TL;DR:

Texas teens can begin Parent-Taught Drivers Ed (PTDE) at 14 and apply for a learner’s permit at 15.
Parents must order the PTDE Program Guide before the course begins.
Teens receive their permit certificate after completing the first 6 hours with Get Drivers Ed.
PTDE includes 32 classroom hours and 44 driving hours taught at home.
Get Drivers Ed provides a TDLR-approved course with instant certificates and easy parent guidance.

Getting a Texas learner’s permit is an exciting milestone—and the Parent-Taught Drivers Ed (PTDE) program puts families fully in control of the process. Rather than attending a traditional classroom, teens can complete their education online with a parent or guardian guiding the driving portion.

Texas allows this approach because structured parental involvement has been proven to help teens become safer drivers. According to national teen driver safety statistics, crash rates for new drivers decrease significantly when families take an active role in supervised practice.

Here’s everything you need to know to get your Texas learner’s permit through Parent-Taught Drivers Ed in 2025.

What Is Parent-Taught Drivers Ed?

Parent-Taught Drivers Ed (PTDE) is a Texas-approved program that allows a parent, guardian, or designated instructor to teach both the classroom and behind-the-wheel components at home.

The Texas Parent-Taught Teen Drivers Ed Course from Get Drivers Ed includes all the state-required lessons, interactive modules, downloadable driving logs, and instant certificates needed to apply for a permit.

If your teen wants a head start, they can also review How to Pass Online Teen Drivers Ed Course to prepare for success.

Who Can Use PTDE?

Teen Requirements

Must be 14 years old to begin coursework
Must be 15 years old to apply for the learner’s permit
Must be a Texas resident

Parent/Instructor Requirements

Must have a valid driver’s license for at least 3 years
Must have a clean driving record
Must be listed on the PTDE Program Guide

These rules are established to support safe learning environments and follow the standards outlined in the Texas DPS licensing requirements.

How to Get a Texas Learner’s Permit Through PTDE

Step 1: Order the PTDE Program Guide

Texas requires parents to order the PTDE Program Guide before beginning any instruction. This packet includes essential forms, logs, and official authorization to begin Parent-Taught Drivers Ed.

Step 2: Enroll in a TDLR-Approved Drivers Ed Program

After receiving the packet, enroll in the Texas Parent-Taught Teen Drivers Ed Course from Get Drivers Ed. You’ll get:

24/7 access to classes
TDLR-approved curriculum
Parent and student instructions
A permit certificate after the first 6 hours

Step 3: Complete the First 6 Hours

Once the first 6 hours are completed, Get Drivers Ed will issue your official DE-964 Certificate. This document is required to apply for your learner’s permit.

Step 4: Prepare DPS Documents

To apply, bring:

DE-964 Certificate
PTDE Program Guide
Proof of identity
Proof of Texas residency
Social Security information
VOE (Verification of Enrollment) if under 18

Step 5: Take & Pass the Knowledge Exam

Students can take the exam at DPS or through Get Drivers Ed if online testing is available. Once passed, DPS issues the Texas learner’s permit.

Course Content Overview

The course covers everything to prepare teens for real-world driving, including:

Texas road signs, rules, and driving laws
Risk management and hazard recognition
Weather, nighttime, and freeway driving
Effects of alcohol and drugs on driving

During the behind-the-wheel phase, parents guide teens through real driving practice. Research from the traffic safety recommendations by AAA Foundation highlights that consistent parent involvement significantly lowers risky driving behaviors.

Additionally, the CDC’s parent-teen driving guidelines show that teens with structured practice hours demonstrate better judgment and reduced crash risk.

To further reinforce learning, families may review the evidence-based driving research provided by IIHS, which details how supervised hours directly impact long-term driving safety.

Interactive Checklist: Are You Ready to Apply for a Permit?

☑️ Teen is at least 14 years old ☑️ PTDE Program Guide has been ordered ☑️ Parent meets all DPS eligibility requirements ☑️ You’re enrolled in the Texas Parent-Taught Teen Drivers Ed Course ☑️ All DPS documents are ready to go

If all boxes are checked — you’re ready to move forward!

State Requirements & Safety Insights

Texas sets structured requirements for new drivers to protect teens and communities. Teens must:

Complete 32 classroom hours + 44 driving hours
Hold their learner’s permit for at least 6 months
Complete the IMPACT Teen Drivers program before scheduling a road test

These rules help create predictable learning stages for teens. National data from the national teen driver safety statistics consistently proves that gradual learning leads to safer drivers.

Why Families Choose Get Drivers Ed

Get Drivers Ed is a trusted TDLR-approved provider because it offers:

A simple, mobile-friendly experience
Interactive lessons that keep teens engaged
Instant certificates required by DPS
Easy-to-follow driving logs
Clear guidance for parents at every step

Families wanting to explore more ways to support teen drivers can also view our Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed 2025 Guide or read through the California Teen Drivers Ed Step-by-Step Guide.

Related Drivers Ed Resources

Texas Parent-Taught Teen Drivers Ed Course
Texas Teen Drivers Ed Course
Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed 2025 Guide
California Teen Drivers Ed Step-by-Step Guide
How to Pass Online Teen Drivers Ed Course

These options help guide teens through every stage of their driving journey.

FAQs

What age can teens start Parent-Taught Drivers Ed?

Teens may begin the PTDE course at 14, but must be 15 to apply for a learner’s permit.

Do I need to order the PTDE Program Guide before starting?

Yes. Texas requires purchasing the PTDE Program Guide before beginning any instruction.

Is Get Drivers Ed approved for Parent-Taught Drivers Ed?

Yes. Get Drivers Ed is fully TDLR-approved and accepted by DPS.

How long does Parent-Taught Drivers Ed take?

32 classroom hours and 44 driving hours, completed over time with a parent instructor.

Ready to Start Drivers Ed?

Getting your Texas learner’s permit through Parent-Taught Drivers Ed is simple when you choose the right online program. With Get Drivers Ed, you’ll receive state-approved training, instant certificates, and a smooth learning path from start to finish.

Start your Texas Parent-Taught Teen Drivers Ed Course today and take the first step toward your Texas learner’s permit.