For many families in Texas, navigating the process of teaching a teenager to drive can be both exciting and overwhelming. Fortunately, Texas offers an option that allows parents to take an active role in this important milestone through the Parent-Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) program. This approach gives parents more control over their child’s driver education experience, making it convenient and customizable. At Get Drivers Ed, we aim to make this process as smooth as possible by offering a comprehensive parent-taught driver education program designed to meet state requirements while providing flexibility for families.
In this blog, we’ll explore the ins and outs of the PTDE program in Texas, including the steps to get started, what the course entails, and how it benefits both parents and teens.
1. What is Parent-Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) in Texas?
Overview of the PTDE Program
In Texas, teens under the age of 18 must complete an approved driver education course before obtaining their learner’s permit and driver’s license. While there are several ways to fulfill this requirement, including traditional driving schools and online courses, the Parent-Taught Drivers Education program allows parents to take charge of their teen’s driving education.
The PTDE program is a state-approved alternative that allows a parent or legal guardian to serve as the teen’s instructor. This method provides flexibility and convenience, allowing families to complete the classroom portion and behind-the-wheel training at their own pace. Parents can select a parent-taught driver education course from an approved provider, such as Get Drivers Ed, which offers a comprehensive Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed program that meets all state requirements.
Who Can Participate in PTDE?
Not every parent or guardian is eligible to teach their teen driver through the PTDE program. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has set specific criteria for parent instructors:
The instructor must be the teen’s parent, stepparent, grandparent, step-grandparent, foster parent, or legal guardian.
The instructor must hold a valid Texas driver’s license or have legal residency in Texas.
The instructor must not have a criminal record or any recent suspensions or revocations of their driver’s license.
If you meet these requirements, you’re eligible to guide your teen through the Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education course.
2. How to Get Started with Parent-Taught Drivers Ed in Texas
Step 1: Request the PTDE Program Guide
Before beginning any Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed course, the first step is to request the Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE) Program Guide from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The guide costs a small fee, and it provides important information and forms that you’ll need to track your teen’s progress.
Step 2: Enroll in a State-Approved PTDE Course
After receiving the PTDE Program Guide, the next step is to enroll in a state-approved course. At Get Drivers Ed, we offer an online parent-taught driver education course that provides both the classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training required by the state. Our course is TDLR-approved, and it’s designed to be flexible, allowing families to complete the program at their own pace.
You can enroll in our course here to get started right away!
Step 3: Complete the Classroom Instruction
The PTDE course consists of two parts: the classroom instruction and the behind-the-wheel training. The classroom portion covers the essential knowledge needed to drive safely, including Texas traffic laws, road signs, and defensive driving techniques.
At Get Drivers Ed, our parent-taught driver education course is fully online, so students can access the lessons at any time and complete the 32 hours of classroom instruction from the comfort of their home. Interactive quizzes, videos, and real-world scenarios make the content engaging and easy to understand.
Step 4: Obtain a Learner’s Permit
Once your teen completes the first 6 hours of classroom instruction, they are eligible to take the written permit test. This is a crucial milestone because teens cannot begin behind-the-wheel practice until they obtain a learner’s permit. At Get Drivers Ed, our course includes practice exams that help students prepare for the written permit test.
After passing the test, your teen will receive their learner’s permit, allowing them to begin the behind-the-wheel portion of their driver education under your supervision.
3. The Benefits of Parent-Taught Drivers Ed in Texas
Flexibility and Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of the Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed program is the flexibility it offers. Unlike traditional driving schools that operate on a fixed schedule, the PTDE program allows families to set their own pace. Whether your teen prefers to complete the course quickly or take their time, the choice is entirely up to you. The parent-taught driver education course can be completed online, making it accessible anytime and anywhere.
Personalized Learning Experience
With PTDE, parents have the unique opportunity to customize their teen’s driving education. You can focus on specific areas where your teen may need extra practice or spend more time reviewing critical topics like defensive driving or parking. Since the instruction is done at home, there’s more room for individualized attention compared to a traditional classroom setting.
Parental Involvement in Safe Driving Habits
By choosing the Parent-Taught Drivers Education program, parents play a more direct role in their teen’s driving journey. Not only do you provide the knowledge needed for the classroom portion, but you also supervise the critical behind-the-wheel practice. This allows parents to instill safe driving habits from day one. As the instructor, you can focus on teaching the driving behaviors that matter most, like always wearing a seatbelt, obeying speed limits, and staying alert behind the wheel.
At Get Drivers Ed, we provide parents with the tools they need to succeed as driving instructors. Our comprehensive online course ensures that both parents and teens have all the resources necessary to navigate the program confidently.
4. What’s Included in the Get Drivers Ed Parent-Taught Course?
Comprehensive Curriculum
Our Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed course includes 32 hours of interactive classroom instruction, covering essential topics such as:
Texas traffic laws and road signs
Defensive driving techniques
Safe driving habits and avoiding distractions
Alcohol and drug education
Behind-the-Wheel Instruction
In addition to the classroom content, the parent-taught driver education course includes 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Parents must supervise their teen as they practice driving in a variety of conditions, including nighttime driving and highway driving. This hands-on experience is crucial for building confidence and skill behind the wheel.
State-Approved and Easy to Use
Our course is fully approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), ensuring that it meets all the necessary requirements for obtaining a Texas driver’s license. The online format is easy to navigate, and parents receive clear guidance on how to track their teen’s progress through both the classroom and behind-the-wheel phases.
Conclusion: Start Your Parent-Taught Drivers Ed Journey Today with Get Drivers Ed
Choosing the Parent-Taught Drivers Education program in Texas gives families the flexibility and control to guide their teens through this important milestone. At Get Drivers Ed, we offer a comprehensive parent-taught driver education course that covers all the essential knowledge and skills needed to become a safe, responsible driver. Our online course allows you to teach your teen at your own pace, ensuring a personalized learning experience that fits your family’s schedule.
If you’re ready to get started, enroll in our Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed course today and take the first step toward helping your teen become a confident, safe driver.
