• 🚦When Can Teens Start Driver’s Ed in Texas?

If you’re a parent of a teen in Texas, chances are you’ve heard about parent-taught driver’s education or online driver’s ed courses. But one of the most common questions we get is:
When can teens officially start driver’s ed in Texas?
Here’s everything you need to know to get your teen safely—and legally—behind the wheel.

What’s the Minimum Age to Start Driver’s Ed in Texas?
In Texas, teens can start driver’s ed at age 14.
However, they cannot apply for a learner license (permit) until they turn 15. That means they can start studying and completing coursework early—and be ready to hit the ground running once they’re eligible for their permit.
This is a great option for families who want to get ahead and pace the learning process without pressure.

What Teens Can Do at Age 14:
Enroll in a state-approved driver’s ed course, like Texan Driver


Begin working through required modules (32 hours of instruction)


Complete portions of the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) program


Learn about safe driving habits and Texas traffic laws


Starting early also gives teens more time to absorb the material—and more flexibility for busy schedules.

What Happens at Age 15:

Once your teen turns 15 and completes the first module of driver’s ed, they can:
Take the written knowledge test ( built into this course)


Receive their DE-964 certificate, which they bring to the DPS (this course provides you with that)


Apply for their Texas learner license (with parent/guardian approval)


From there, they’ll begin logging the 44 required hours of driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night.

Why Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed Is a Popular Option
With the Parent Taught Driver Education (PTDE) program in Texas, parents can guide their teen’s learning process from home. Texan Driver is a fully TDLR-approved online driver’s ed provider, which means your teen can:
Learn from anywhere (even on their phone, which we know is never far from them:)


Study at their own pace


Prepare for the test


Stay safe while building confidence behind the wheel



🚗 Ready to Get Started?
If your teen is at least 14 years old, they can start today with Texan Driver, Texas’s trusted online driving course for teens. We make it easy, affordable, and parent-supported from day one.
 Or contact us with any questions—we’re here to help!