Where to Take Parent-Taught Drivers Ed in Texas

Texas Parent-Taught Driver's Education: A Comprehensive Guide

Parent-Taught Driver's Ed (PTDE) is a popular and flexible option for Texas teens to complete their driver education requirements. It allows a qualified parent, legal guardian, or designated individual to instruct the teen at home, combining online coursework with behind-the-wheel practice.

Locations to Take Parent-Taught Drivers Ed in Texas

PTDE is an online-based program, so there are no physical locations to attend. The entire classroom portion is completed through a state-approved online course provider. You can find these providers by searching for "TDLR-approved parent-taught drivers ed" in Texas. These courses are self-paced and can be accessed from any computer, tablet, or mobile device.

Eligibility Criteria for Parent-Taught Programs

Both the student and the instructor must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the PTDE program.

• Student Eligibility:

  • Must be between 14 and 17 years old.

  • Must be a bona fide resident of Texas.

  • Must show satisfactory academic progress in school.

• Instructor Eligibility:

  • Must be a parent, stepparent, grandparent, step-grandparent, foster parent, or legal guardian. A designated individual may also be approved.

  • Must have a valid Texas driver's license (Class A, B, C, or CDL) for at least three years.

  • Must have a clean driving record with no suspensions, revocations, or forfeitures for traffic violations in the last three years.

  • Cannot have a conviction for criminally negligent homicide or DWI in the last seven years.

  • Must not have six or more points on their license.

Course Requirements and Duration

The Texas PTDE program has a total of 76 hours of instruction. This is split into two main components:

• Classroom Instruction: 32 hours of coursework completed online. This is where the student learns traffic laws, safe driving practices, and other essential knowledge. After the first six hours of this instruction, a student can take the written exam to get their learner's permit.

• Behind-the-Wheel Training: 44 hours of in-car training. This is further broken down:

  • 14 hours of in-car instruction with the parent instructor.

  • 30 hours of behind-the-wheel practice with any licensed driver over the age of 21. At least 10 of these hours must be at night.

The entire program must be completed over a minimum of 16 days, with no more than two hours of instruction (classroom or behind-the-wheel) per day. Additionally, the student must complete the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) program, a two-hour video, within 90 days of their driving test.

How to Register and Submit Completion Forms

The first step is to register with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and get the PTDE Program Guide packet. This is a crucial step that must be completed before starting any coursework.

1. Register: You can register and pay the required fee on the TDLR website. You will receive a link to download the PTDE Program Guide.

2. Purchase a Course: Enroll in a TDLR-approved online PTDE course from a certified provider.

3. Complete Coursework: The student works through the online course at their own pace.

4. Get a Learner's Permit: After completing the first six hours of classroom instruction, the student can take the written exam (often available online through the course provider). With the completion certificate and other required documents, they can apply for a learner's permit at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office.

5. Submit Forms: You'll need to submit various forms and logs when applying for the learner's permit and later for the provisional license. These include the DL-14A application, the DL-91A Classroom Instruction Log, and a Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Log to track driving hours.

Tips for Successful Driver Education at Home

Parent-Taught Driver's Ed requires commitment and patience from both the student and the instructor. Here are some tips for a successful experience:

• Follow a Structured Plan: Use the course materials and the PTDE Program Guide to create a clear schedule. Start with the basics in a low-traffic area, like an empty parking lot, before moving to residential streets and then highways.

• Be Patient and Positive: Teaching a new driver can be stressful. Maintain a calm, supportive atmosphere. Avoid yelling or getting frustrated, as this can make the student anxious and less likely to learn effectively.

• Practice in Varied Conditions: Once the student is comfortable with the basics, practice driving in different conditions, including in light rain, at night (for the required 10 hours), and in various types of traffic.

• Lead by Example: Students learn a great deal by observing their instructor. Make sure you are modeling safe driving habits, such as avoiding distractions (like using your phone), using turn signals, and maintaining a safe following distance.

• Document Everything: Keep meticulous records of all classroom hours and driving logs. You will need to provide these to the DPS. The course provider will often offer a way to track this information easily.