Texas Learner License as a Teen
Choosing a Driver Education Course
If you’re under 18 and want a Texas driver license, there are two key steps:
- Complete a driver education course
- Obtain a learner permit
Driver Education Options (Start as early as age 14)
You can begin the classroom phase of driver education at age 14, but you must be at least 15 to apply for a learner license.
iDrive Academy offers two Course Types:
Parent-Taught Driver Education Program
Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE) allows a parent, legal guardian, or qualified adult—such as a step-parent, grandparent, or foster parent—to teach their teen how to drive. This program meets the same standards and requirements as traditional driving schools, offering a flexible and affordable option for families to complete driver education at home.
How to Become a Parent-Taught Instructor
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Instructor Requirements:
To qualify as a PTDE instructor, you must:
- Hold a valid Texas driver’s license for the past 3 years
- Have a clean driving record
- Not have any disqualifying criminal convictions
Verify Your Eligibility- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/driver/education/parent-taught/instructor-eligibility/
A parent, legal guardian, or judge can assign an alternate instructor. They must meet the same qualifications and may not charge a fee.
Student Requirements:
Your teen must:
- Be under 18
- Be enrolled in:
- Public, private, or homeschool (past 80 days), or
- A high school equivalency (GED) program (past 45 days)
- Be making satisfactory academic progress
Verify Enrollment Info ➜ https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/driver/education/students/verification-of-enrollment.htm
Step 2: (Optional) Get Your Driving Record
While optional, we highly recommend checking your driving record—especially if you’ve had any tickets or accidents in the past 3 years.
If DPS finds you ineligible, your teen’s license could be denied and instruction hours voided.
Order Your DPS Driving Record ➜ https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/txldrcdr/TXDPSLicenseeManager
Step 3: Apply for Instructor Authorization
You’ll need to submit an instructor application through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR):
- Fee: $20 (non-refundable)
- One application per student
- Use the student’s legal name exactly as it appears on official documents
If using an alternate instructor, include their full info on the application.
Apply Now with TDLR ➜ https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/ParentTaught/PTSelect.aspx
Step 4: Get Your PTDE Program Guide
Once approved, you’ll receive the official PTDE Guide by email and through your Parent Instructor Portal.
- Includes lesson plans, progress tracking, and more
- Use this guide alongside our 24-Hour PTDE online course to stay on track
Go to Parent Instructor Portal ➜ https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/ParentTaught/PTSelect.aspx
After you have received confirmation of your instructor designation from TDLR, you may begin instruction.
You're Ready to Start!
- You’re now ready to team up with iDrive Academy and guide your teen through every step of learning to drive.
24-Hour Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE) Online Course
Step 1: Verify Instructor and Student Eligibility
- Before beginning the Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE) program, ensure that both the instructor and the student meet all eligibility requirements.
Step 2:
Enroll in our 24-Hour Parent-Taught Driver Education Course- https://idriveacademytx.com/texas-online-parent-taught-teen-ed/
- After completing the first 6 hours, you’ll receive your Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964) instantly.
Step 3: Get Your Texas Lerner License (Permit)
Visit your local DPS office with your parent/legal guardian and bring:
- Your Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964)
- Required ID, residency, and citizenship documents
View full list - High school diploma, GED, or a VOE (Verification of Enrollment) form
- Vision test results, photo taken, and payment for the application fee
You’ll receive a temporary permit on the spot. Your official Learner License will arrive by mail within 2–3 weeks.
You must be accompanied by a licensed adult (21+) in the front seat while driving.
Step 4: Continue your online 24-Hour PTDE Course + Begin Behind-the-Wheel Training
Complete the rest of your online PTDE course (18 hours) and begin your driving practice with your registered parent or guardian instructor
Note: iDrive Academy offers only the online 24-hour Parent Taught Driver Education (PTDE) Course. All Behind-the-Wheel training must be completed with the registered PTDE instructor (parent, legal guardian, or qualified adult).
Behind-the-Wheel Requirements:
- 7 hours observing the instructor driving
- 7 hours of in-car instruction (student driving)
- 30 hours of additional supervised driving, including 10 hours at night
Step 5: Finish the Course & Get the Final Certificate
- Complete the 24-Hour PTDE online course
- Receive your final Driver Education Completion Certificate (DE-964)
- Finish all Behind-the-Wheel driving hours with the parent/guardian instructor
Step 6: Complete the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) Program
All students must complete the ITTD course before taking the driving skills exam.
- The course includes 8 videos that highlight the dangers of distracted driving.
- Must be completed within 90 days of your driving test.
Step 7: Take the Driving Test
You can take your test at either:
- Your local DPS office, or
- A licensed driving school
Eligibility:
- Be 16–17 years old
- Held a learner license for at least 6 months
Provide:
- Final Driver Ed Certificate
- Valid ITTD Certificate
- Proof of current vehicle registration and insurance (if testing at DPS)
- Scheduled road test appointment (select “Class C”) https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/driver-license-services-appointments
If testing at a driving school:
- Sealed results must be delivered to DPS in person, OR
- If the school uses the TPST Submission Portal, your results will be sent online. You can then pay online through Texas by Texas and receive your temporary license digitally —
no DPS visit needed!
Congratulations!
You’re now ready to get your provisional Texas drivers license. Safe driving!
- You’re now ready to get your provisional Texas drivers license. Safe driving!
24-Hour Teen Online Course
Step 1: Enroll in our 24-Hour Parent Taught Driver Education Course
- After completing the first 6 hours, you’ll receive your Texas Driver Education Certificate(DE-964) instantly.
Step 2: Get Your Texas Lerner License (Permit)
Visit your local DPS office with your parent/legal guardian and bring:
- Your Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964)
- Required ID, residency, and citizenship documents
View full list - High school diploma, GED, or a VOE (Verification of Enrollment) form
- Vision test results, photo taken, and payment for the application fee
You’ll receive a temporary permit on the spot. Your official Learner License will arrive by mail within 2–3 weeks.
You must be accompanied by a licensed adult (21+) in the front seat while driving.
Step 3: Continue your online 24-Hour Teen Course + Begin Behind-the-Wheel Training with a Certified Driving School
Complete the rest of your online teen course (18 hours) and begin your driving practice with a licensed driving school.
Note: iDrive Academy offers only the online 24-hour Teen Driver Education Course. All Behind-the-Wheel training must be completed with a licensed driving School.
Behind-the-Wheel Requirements:
- 7 hours observing the instructor driving
- 7 hours of in-car instruction (student driving)
- 30 hours of additional supervised driving, including 10 hours at night
Step 4: Finish the Course & Get the Final Certificate
- Complete the 24-Hour PTDE online course
- Receive your final Driver Education Completion Certificate (DE-964)
- Finish all Behind-the-Wheel driving hours with a certified driving school
Step 5: Complete the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) Program
All students must complete the ITTD course before taking the driving skills exam.
- The course includes 8 videos that highlight the dangers of distracted driving.
- Must be completed within 90 days of your driving test.
Step 6: Take the Driving Test
You can take your test at either:
- Your local DPS office, or
- A licensed driving school
Eligibility:
- Be 16–17 years old
- Held a learner license for at least 6 months
Provide:
- Final Driver Ed Certificate
- Valid ITTD Certificate
- Proof of current vehicle registration and insurance (if testing at DPS)
- Scheduled road test appointment (select “Class C”) https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/driver-license-services-appointments
If testing at a driving school:
- Sealed results must be delivered to DPS in person, OR
- If the school uses the TPST Submission Portal, your results will be sent online. You can then pay online through Texas by Texas and receive your temporary license digitally —
no DPS visit needed!
Congratulations!
- You’re now ready to get your provisional Texas drivers license. Safe driving!
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