Texas Drivers Ed

Last Updated: August 31, 2021 |
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If you’ve arrived on this page, you’re probably in the mood to get your driver’s license.  Just a minute there turbo!  There’s a few steps we need to go through first before we can get you off and running on Texas roadways.  For starters, we need to get you enrolled in an approved Texas Drivers Education course.  Here’s what to expect from the Texas Drivers Education process.  

Texas Drivers Education Eligibility Requirements

In the state of Texas, the eligibility requirements for new drivers are clear.  If you are at least 15 years of age and below 18 years of age, you must complete and pass the classroom portion of an approved driver education course prior to completing your written exam at the DMV.  The drivers ed phase in Texas requires a minimum of 32 hours of classroom instruction.  It also requires behind-the-wheel driving hours that are part of the requirements to get a provisional license.  

There are three types of Drivers Education courses that are approved in the state of Texas.  You can take a traditional drivers education course at your public school.  This option is becoming less and less common as budget cuts happen across the nation with one of the first victims of cuts being driver’s education programs.  You can also take a certified training course with a local school to your home or with an approved online course provider.  Parent taught drivers education is also an option in the state of Texas.  You can take drivers education at home with a parent taught driver education online course.

Drivers Education is also available for those aged 18 to 24 in an abbreviated 6 hour course.  

Receiving Your Texas Driver’s Permit

Once you’ve completed your online or classroom course for Drivers Education, you can take the written exam at the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to get a driver’s permit.  This is also commonly referred to as a Texas Learner License.  Taking the written exam may at the DPS may not apply to you.  If you completed your written exam as part of your drivers education course, you’re good to go and simply need to make an appointment to file supporting documents to prove applicable requirements.

If you still need to take your driver’s permit written exam at the DPS, make sure you take a practice test beforehand.  Questions are taken directly from previously administered tests and the TX driver handbook.  You’re going to want to visit DMV-Written-Test.com before you head to the DPS for the big moment.  Passing the written learners permit test is important.  Make sure you’re ready to go!

What Will You Need to Get Your Texas Learner License

There are several things you will need to have to get your learner license.  First off, always save yourself time and energy by booking an appointment online with the DPS.  This method has saved me so many hours and it will for you too.  Always make sure you try to book before you go in randomly.

When you visit your local DPS office, you’ll need proof of the following

  1. Your identity and lawful presence as a citizen of the United States.
  2. Texas residency (2 documents, think utility bill and government correspondence)
  3. Your social security number.  Bring your social security card!
  4. Verification of Enrollment and Attendance in a high school or GED
  5. Application for Driver License
  6. Certificate to prove completed Drivers Ed Course
    1. DE-964 for Drivers Education Through a Driving School 
    2. DE-964E if you completed Drivers Education through your high school
    3. All Completed Forms if you took Parent Taught Drivers Education or a PTDE course at an approved online driving school.
  7. Pay the $16 Learner License fee

TX Learner’s Permit License Driving Restrictions

It is important to note that when you receive your Texas learners permit, you are allowed to practice your driving skills but only in certain settings.  You must be accompanied by a licensed driver over the age of 21.  This adult must also be in the front seat of the vehicle with you at all times.  As is the case with any driver, do not use your cell phone while driving.

Once you have held your learners license for 6 months time, you are eligible for your provisional license and restrictions are more lenient.