TDLR Approved
How to Get Your Texas Driver’s License as a Parent-Taught Teen
The parent-taught licensing process has several steps - here's everything you and your parent instructor need to do, from ordering your TDLR packet to getting your provisional license.
Confirm Eligibility & Order Your TDLR Packet
Before you begin, your parent instructor needs to meet Texas's eligibility requirements: a valid Texas driver's license held for at least 3 years, no DUI/DWI convictions in the past 7 years, and a clean-enough driving record. Eligible instructors include a parent, step-parent, grandparent, step-grandparent, foster parent, or legal guardian.
Once you've confirmed eligibility, order the official PTDE Program Guide from TDLR for $20. It's delivered by email and includes your instruction logs and your 452PT receipt number, which you'll need for enrollment, certificates, and every DPS visit.
Complete Unit 1 & Get Your Learner Permit (Age 15+)
After finishing the first 6 hours of coursework and passing the written test, you'll receive your DE-964E certificate. Take it, printed in color if it has a green background, to any Texas DPS office along with your PTDE receipt number, proof of identity, and two proofs of Texas residency.
Complete 14 Hours of Behind-the-Wheel Instruction
This is formal instruction with your designated parent instructor only: 7 hours of observation and 7 hours of behind-the-wheel driving. Daily limits apply (max 2 hours of driving and 4 hours combined per day), so this takes a minimum of 4 days.
Complete 30 Hours of Supervised Practice Driving
This portion is more flexible: any adult who is at least 21 years old and has held a valid license for at least 1 year can supervise, not just the designated instructor. At least 10 of these hours must be driven at night.
Complete the ITTD Course
Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) is a free, 2-hour video course required by Texas law, run by DPS. It only works on a desktop or laptop, not a phone or tablet.
Pass Your Road Test
Test at any DPS location with your own registered, insured, and inspected vehicle, or through a driving school approved by DPS to administer the test directly.
Get Your Provisional License at the DPS
Bring your DE-964 certificate, both driving logs, your ITTD certificate, your current learner permit (which will be surrendered), and the $16 license fee.
Know Your Provisional License Restrictions
Until you turn 18: no more than 1 passenger under 21 who isn't a family member, no driving between midnight and 5:00 AM, and no cell phone use at all while driving.
TDLR Approved
How to Get Your Texas Driver’s License with Instructor-Led Training
No parent registration with TDLR required - complete your driving lessons with any certified driving school. Here's exactly what the process looks like from start to finish.
Complete Unit 1 & Get Your Learner Permit (Age 15+)
After finishing the first 6 hours of coursework and passing the written test, you'll receive your DE-964E certificate. Take it, printed in color if it has a green background, to any Texas DPS office along with proof of identity and two proofs of Texas residency.
Schedule Your 14 Hours of Behind-the-Wheel Instruction
This formal in-car training is done with a certified driving instructor, not a parent or guardian. Schedule it with us or any other certified driving school once you have your learner permit in hand.
Complete 30 Hours of Supervised Practice Driving
This portion can be supervised by your driving school or instructor, or by any adult who is at least 21 years old and has held a valid license for at least 1 year. At least 10 of these hours must be driven at night.
Complete the ITTD Course
Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) is a free, 2-hour video course required by Texas law, run by DPS. It only works on a desktop or laptop, not a phone or tablet.
Pass Your Road Test
Test at any DPS location with your own registered, insured, and inspected vehicle, or through us or another driving school approved by DPS to administer the test directly.
Get Your Provisional License at the DPS
Bring your DE-964 certificate, your 30-hour practice log, your ITTD certificate, your current learner permit (which will be surrendered), and the $16 license fee.
Know Your Provisional License Restrictions
Until you turn 18: no more than 1 passenger under 21 who isn't a family member, no driving between midnight and 5:00 AM, and no cell phone use at all while driving.
TDLR Approved
How to Get Your Texas Driver’s License as an Adult
Designed for adults getting their license for the first time - here's what to expect after you finish the 6-hour course.
Complete the 6-Hour Online Course & Pass Your Exam
Work through all 6 hours of coursework, then pass the final exam with a score of at least 70%.
Complete the Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) Program
This is a separate, free 1-hour program required by Texas DPS in addition to your course, for drivers 18-24 completing adult driver education as well as for all drivers 25 and older.
Choose Your Path to the Driving Skills Test
If you're already comfortable behind the wheel, you can go straight to a Texas DPS office to take your driving skills test. If you'd like more practice first, get a learner permit at DPS, practice or take lessons, then return to DPS - or, if you already hold a learner permit, an authorized driving school approved to administer the test.
Pass Your Driving Skills Test & Get Your License
Bring your driver education certificate and your ITAD certificate to your appointment. Once you pass, your Texas driver's license is issued.
TDLR Approved
How Defensive Driving Works
The 6-hour online course is the same no matter why you're taking it - what changes is what you do with your certificate once you're done. Find your situation below.
Many Texas courts allow you to take a defensive driving course to dismiss a traffic citation instead of it going on your record. Complete the 6-hour course and pass the final exam with a score of at least 70%.
Your Certificate of Completion
- Your certificate is available to download and print immediately after you pass the final exam.
- We report your course completion to the State of Texas within 5 days, but you still need to submit your certificate to the court yourself.
- Your court's instructions usually ask you to mail a copy of your certificate along with a copy of your Texas driving record to their address, or drop it off in person.
- Order a Type 3A Texas driving record if you don't already have one.
- Include your case number with your certificate when you submit it, and make sure it arrives before your deadline.
Many insurance providers offer a discount to policyholders who complete a defensive driving course. Not all providers do, and discount amounts vary, so check with your provider before or after enrolling.
Your Certificate of Completion
- Your certificate is available to download and print immediately after you pass the final exam.
- Send your certificate to your insurance provider to apply for your discount.
- Most providers accept a digital copy by email, but some require a mailed hard copy. Contact your agent to confirm their process.
You don't need a court order or an insurance discount to benefit from defensive driving. Many students take the course simply to review safe driving habits and reduce their risk on the road.
Your Certificate of Completion
- Your certificate is available to download and print immediately after you pass the final exam - keep it for your own records.
- Since there's no court or insurance submission needed, there's nothing further you need to do.
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