State-approved driving courses for Texas
TDLR-approved Texas online driver education for teens and adults, plus a state-authorized 6-hour Defensive Driving course for ticket dismissal or insurance discounts. Parent-Taught and Self-Taught courses include the official DPS Permit Test, so many students never have to visit a DPS office to take the written exam.
Texas online courses
Every course below is delivered by a state-authorized provider. Tap through for full details, or enroll and go straight to secure checkout.
Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed + Permit Test
TDLR-approved Parent-Taught program for teens 14–17, including the official DPS permit test.
Texas Online (Self-Taught) Driver Education + Permit Test
Complete your Texas Driver Education course online at your own pace. Your required behind-the-wheel training will be completed separately with a licensed Texas driving school.
Texas Parent-Taught In-Car Only
The behind-the-wheel curriculum for students who already completed classroom drivers ed.
TX Permit Practice Test (Unlimited)
Free unlimited practice questions modeled on the current Texas DPS knowledge test.
TX Adult Drivers Ed + DPS Permit Test
TDLR-approved 6-hour Adult Drivers Ed for ages 18+ — includes the official DPS Written Test online.
Step-by-step: getting your Texas license
- 01
Complete a 32-Hour Teen Drivers Ed Course
Teens finish a state-approved Parent-Taught or Self-Taught course before moving forward.
- 02
Pass the Texas DPS Permit Test
Take the official knowledge exam online (included in the course) or at a DPS office.
- 03
Visit DPS to Get the Learner License
Bring required documents, pass vision screening, and receive your learner license.
- 04
Complete 44 Hours Behind the Wheel
Texas requires 14 hours of in-car instruction plus 30 hours of supervised practice.
- 05
Hold the Learner License 6 Months
Maintain the learner license for at least six months and stay violation-free.
- 06
Pass the Road Skills Test
Schedule your driving test with DPS or an authorized third-party tester.
- 07
Receive Your Provisional License
Provisional license with standard restrictions applies until age 18.
Texas — Frequently asked
Who can take Parent-Taught Drivers Ed?+
Teens ages 14–17 can enroll. Your parent or guardian must meet Texas' eligibility requirements to serve as the instructor and you'll need the official PTDE Program Guide.
What's the difference between Parent-Taught and Self-Taught?+
Parent-Taught includes behind-the-wheel instruction from a parent instructor. Self-Taught delivers the classroom hours only — for teens whose parent isn't providing the 14 hours of in-car training.
Is the DPS Permit Test included?+
Yes — both Parent-Taught and Self-Taught programs include the official DPS Written Permit Test online. Adult Drivers Ed also includes it.
How fast can I get my permit?+
You can use Option 1 (finish 6 hours, then apply for your permit) or the Block Method (finish all 24 hours first). Most students choose Option 1.
Do I need drivers ed if I'm 25 or older?+
No — but many drivers 25+ still enroll in Adult Drivers Ed to complete the DPS Written Test online instead of at a DPS office.
Is Texas Defensive Driving accepted for ticket dismissal statewide?+
Yes — our defensive driving course is TDLR-approved (License CP104) and accepted by all Texas courts for ticket dismissal with court approval.
What is the defensive driving final exam like?+
30 questions, 21 correct to pass. You get 3 attempts — if all attempts fail, the course resets.
Do I need to watch the Impact Texas Drivers video?+
Yes — all students must complete the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) video at impacttexasdrivers.dps.texas.gov before applying for their license.