TX Defensive Driving Course
Overview
Also known as Driver Safety Course, Traffic School, or Ticket Dismissal Course — this state-approved 6-hour program lets you dismiss an eligible traffic ticket so it doesn't appear on your driving record. You must have court approval before enrolling for ticket dismissal, and you must submit your completion certificate to the court in person. Provider License: CP104.
What's included
- State-approved 6-hour Defensive Driving course
- For ticket dismissal, insurance discount, or court order
- Court approval required before enrolling for dismissal
- 30-question final exam — 21 correct to pass, 3 attempts
- Certificate submitted in person to the court
Texas — Frequently asked questions
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 certified instructor.
Does my parent need to be approved?+
Yes. Your parent or guardian must meet Texas' PTDE eligibility requirements. Texas requires families to purchase the official PTDE Program Guide before any behind-the-wheel training begins.
What documents are needed for the DE-964 certificate?+
Texas requires you to submit the transfer form, student record, and In-Car Instruction & Observation Log before your certificate can be issued.
How fast can I finish the course?+
Texas allows a maximum of 2 hours per day, so your certificate cannot be issued sooner than 7 days after purchase.
Do I need to watch the Impact Texas Drivers video?+
Yes. All students must complete the ITD video at impacttexasdrivers.dps.texas.gov before applying for their license.
Who can take Self-Taught Drivers Ed?+
Teens ages 14–17 can enroll. This course is for students whose parents will NOT be providing the required 14 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Includes the DPS Permit Test.
When can I get my permit?+
You must be at least 15 to visit DPS and apply for your learner permit. With Parent-Taught or Self-Taught, you can qualify after the first 6 hours (Option 1) or all 24 hours (Block Method).
Who needs the Texas Adult Drivers Ed course?+
Adults ages 18–24 are required to take the 6-hour Adult Drivers Ed course before applying for a Texas license. Drivers 25+ often take it to complete the DPS Written Test online.
How many driving hours are required for Texas teens?+
Texas requires 44 total hours: 14 hours of in-car instruction plus 30 hours of supervised practice.
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.
Do I turn in my defensive driving certificate?+
Yes. Texas requires you to submit your completion certificate to the court in person.
What is the defensive driving final exam like?+
30 questions, 21 correct to pass. You get 3 attempts — if all three fail, the course resets.
More Texas courses
All Texas coursesParent-Taught Drivers Ed
TDLR-approved Parent-Taught program for teens 14–17, including the official DPS permit test.
Online (Self-Taught) Driver Ed
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.
Parent-Taught In-Car
The behind-the-wheel curriculum for students who already completed classroom drivers ed.