- Step By Step Guide For Parents: Texan Driver
Teaching your teen to drive can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to. If your child is 14 or older, you can get started today with Texan Driver, a TDLR-approved, parent-taught, online driver's ed course built just for Texas families.
We know the rules, the paperwork, and the road. And we've made it simple, clear, and actually doable.
Here's how the process works, and how Texan Driver helps you every step of the way.
✅ Step 1: Make Sure Your Teen is the Right Age
- Teens in Texas can start driver's ed as early as 14.
- At 15, they're eligible to get their learner permit.
🧠 Tip: Starting early means less pressure and more confidence.
Before you begin, the state requires that you request the PTDE packet from the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR).
It includes a parent instructor application and instructions. Texan Driver walks you through how to order this with a step-by-step checklist, because yes, it can be confusing.
✅ Step 3: Enroll in Texan Driver
This is where we come in. Texan Driver is a TDLR-approved course created specifically for Texas teens and their parents.
- Start at 14
- 100% online, learn at home, anytime
- Includes the DE-964 certificate you need to get a permit
- Built to guide you, the parent, every step of the way
We don't just hand you a login, we show you what to do next.
✅ Step 4: Finish the First 6 Hours (and Get the Permit)
Once your teen completes the first 6 hours of our online course, you'll get a downloadable certificate to take to the DPS and apply for a learner permit.
We include:
- DPS form instructions
- VOE form reminders
- Optional permit test (inside the course!)
✅ Step 5: Start Driving Practice (with Our Support)
After the permit comes the behind-the-wheel instruction. With Texan Driver, you'll track:
- 🚘 7 hours of observation (watching your parent instructor drive)
- 🚘 7 hours of in-car instruction with your parent instructor
- 🚘 30 hours of driving practice, 10 of which must be at night
That's 44 hours of behind-the-wheel time in total. We give you tools to log progress and tips for handling "firsts" (like the first time on the freeway 😬).
✅ Step 6: Get Licensed at 16
Once your teen has:
- Held their permit for 6 months
- Completed their course + practice hours
- Turned 16
They're eligible for the Texas provisional license. We'll help you check the boxes, prep for the road test, and celebrate the big moment.
Congrats!
This is a huge milestone, for your teen and for you. Texan Driver makes it easy, affordable, and stress-free.
Start today, drive tomorrow.