TL;DR:

Teens must complete a state-approved Texas driver’s education course before applying for a license.
The Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program includes two phases: a learner’s license and a provisional license.
Phase 1 requires classroom instruction and adult-supervised driving.
Phase 2 includes passing the driving skills test and following specific driving restrictions.
“Get Drivers Ed” offers convenient, state-approved courses to guide teens through each step.

If you’re under 18 in Texas, earning your driver’s license is a journey that starts with education and ends with experience. Texas follows a Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program designed to gradually introduce teens to safe driving habits. This step-by-step process ensures you build confidence and responsibility on the road. Whether you're just starting or getting ready to take your driving test, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Types of Teen Driver’s Education in Texas

Four Approved Learning Options

Texas allows teens to choose from one of four state-approved methods for completing driver education:

A traditional in-person driver’s education course from a certified driving school
An online driver’s ed course from a licensed provider
A parent-taught driver’s education (PTDE) program
Public school driver education programs (if available in your district)

If you're looking for flexibility and state certification, Get Drivers Ed offers a trusted online Texas teen driver’s ed course that fits your schedule and helps you meet state requirements from anywhere.

Phase 1 – Texas Learner’s License

What It Is

The learner’s license is the first stage of Texas’s GDL program. This permit allows teens to practice driving with a licensed adult before progressing to independent driving.

Requirements for a Learner’s License

To apply, you must:

The first 6 hours of classroom instruction (concurrent method)
OR all 32 hours of classroom instruction (block method)

You must also:

Drive only with a licensed adult aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat
Hold the learner’s license for at least six months (unless you turn 18)
Refrain from using cell phones or electronic devices while driving (even hands-free)
Replace any suspension time by extending your learner period accordingly
Note: The license expires on your 18th birthday

💡 Need to complete the required education? Try our flexible and affordable online Texas driver’s education course at Get Drivers Ed.

How to Apply for Your Texas Learner’s Permit

When you're ready to apply at the driver’s license office, bring:

Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
Proof of Texas residency and identity
Your Social Security number
Texas vehicle registration and insurance (if applicable)
A completed driver’s education certificate (DE-964 or DE-964E)
Verification of Enrollment (VOE) form or GED/high school diploma
A signed statement if you do not own a vehicle

You can schedule your DPS appointment online and complete the license application Form DL-14a beforehand.

Phase 2 – Texas Provisional License

What It Is

The provisional driver’s license is the second phase of the GDL program. It allows teens to drive independently but with a few restrictions to promote safe driving habits.

Eligibility and Requirements

To move to this phase, you must:

Be 16 or 17 years old
Hold a valid learner’s license for at least 6 months
Complete the behind-the-wheel instruction, which includes:

7 hours of observation
7 hours of supervised driving with an instructor
30 hours of additional practice driving, including 10 hours at night

Complete the Impact Texas Teen Driver (ITTD) program within 90 days of your driving test
Pass the driving skills test

Driving Restrictions

With a provisional license:

You can’t drive between midnight and 5 AM unless it’s for work, school, or a medical emergency
You may not transport more than one passenger under 21 (unless they’re family)
Use of any wireless communication device while driving is prohibited

These restrictions remain in effect until your 18th birthday. At that point, you'll need to renew your license as an under-21 adult driver.

How to Apply for Your Provisional Driver’s License

Bring the following to the driver’s license office:

Identity
Lawful presence (if non-U.S. citizen)
Completion of driver’s ed (DE-964 or DE-964E)
Completion of the Impact Texas Teen Driver program
Passing your driving skills test (provided in sealed envelope if done at a school)

You can also complete the driving test through a third-party provider if desired, but the test results must be submitted properly.

👉 Pro Tip: Before your appointment, check out the official Texas DPS checklist to make sure you’re fully prepared.

Why Get Drivers Ed is the Smart Choice for Texas Teens

At Get Drivers Ed, we understand how important it is for teens and families to have convenient, state-approved options. Our Texas teen driver education courses are DPS-approved, 100% online, and can be completed at your own pace. You’ll get everything you need—from the classroom portion to your DE-964 certificate—all without stepping into a classroom.

We’re here to support you every step of the way, whether you’re applying for your learner’s license or preparing for your driving test.

Conclusion: Start Your Texas Driving Journey with Confidence

The Texas Graduated Driver License Program ensures teens gain experience gradually while emphasizing safety and responsibility. From selecting the right driver’s ed course to completing your road test, every step matters.

With Get Drivers Ed, you'll get the tools and support needed to earn your license and start driving confidently. Whether you're a parent or a teen, we make the process smooth, affordable, and compliant with state rules.

🚗 Ready to get started? Enroll in Get Drivers Ed’s Texas teen driving course today and take your first step toward freedom on the road!