The Complete Texas Driver Education
Step-By-Step Guide for Parents & Teens
Table of Contents
- 1. What Is Parent-Taught Driver Education in Texas?
- 2. Who Is Eligible for Texas Parent-Taught Driver Ed?
- 3. Step-By-Step: How Texas PTDE Works
- 4. How Long Does Texas Parent-Taught Driver Ed Take?
- 5. Texas PTDE Classroom & Driving Hour Requirements
- 6. Common Mistakes That Delay Licenses
- 7. Parent-Taught vs Commercial School
- 8. Why Families Choose National Driver Training
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- 10. Ready to Start Texas Parent-Taught Driver Ed?
National Driver Training has helped families safely and legally complete driver education since 1998. Our Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education Program is approved for use throughout the state and equips parents with everything needed to legally teach their teen to drive at home, on your schedule, and at your pace.
If you’re considering Parent-Taught Driver Ed in Texas, this guide explains exactly how it works, who qualifies, what is required, and how to avoid costly mistakes that delay licenses.
What Is Parent-Taught Driver Education in Texas?
Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE) is a state-approved alternative to commercial driving schools that allows a parent or legal guardian to serve as the driving instructor for their teen.
Instead of attending a traditional classroom program, the teen completes:
- The online classroom portion
- The permit test
- And all behind-the-wheel training at home under parental supervision
All requirements must follow Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and Texas DPS rules.
Who Is Eligible for Texas Parent-Taught Driver Ed?
Student (Teen) Requirements:
- Must be at least 14 years old to begin the classroom portion
- Must be 15 years old to receive a learner’s permit
- Must meet basic school enrollment and residency requirements
Parent / Instructor Requirements:
- Must be the parent, legal guardian, or court-approved adult (click here)
- Cannot have certain serious traffic or criminal violations
- Must complete the required Parent Instructor Affidavit
Step-By-Step: How Texas PTDE Works
Step 1: Enroll in a TDLR-Approved Online PTDE Course
Your teen completes the 32-hour classroom requirement online through National Driver Training.
Step 2: Apply for the Official PTDE Packet
The state-issued PTDE packet authorizes you to legally teach your teen. It includes:
- Instructor Affidavit
- Progress Logs
- Completion Forms
- Certification Documents
We guide families through this entire process.
Step 3: Complete the Online Classroom & Permit Test
Your teen completes all required lessons and takes the Texas permit test online.
Step 4: Apply for the Learner’s Permit
Once classroom hours and the permit test are completed, you schedule a DPS appointment and apply for the Learner License (Permit).
Step 5: Complete Behind-the-Wheel Training at Home
Texas requires 14 total hours of driving, including:
- 7 daytime hours
- 7 nighttime hours
- Specific skills training (parking, lane changes, freeway driving, etc.)
You log all practice using the PTDE driving log.
Step 6: Apply for the Provisional License
Once all requirements are complete and the teen meets age requirements, they may apply for their Texas provisional driver license.
How Long Does Texas Parent-Taught Driver Ed Take?
Most families complete PTDE in 3 to 6 months, depending on schedule and practice frequency.
There is no minimum daily time requirement, but Texas law requires:
- All classroom instruction to be completed first
- Behind-the-wheel training completed after permit issuance
- A required holding period before road testing
Texas PTDE Classroom & Driving Hour Requirements
Classroom Instruction
- 24 total hours
- Completed online
Classroom Topics
- Rules of the road
- Defensive driving
- Alcohol & drug awareness
- Traffic laws and signs
- Risk management
Behind-the-Wheel Training
- 30 total hours (20 hours daytime + 10 hours nighttime)
- Must be logged accurately and retained for audit
Complete the Impact Texas Teen Drivers Course
Free, 2-hour course povided by the state. The Impact Course must be completed before your driving exam, but not earlier than 90 days before taking the DPS Road Test.
Common Mistakes That Delay Licenses
Many license delays happen because of:
- Incorrect PTDE packet submission
- Incomplete driving logs
- Mismatched student/instructor information
- Starting behind-the-wheel training before the permit is issued
- Using non-approved course providers
National Driver Training’s system is designed to prevent these errors automatically.
Parent-Taught vs Commercial School
| Feature | Parent-Taught (PTDE) | Commercial School |
|---|---|---|
| Who teaches driving | Parent / Guardian | Paid instructor |
| Location | At home | Driving school |
| Cost | Lower overall | Higher |
| Schedule | Fully flexible | Fixed |
| Control & Involvement | High | Moderate |
PTDE is ideal for families who want hands-on involvement, homeschooled students, rural families, and parants who want flexibility and oversight.
Why Families Choose National Driver Training
- Serving families nationwide since 1998
- Texas-approved curriculum
- Online permit testing
- Parent friendly tracking and documentation
- Teen friendly learning platform
- Audit safe logs and certifications
- Dedicated customer support
National Driver Training is a licensed educational provider created by certified driving instructors, not a marketing middle-man.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old does my teen have to be to start Parent-Taught Driver Ed in Texas?
Teens may begin the classroom portion at 14 years old, but must be 15 to receive a learner’s permit.
Can both parents teach driving?
Yes. Either parent or guardian may supervise driving if they meet instructor eligibility rules.
Do I need special certification to teach my child?
You must complete the Parent Instructor Affidavit and meet TDLR criteria, but no teaching license is required.
Is Parent-Taught Driver Ed legal in Texas?
Yes. PTDE is fully legal when all TDLR and Texas DPS rules are strictly followed.
How many hours of driving are required?
Texas requires 30 total behind-the-wheel hours, split between daytime and nighttime driving.
Can my teen take the permit test online?
Yes. Your teen may complete the permit test online as part of the course.
How long does PTDE stay valid?
Once issued, the PTDE packet remains valid as long as all steps are completed correctly and within the legal timeframe.
What happens if we make a mistake in the logs?
Incorrect logs are the #1 reason licenses are rejected. Our system helps prevent this.
Is PTDE accepted by Texas DPS?
Yes. When completed correctly, all certificates are fully accepted statewide.
Can I switch from PTDE to a driving school?
Yes, but paperwork must be updated correctly to avoid delays.
Ready to Start Texas Parent-Taught Driver Ed?
National Driver Training provides everything your family needs to legally complete PTDE:
- Online classroom
- Online permit testing
- Step-by-step PTDE packet guidance
- Driving logs and certificates
- Parent and teen support
Get started today and stay fully compliant with Texas law.