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.

1

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.

Don't start driving instruction before ordering your packet. Any hours logged before you have your TDLR receipt number don't count toward your requirements.
2

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.

The DPS application fee is $16. A parent or legal guardian must accompany students under 18.
3

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.

Only the parent instructor listed on your TDLR packet can supervise these hours.
4

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.

Even if you finish all 44 hours quickly, you can't get your provisional license until you've held your permit for at least 6 months and are at least 16 years old.
5

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.

Your ITTD certificate is only valid for 90 days, so time it close to your planned DPS visit, not too far in advance.
6

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.

7

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.

8

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.

These restrictions lift automatically when you turn 18 - no DPS visit needed.

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.

1

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.

The DPS application fee is $16. A parent or legal guardian must accompany students under 18.
2

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.

Driving schools can book up fast, especially during school breaks and summer - schedule your drive times as soon as you get your permit.
3

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.

Even if you finish all 44 hours quickly, you can't get your provisional license until you've held your permit for at least 6 months and are at least 16 years old.
4

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.

Your ITTD certificate is only valid for 90 days, so time it close to your planned DPS visit.
5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

These restrictions lift automatically when you turn 18 - no DPS visit needed.

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.

1

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%.

Texas law allows up to 3 attempts before you're required to pay a restart fee and retake the course.
2

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.

Your ITAD certificate is valid for 90 days, so complete it close to when you plan to take your driving skills test.
3

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.

4

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.


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