Choosing a Driver Education Course

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Getting a driver license when you are under 18 years old involves two steps: driver education and obtaining a learner permit.

A 6-hour adult driver education course is required for all persons between the ages of 18 and 24 before testing for a driver license. (Persons over the age of 25 are not required to take a driver education course)

Driver Education Options (Starting at age 14):

  1. Traditional Course: Offered by certified driving schools with classroom instruction.
  2. Online Courses: Offered by certified driving schools for a flexible learning experience.
  3. Parent-Taught: Learn for a parent or guardian with a valid unexpired Texas drivers license.
  4. Public School Driver Education: Offered by some public schools, check for availability.

NOTE: An individual may start the classroom phase of a driver education course at 14 years of age but cannot apply for a learner license until he/she is at least 15.

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Driver Education and Safety website provides more information on these options.

Driver Education Classroom Portion for Teens

Texas offers two methods to complete the classroom portion of a driver education, each affecting when you get your learner's permit (starting at age 15):

Concurrent Method (Get behind the Wheel Faster):

  1. Take the first 6 hours of classroom instruction.
  2. Pass the learner's permit written exam
  3. Get your learner's permit to practice driving with a licensed adult.
  4. Finish the remaining 26 hours of classroom instruction while practicing.

Block Method (Complete Classroom First):

  1. Complete all 32 hours of classroom instruction.
  2. Pass the learner's permit written exam.
  3. Get your learner's permit to practice driving with a licensed adult.

No matter which method your chose, remember - safe driving starts with a solid foundation in traffic laws and responsible practices