Texas Parent-Taught In-Car Only
Overview
Already completed your Texas classroom driver education? This course is the next step. It provides the required Parent-Taught behind-the-wheel curriculum, driving logs, and guided lessons needed to complete your in-car training with a qualified parent instructor.
Good to Know
This course is ideal if you:
- Already completed the required 24 hours of Texas classroom driver education through another approved provider.
- Only need to complete the parent-taught behind-the-wheel training requirements.
- Have a qualified parent, legal guardian, or other TDLR-eligible instructor who will supervise your driving practice.
Reminder: The full Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education Course already includes this In-Car Only program. If you are enrolling in the full Parent-Taught course, you do not need to purchase this course separately.
Before You Begin Driving
The following items are included with your enrollment at no additional cost:
- 14-Hour Instruction & Observation Log
- 30-Hour Behind-the-Wheel Practice Log
Before any driving instruction begins, the parent instructor must obtain the official Parent-Taught Program Guide from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
Order the TDLR Parent-Taught Program GuideBehind-the-Wheel Requirements
Texas requires two parts of behind-the-wheel training.
Part 1 — 14 Hours of Instruction & Observation
A parent or legal guardian typically serves as the instructor. If another qualified adult will supervise the training, they must be properly designated according to the official TDLR Parent-Taught Program Guide.
Part 2 — 30 Hours of Driving Practice
Students must complete 30 hours of supervised driving practice with someone who:
- Is at least 21 years old
- Holds a valid driver's license
- Has at least one year of driving experience
Documents Needed for Your DE-964 Certificate
After completing this course, you'll need to submit the following documents before your DE-964 Certificate can be issued:
- Transfer Form from your previous driving school
- Classroom Instruction Log from your previous driving school
- Laboratory In-Car Instruction & Observation Log
Please make sure all documents are complete and accurate to help avoid delays in processing your completion certificate.
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.
Permit Practice Test
Free unlimited practice questions modeled on the current Texas DPS knowledge test.