The Pros & Cons of Parent-Taught Drivers Ed: Is It Right for Your Teen?

Teaching your teenager how to drive is a huge milestone. It’s not just about handing over the keys—it's about responsibility, safety, and setting your teen up for a lifetime of smart driving decisions. One option many families consider is Parent-Taught Drivers Ed, an alternative to traditional classroom and instructor-led training. But is it the right fit for your teen?

At Get Drivers Ed, we know how important it is for parents to make the best choice for their child's learning experience. In this blog, we'll break down the pros and cons of Parent-Taught Drivers Ed, so you can make a confident, informed decision that fits your teen's needs and your family's lifestyle.

What Is Parent-Taught Drivers Ed?

Understanding the Basics

Parent-Taught Drivers Ed (PTDE) is an alternative driver education program approved in certain states like Texas. Instead of taking lessons with a certified instructor, students complete their coursework and behind-the-wheel training under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian.

This model includes:

A state-approved online drivers ed course (like the one offered by Get Drivers Ed)
A Parent Taught Drivers Ed packet from your local Department of Public Safety (DPS)
A required amount of behind-the-wheel practice hours logged by the parent-instructor

While it sounds straightforward, there are several pros and cons to consider before choosing this route.

The Pros of Parent-Taught Drivers Ed

1. Flexibility & Convenience

Learn on Your Family’s Schedule

One of the biggest advantages of PTDE is the flexibility it offers. Parents and teens can create a learning schedule that works around school, extracurriculars, and work hours.

Online programs like Get Drivers Ed let your teen progress at their own pace. This is especially helpful for students who learn better outside a traditional classroom environment.

2. Cost Savings

More Affordable Than Traditional Driving Schools

Let’s face it—driving school can be expensive. Between classroom instruction and professional driving lessons, the costs can add up quickly. With Parent-Taught Drivers Ed, families can save significantly by handling the behind-the-wheel portion themselves.

Programs like Get Drivers Ed offer affordable, state-approved online courses, which means you’re getting quality education without the high price tag.

3. Personalized One-on-One Instruction

Tailored to Your Teen’s Learning Style

No one knows your teen better than you do. As a parent, you can identify their strengths and weaknesses behind the wheel and tailor each driving session accordingly. This personal attention can lead to better skill development and stronger confidence on the road.

With Get Drivers Ed, the online curriculum offers structure while allowing the flexibility to revisit challenging topics and reinforce key concepts through practice.

The Cons of Parent-Taught Drivers Ed

1. Not All Parents Are Natural Instructors

Teaching Can Be Challenging

Even if you’re an experienced driver, teaching someone else how to drive is a different story. It takes patience, clear communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure—especially when your teen makes a mistake.

Without proper training or guidance, some parents might unintentionally pass on bad driving habits or struggle to provide constructive feedback. That’s why using a structured online program like Get Drivers Ed is essential—it helps ensure your instruction aligns with current safety standards and state requirements.

2. Time Commitment

You Need to Be Fully Involved

Parent-Taught Drivers Ed isn’t just a “set it and forget it” approach. Parents are expected to dedicate a significant amount of time to both the classroom instruction and in-car practice sessions. Depending on your schedule, this can be difficult to manage consistently.

If you have a busy job or multiple children, this method might feel overwhelming. In these cases, supplementing with professional instruction could be a better fit.

3. Limited Objectivity

It’s Hard to Be the Teacher and the Parent

Parents naturally want to see their teen succeed, but that can make it tough to stay objective. You may find it difficult to assess your child’s readiness for more complex driving tasks, like merging on highways or navigating busy intersections.

A professional instructor brings a fresh, unbiased perspective—and may catch mistakes that parents miss. Still, if you choose PTDE, tools provided by Get Drivers Ed can help you track progress and determine when your teen is truly ready to move on to the next step.

When Parent-Taught Drivers Ed Works Best

Ideal Situations for Success

PTDE can be an excellent choice when:

Parents have the time and patience to teach
Teens are motivated, responsible, and good self-learners
Families are looking for a cost-effective way to meet state requirements
There’s a strong level of trust and communication between parent and teen

If these factors are present, Parent-Taught Drivers Ed, especially when paired with Get Drivers Ed’s comprehensive online curriculum, can lead to successful outcomes and a safe, confident new driver.

When Traditional Drivers Ed Might Be Better

Knowing When to Choose Another Route

If your teen struggles with anxiety behind the wheel, or you feel uncertain about your teaching abilities, a traditional driving school might be a better fit. Certified instructors have years of experience working with all kinds of learners and can provide a calm, structured environment that may be difficult to replicate at home.

That said, many families choose to blend both approaches—starting with parent-taught lessons and later supplementing with a few hours of professional instruction.

How Get Drivers Ed Supports Parent-Taught Drivers Ed

At Get Drivers Ed, we’ve designed our online course to support both parents and teens throughout the entire process. Our program is state-approved, mobile-friendly, and easy to follow, ensuring that you and your teen stay on track and confident every step of the way.

Here’s what you get with Get Drivers Ed:

Access to an interactive, DPS-approved Parent-Taught Drivers Ed course
Progress tracking and quizzes to reinforce learning
Tools to help parents guide their teens effectively
24/7 access so learning fits your schedule

Whether you’re teaching your teen for the first time or guiding them through a refresher course, Get Drivers Ed gives you the support you need to succeed.

Conclusion: Is Parent-Taught Drivers Ed Right for You?

Choosing the right drivers ed path for your teen is a big decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Parent-Taught Drivers Ed offers flexibility, affordability, and a personal touch—but it also requires commitment, patience, and structure.

If you’re ready to take on the challenge, Get Drivers Ed can help make the process smoother, safer, and more effective for both you and your teen.

Take the wheel of your teen’s driving education and steer them toward success.
👉 Enroll now with Get Drivers Ed and see how easy and rewarding parent-taught drivers ed can be.