TL;DR:

Texas allows parents to teach their teens how to drive through the Parent-Taught Drivers Ed (PTDE) program.
PTDE combines online coursework with supervised driving practice led by a parent or guardian.
Families benefit from flexibility, personalized instruction, and lower costs.
Teens still must meet Texas Graduated Driver License (GDL) requirements and pass permit and road tests.
Get Drivers Ed provides a state-approved program that helps parents guide their teens safely and confidently.

Teaching your teen how to drive is one of the most important responsibilities a parent can take on. In Texas, families have the option to complete Parent-Taught Drivers Education (PTDE), a program that allows parents or legal guardians to instruct their teens instead of enrolling in a traditional driving school.

For many families, this approach offers flexibility, convenience, and a chance to create a supportive learning environment. With the help of trusted platforms like Get Drivers Ed, parents can follow a structured curriculum while still guiding their teen through every step of the process.

From there, they can enroll in the state-approved Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed Course and begin preparing their teen for the permit exam and real-world driving experience.

Understanding Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed

The Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed program allows parents to serve as their teen’s driving instructor while following an approved curriculum.

The program includes:

32 hours of online classroom instruction
Behind-the-wheel driving practice
Observation hours
Supervised driving with a parent or guardian
Written permit exam and road test

The program is regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), which sets standards for curriculum and eligibility.

Parents must first apply for the PTDE program guide through TDLR before beginning the course.

Once approved, families can enroll in a structured program such as the Texas Teen Drivers Ed Parent-Taught Course.

This course ensures that parents follow a step-by-step learning plan aligned with Texas requirements.

Why Many Texas Families Choose Parent-Taught Drivers Ed

Parent-taught drivers ed has grown in popularity across Texas for several reasons.

Flexible Scheduling

Families can complete lessons when it fits their schedule. This is especially helpful for busy households balancing school, sports, and work commitments.

A Comfortable Learning Environment

Teens often feel less pressure learning with a parent they trust. This supportive environment can help reduce anxiety and encourage questions.

Lower Overall Costs

Parent-taught drivers ed often costs less than traditional driving schools because parents provide the instruction.

More Practice Opportunities

Parents can give their teen extra practice beyond minimum requirements, which research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows improves long-term driving safety.

The Behind-the-Wheel Training Process

Classroom learning is only part of the process. Teens must also complete hands-on driving practice.

Texas PTDE programs require:

7 hours of behind-the-wheel driving
7 hours of observation
Additional supervised practice hours

Structured training programs like the 7 Hours Driving / 7 Hours Observing Course reinforce classroom lessons through real-world driving practice.

During practice sessions, parents guide their teens through skills such as:

Lane positioning
Safe turning
Parallel parking
Merging and highway driving
Hazard recognition

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), supervised driving practice significantly reduces crash risks for new drivers.

Tips for Parents Teaching Teens to Drive

Teaching your teen to drive can be rewarding — but it also requires patience and preparation.

Start With Basic Skills

Begin in low-traffic environments such as empty parking lots or quiet neighborhoods.

Gradually Introduce Complex Driving

As your teen gains confidence, move to:

City streets
Busy intersections
Night driving
Highway merging

Focus on Defensive Driving

Encourage teens to anticipate hazards and maintain safe following distances. Defensive driving principles are emphasized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Stay Calm and Encouraging

Teens learn best when instructors remain patient and constructive.

Parents looking for a deeper breakdown of PTDE requirements can review guides such as the Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed Requirements.

Additional tips for building confidence behind the wheel are available in the article How Parents Can Confidently Teach Teen Drivers in Texas.

Interactive Checklist: Are You Ready to Teach Your Teen to Drive?

Before starting PTDE, ask yourself:

✅ I applied for the Parent-Taught Drivers Ed program guide from TDLR. ✅ I understand the classroom and driving hour requirements. ✅ I have time to supervise regular driving practice. ✅ I feel comfortable teaching safe driving habits. ✅ My teen is motivated to learn responsibly.

If most of these apply, you’re ready to begin the parent-taught drivers ed journey.

Safety and Responsibility for Teen Drivers

Teen drivers face higher crash risks due to inexperience. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that structured driver education and supervised practice significantly reduce accident rates.

Parent-taught drivers ed helps address these risks by allowing parents to:

Reinforce safe habits consistently
Monitor driving progress closely
Teach responsible decision-making

Programs like those offered through Get Drivers Ed ensure families follow a curriculum designed to build safe and confident drivers.

FAQs About Parent-Taught Drivers Ed in Texas

Who can teach parent-taught drivers ed in Texas?

A parent, step-parent, grandparent, or legal guardian can serve as the instructor, as long as they meet eligibility requirements outlined by TDLR.

How long does the program take to complete?

Most families complete the classroom portion in several weeks, followed by months of supervised driving practice before the road test.

Do teens still need to take a driving test?

Yes. Teens must still pass the Texas DPS road test to obtain their provisional driver’s license.

Is parent-taught drivers ed approved by Texas authorities?

Yes. PTDE is fully recognized by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation as long as families follow the official curriculum.

How to Enroll and Get Started

Getting started with parent-taught drivers ed is simple:

Visit GetDriversEd.com
Enroll in the Texas Teen Drivers Ed Parent-Taught Course
Complete classroom lessons online
Begin supervised driving practice with your teen

With the right guidance and structure, teaching your teen to drive can be a rewarding experience for both parent and student.

Enroll today in Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed and take the first step toward helping your teen become a safe, confident driver — with trusted, state-approved training guiding every mile of the journey.