can access the form online from the TDLR website.

You should receive your PTDE packet within 3 weeks. Once you receive your packet, then you may start the online course.

How old do you have to be to take this course?

You should be at least 14 years old to begin the Online Parent-Taught Drivers Education course. Once you are at least 15 years old and have completed the first section of the online course, then you will be eligible to apply for the learner's permit. You must obtain your learner's permit before beginning behind the wheel training.

Who is eligible to teach the PTDE course?

A teen's parent, step-parent, grandparent, step-grandparent, foster parent or legal guardian (a power of attorney is not eligible) may instruct the Parent Taught Driver Education. These are the only relatives allowed as an instructor. Also the instructor must meet the following guidelines:

• Has had a valid drivers license for the past three years. Individuals who have lived outside of Texas at any time in the last three years are required to bring the driving record from their former state when the student applies for the license.
• An instructor may not have had his or her drivers license suspended, revoked or forfeited in the past three years.
• Must have less than six points on his or her driving record.
• Have never been convicted of or received a probated sentence for DUI, DWI or Criminally Negligent Homicide.
• And is not disabled due to mental illness.

If you are not sure if you meet the requirements, be sure to check your criminal record and driving record before registering. If the DPS finds that you are not eligible to teach the PTDE Course, then none of your instruction will count and the student will not be issued a license.

How do I apply for a Permit?

Once you finish the first module of the online course, we will email you the form DE-946E within 3 days. When you are at least 15 years of age, you will need to bring this form with you when you go to your local DPS office to apply for your permit. Your Parent Taught Driver Education packet will explain all that is required.

How long will it take to complete the online course?

The entire online course will take a minimum of 32 hours, which is a Texas requirement. The first module (which needs to be completed before applying for your permit) is the required 6 hours. Your progress is saved as you go, so you are able to stop and take breaks as needed.

What do I do once I get my permit?

Once you have passed the permit test, then you and your qualified parent can begin the behind the wheel training while you simultaneously complete the rest of the online drivers education. You will need to complete a total of 44 hours of drivers training, which will be explained in the PTDE packet.

Will I receive a certificate after completing the online Drivers Ed?

Adult Drivers Ed FAQ

Who needs to take Adult Drivers Education?

In Texas, if you are an adult between the age of 18 and 24 applying for your first Texas Drivers License, then you are required to take and pass an Adult Drivers Ed course.

Is this an Approved Texas Adult Drivers Education course?

Yes! This online course is Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) approved and will meet the adult drivers ed requirement set forth by the TX DPS (Texas Department of Public Safety).

Is Adult Drivers Education the same as a Defensive Driving Course?

No. A TX Defensive Driving course is taken to clear a traffic citation or to receive a discount on your driving insurance. A Defensive Driving course will not meet the Texas driver's license requirement.

Is there a time requirement for this course?

Yes, this course will be a minimum of 6 hours, as required by the state of Texas. However, do not have to take this course all at one time. You can take breaks and work at your convenience.

Will I receive a certificate after I finish the course?