Parent's Guide to Teen driver Education in Texas

Watching your teen get behind the wheel for the first time can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. As a parent, you play a crucial role in guiding your teen through the driver education process. Understanding Texas laws, the steps involved, and the best resources can make this transition smooth and safe. At Travis Driving School, we’re here to support both you and your teen every mile of the way.

This step-by-step guide is designed specifically for parents who want to make sure their teen driver is fully prepared—both legally and responsibly—to earn their Texas driver’s license.

TL;DR: Parent’s Guide to Teen Driver Education in Texas

• Teens must complete a 32-hour driver education course

• Parent-taught or instructor-led options are available

• Teens must hold a learner’s permit for 6 months before testing

• Practice driving must include 30 hours (10 at night)

• Travis Driving School offers expert instruction for every step

• Parents are essential in reinforcing safe driving habits

Understanding Texas Teen Driver Education Requirements Parent's guide

Why driver Education Is Mandatory

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires all drivers under 18 to complete an approved driver education program. The goal is to build responsible, confident drivers through a mix of classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel practi

Travis Driving School Tip for Parent's guide

Our certified instructors at Travis Driving School offer comprehensive support and flexible schedules to ensure your teen meets all state requirements.

Step 1: Choose the Right driver Education Program

Parent-Taught vs. Instructor-Taught

Parents have two main options for their teen's education:

Parent-Taught driver Education (PTDE)

• Parents become the primary instructor

• Must apply for a PTDE packet from TDLR

• Ideal for families wanting hands-on involvement

Instructor-Taught driver Education

• Led by state-certified driving schools like Travis Driving School

• Includes both classroom and in-car training

• Ideal for busy families or parents uncomfortable teaching driving

Travis Driving School Tip

We offer both online and in-person options, giving parents the flexibility to choose the best fit for their teen.

Step 2: Enroll in a 32-Hour Classroom or Online Course

What Your Teen Will Learn

• Texas traffic laws and road signs

• Defensive driving techniques

• Alcohol awareness and safe driving behavior

• Real-world scenarios and risk reduction

The course is broken into modules that ensure comprehension and retention, preparing teens for the written knowledge test.

Step 3: Obtain the Learner’s Permit

Required Documents

• Proof of Identity and Texas Residency

• Social Security Number

• Verification of Enrollment (VOE) form from school

• DE-964 Certificate from Travis Driving School

• ITD Certificate (Impact Texas Drivers Program)

Once all documents are submitted and the written test is passed, your teen will receive a learner's permit.

Step 4: Supervised Driving Practice

Behind-the-Wheel Requirements

• Minimum of 30 hours of driving practice

• At least 10 hours must be at night

• Must be supervised by a licensed adult aged 21 or older

Travis Driving School Tip

We offer private lessons to build skills like parallel parking, highway driving, and handling bad weather—ensuring your teen is fully prepared.

Step 5: Take the Driving Test

After holding the learner’s permit for at least 6 months and completing all required driving hours, your teen is eligible for the road test.

Road Test Includes:

• Proper turns and stops

• Lane changes

• Traffic signal obedience

• Parking skills

Teens can schedule their driving test at a local DPS or through Travis Driving School if we are authorized to administer it.

What Parents Can Do to Help

Be a Role Model

Your driving habits shape your teen’s behavior. Practice what you preach—use turn signals, follow speed limits, and stay calm behind the wheel.

Encourage Practice

Consistency is key. The more your teen practices, the more confident and competent they’ll become.

Communicate Openly

Talk about real-life driving scenarios and how to handle emergencies. Travis Driving School provides discussion guides to help parents facilitate these conversations.

Why Choose Travis Driving School?

We believe that learning to drive should be educational—but also empowering and enjoyable. That’s why Travis Driving School provides:

• State-approved teen driver education

• Certified, patient instructors

• Flexible course formats (in-person and online)

• Progress tracking for parents

• Driving test preparation and scheduling assistance

With us, you’re not just checking boxes—you’re building a foundation for safe driving that lasts a lifetime.

Conclusion: Empower Your Teen with the Right Start

Helping your teen learn to drive is a major milestone. By staying involved, choosing the right education path, and reinforcing safe habits, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of responsible driving. Travis Driving School is proud to partner with families throughout Texas to make teen driver education smooth, effective, and stress-free.

Ready to get started? Enroll your teen with Travis Driving School today and take the first step toward safer roads and confident driving.