TDLR Approved Texas Parent Taught Drivers Ed course includes 24 hours online classroom training and 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Everything your teen needs to get their Texas learners permit and drivers license.
Parent Taught Drivers Ed Online
In Texas, parents can choose a traditional driving school or the Parent Taught Drivers Ed Online method approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
Texas Parent Taught Drivers Ed Online (PTDE) is an affordable option that delivers the same required instruction. Our online Course #107 is approved by the State of Texas and TDLR. It includes 24 hours of interactive online training students can log into and out of on their schedule, plus printouts for the 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
Advantages of Parent Taught Drivers Ed
The main advantages of the Parent Taught course are:
Affordability
Traditional driving schools are expensive because they use real-time instructors for classroom and behind-the-wheel training. Parent Taught Drivers Ed is a fraction of the cost of a Texas driving school.
Flexible, Self-Paced Schedule
Parent taught is self-paced. Students with extracurricular activities can work on the course when it fits. Most parents set a weekly schedule for in-car instruction (a few weekdays after work plus weekend time). There is no rigid drop-off schedule. It is completely flexible for the teen and parent’s availability. This is especially helpful for working or single-parent families.
Parent Taught Drivers Ed Requirements & Steps
Teens between the ages of 14 and 17 years of age are eligible to enroll in Texas Parent Taught Drivers Education. Teen students must be at least 15 years of age in order to receive their Texas learners permit, so students enrolling at 14 years of age can only work on the online classroom part of the course.
The steps for Texas Parent Taught Drivers Ed include:
- Enroll in a trusted State Approved Parent Taught Drivers Ed course.
- Complete the Parent-Taught Driver Education Instructor Designation form online at the TDLR website (or the form inside the course). You must receive your TDLR packet/authorization before beginning the course.
- Begin online classroom training and complete the first six hours after receiving your packet.
- After the first six hours and age 15+, take the DPS written test (included in the course).
- After passing, apply for the Texas learners permit at a DPS office.
- Once the permit is received, begin in-car lessons with the designated parent instructor.
- Complete the remaining online hours and all behind-the-wheel requirements.
- Receive the Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964).
- After holding the learners permit at least six months and reaching age 16, apply for the Texas provisional drivers license.
How long is the Texas Parent Taught Drivers Ed Course?
The course includes 24 hours of online instruction and 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Texas limits instruction to no more than two hours per day online and one hour per day behind the wheel.
The Parent Taught Drivers Ed course is self-paced with no fixed class schedules. Most students finish in three to six months. With consistent effort it can be completed in as little as two months.
How Our Students Compare
Your teen deserves the best online Drivers Ed course in Texas. Our Parent Taught Course #107 is approved by the State of Texas and includes everything your student needs to get their Texas learners permit and drivers license. Effective training with proven results where safety is first. You’re in good hands, let’s get started today!
Frequently Asked Questions – Texas Parent Taught Drivers Ed
Who is eligible for Texas Parent Taught Drivers Ed?
Teens between the ages of 14 and 17 can enroll. Students must be at least 15 years old to receive their Texas learners permit, so 14-year-olds can only complete the online classroom portion until they turn 15.
Who can be the parent instructor?
A parent, step-parent, grandparent, step-grandparent, foster parent, or legal guardian may serve as the instructor. They must meet TDLR eligibility requirements (valid Texas driver license for the past 3 years and a qualifying driving record). A designated adult (age 25+) can also be authorized in certain cases.
How does the Texas Parent Taught Drivers Ed process work?
- Enroll in our TDLR-approved Course #107.
- Complete the Parent-Taught Instructor Designation form with TDLR and receive your packet.
- Complete the first 6 hours of the online course.
- Take the DPS written test (included in the course) and apply for the learners permit.
- Complete the remaining online hours + 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training with the parent instructor.
- Receive the DE-964 certificate and apply for the provisional license after holding the permit for 6 months (and reaching age 16).
How long does the Parent Taught course take?
The course includes 24 hours of online instruction and 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Texas limits students to 2 hours of online instruction and 1 hour of behind-the-wheel training per day. Most students finish in 3–6 months. With consistent effort it can be completed in as little as 2 months.
Is the course self-paced?
Yes. Our Parent Taught Drivers Ed course is completely self-paced. There are no fixed class schedules. Students can log in and out as their schedule allows, making it ideal for busy teens and working parents.
What is included in the $84.95 course?
Our complete TDLR-approved Course #107 includes 24 hours of interactive online classroom training, the DPS written test, printouts for the 44 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, and the official DE-964 Driver Education Certificate (available immediately upon completion). The course works on iOS, Android, and laptops.
Do I need the TDLR Parent Taught packet before starting?
Yes. You must complete the Parent-Taught Driver Education Instructor Designation form with TDLR and receive your packet before beginning the online course. The form can be completed online at the TDLR website or found inside our course.
When can my teen get their Texas learners permit?
After completing the first 6 hours of the online course, passing the DPS written test (included), and turning 15 years of age, the student can apply for the Texas learners permit at a DPS office.
Is Parent Taught Drivers Ed cheaper than a traditional driving school?
Yes. Traditional driving schools can cost several hundred dollars because they use professional instructors for both classroom and behind-the-wheel training. Parent Taught Drivers Ed is a fraction of the cost while meeting the exact same TDLR requirements.
What Texas Parents Are Saying
“This course made the whole process so much easier. My son could work on the lessons after sports practice, and I didn’t have to rearrange my work schedule. The certificate was ready right away.”
— Jennifer R., Houston, Texas
“We looked at traditional driving schools and the prices were crazy. This Parent Taught course was affordable, easy to follow, and we got the DE-964 the same day he finished.”
— Mark T., Austin, Texas
“Very straightforward. The steps were clear, the online portion worked great on our phones and laptop, and support answered my questions quickly. Highly recommend.”
— Sarah L., Burleson, Texas
“We were worried about the cost of a regular driving school. This Parent Taught course was easy to follow, and my daughter finished the online part at her own pace. The DE-964 certificate was available immediately.”
— Maria G., San Antonio, Texas
“The flexibility was the biggest advantage for us. My son could work on the lessons after football practice, and I didn’t have to rearrange my schedule. Everything was clear and straightforward.”
— David P., Fort Worth, Texas
“Very happy with this course. It was affordable, worked well on both our phones and laptop, and the process to get the permit was simple once we had the TDLR packet.”
— Angela M., El Paso, Texas
“I compared several options and chose this one because of the price and the immediate certificate. My daughter passed the written test on the first try and we were able to get her permit the same week.”
— Kevin R., Plano, Texas
“As a single parent, the self-paced format made all the difference. No fixed class times and no expensive driving school fees. Highly recommend for other busy families.”
— Lisa H., Corpus Christi, Texas
“Clear instructions, good support when I had questions, and the behind-the-wheel printouts were helpful. We finished everything without any issues and got the DE-964 right away.”
— Brian S., Lubbock, Texas
Ready to Get Your Teen Started?
TDLR-Approved Course #107 • Immediate DE-964 Certificate • Mobile Friendly
Most families start as soon as their teen turns 15. Join thousands of Texas families who chose the affordable, flexible Parent Taught option.
$84.95