Texas Online Teen Drivers Ed: Instructor-Taught vs. Parent-Taught – Which is Right for You?

Understanding Texas Online Teen Drivers Ed

Earning a Texas driver’s license is a major milestone for teens, but the first step is completing a state-approved teen drivers ed course. Texas offers two options for teen drivers ed: Instructor-Taught Drivers Ed and Parent-Taught Drivers Ed (PTDE). Both options allow teens to meet the state’s education requirements, but they differ in structure, flexibility, and who provides the instruction.

At Get Drivers Ed, we help teens and parents choose the best program by offering DPS-approved online drivers ed courses that provide flexibility and convenience. This guide will break down the key differences between Instructor-Taught and Parent-Taught Drivers Ed so you can make an informed decision.

What Is Instructor-Taught Drivers Ed?

Overview of Instructor-Taught Drivers Ed

Instructor-Taught Drivers Ed is a structured program where teens learn from a state-certified driving instructor at a Texas-approved driving school. The course includes both classroom instruction (online or in-person) and behind-the-wheel training with a licensed professional.

Who Should Choose Instructor-Taught Drivers Ed?

This option is ideal for students who:
✔ Prefer learning from a professional instructor
✔ Want structured lessons with expert guidance
✔ Need additional driving practice and feedback
✔ Have parents who prefer a certified instructor to handle the training

Pros of Instructor-Taught Drivers Ed

• Taught by licensed instructors with experience in road safety and driver education

• Structured, step-by-step training ensures all essential skills are covered

• Supervised driving practice with professional feedback

• Meets Texas DPS requirements for obtaining a learner’s permit and driver’s license

Cons of Instructor-Taught Drivers Ed

• Higher cost compared to Parent-Taught Drivers Ed

• Less scheduling flexibility since students must follow the driving school’s availability

• May require travel to a driving school for in-person training

At Get Drivers Ed, we offer a DPS-approved online Instructor-Taught Drivers Ed course that provides teens with the flexibility to complete their classroom training online while still receiving professional behind-the-wheel instruction.

---

What Is Parent-Taught Drivers Ed (PTDE)?

Overview of Parent-Taught Drivers Ed

The Parent-Taught Drivers Ed (PTDE) program allows teens to complete their driving education at home under the supervision of an eligible parent or guardian.

How It Works:

1️⃣ Online Course – Teens complete the classroom portion of drivers ed online.
2️⃣ Behind-the-Wheel Training – The parent or approved instructor supervises the required driving lessons.
3️⃣ State Approval for the Parent – The parent must be approved by the TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) before starting the behind-the-wheel training.

Parent Eligibility Requirements:

Parents or guardians must:

✅ Be 21 years or older
✅ Have held a valid driver’s license for at least the past 3 years
✅ Have a clean driving record (no tickets in the past year)

TDLR Registration Fee & Process

✔ Parents must register for the Parent-Taught Drivers Ed program through the TDLR and pay a $20 fee.
✔ This fee allows the state to check the parent’s driving record to ensure they meet eligibility requirements.
✔ Once approved, parents receive a PTDE Guide, which outlines how to conduct the behind-the-wheel training.

How to Register for the Parent-Taught Guide:

📌 Click here to register with TDLR

Who Should Choose Parent-Taught Drivers Ed?

This option is best for students who:
✔ Have parents who are comfortable teaching driving skills
✔ Need flexibility in scheduling lessons
✔ Prefer a more affordable drivers ed program
✔ Learn better in a one-on-one setting with a familiar instructor

Pros of Parent-Taught Drivers Ed

• More affordable than Instructor-Taught Drivers Ed

• Flexible scheduling since parents and teens set their own pace

• Comfortable learning environment with a trusted instructor

• DPS-approved online courses allow students to complete coursework at home

Cons of Parent-Taught Drivers Ed

• Parents must meet eligibility requirements set by the Texas DPS

• Parents need to be patient and knowledgeable to effectively teach driving skills

• Lack of professional instructor feedback may require additional practice

At Get Drivers Ed, we offer a state-approved Parent-Taught Drivers Ed course that gives families the flexibility to complete the classroom portion online while allowing parents to guide their teen’s driving practice.

---

Key Differences Between Instructor-Taught and Parent-Taught Drivers Ed

Feature	Instructor-Taught Drivers Ed	Parent-Taught Drivers Ed
Instructor	State-certified driving instructor	A parent or legal guardian
Cost	Higher cost due to professional instruction	More affordable option
Flexibility	Limited by driving school schedules	Flexible scheduling
Driving Practice	Supervised by a licensed instructor	Supervised by a parent
Professional Feedback	Yes, the instructor provides guidance	No, the parent provides guidance
Classroom Format	Online or in-person	Online at the student’s pace
DPS Approval	Meets all DPS requirements	Meets all DPS requirements

How to Enroll in Texas Online Teen Drivers Ed

Step 1: Choose Between Instructor-Taught and Parent-Taught

Before starting drivers ed, teens and parents should decide which option best fits their needs.

• If you want professional guidance, choose Instructor-Taught Drivers Ed.

• If you prefer flexibility and affordability, opt for Parent-Taught Drivers Ed.

Step 2: Enroll in a DPS-Approved Online Course

No matter which option you choose, you need to complete the classroom portion of drivers ed through a DPS-approved online provider like Get Drivers Ed.

👉 Texas Online Teen Drivers Ed - Instructor Taught

👉 Texas Online Teen Drivers Ed - Parent Taught

Step 3: Apply for a Texas Learner’s Permit

After completing the first 6 hours of the online course, teens can apply for their Texas learner’s permit at the DPS. Required documents include:

✅ Certificate of Completion – Provided after passing the written test in the course.

✅ Birth Certificate, ID, or Passport – To verify identity and date of birth.

✅ Social Security Card – To confirm Social Security Number (SSN).

✅ Proof of Residency – This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or official mail (can be in a parent’s name if the teen is a minor).

✅ VOE (Verification of Enrollment) – A document from the high school confirming active enrollment (required for students under 18).

Step 4: Complete Behind-the-Wheel Training

Once a learner’s permit is issued, teens must complete the required behind-the-wheel training before applying for a driver’s license.

Behind-the-Wheel Training Requirements:

🚗 7 Hours of Driving & 7 Hours of Observation – Must be completed with either a professional driving instructor or a parent-approved by the TDLR.
🚗 30 Hours of Driving Practice – Conducted with a parent or guardian, including at least 10 hours of nighttime driving.

Who Conducts the Training?

✔ Instructor-Taught Drivers Ed Students – Complete their 7 Hours of Driving & 7 Hours of Observation behind-the-wheel training with a professional driving instructor at a licensed driving school.

✔ Parent-Taught Drivers Ed Students – Complete their training 7 Hours of Driving & 7 Hours of Observation and 30 Hours of Driving Practice under the supervision of a parent or guardian who has been approved by the TDLR.

Once all driving requirements are met, the teen can apply for their provisional driver’s license, allowing them to drive independently with certain restrictions.

Step 5: Pass the Texas Road Test

After fulfilling all education and driving practice requirements, teens can schedule their driving skills test at the DPS or an approved third-party provider.

Here’s what you’ll need to take the driving test:

✅ Be at least 16 years old
✅ Learner’s Permit (held for at least 6 months)
✅ Certificate of Completion DE-964 (from your 32-hour online course)
✅ 30-Hour Behind-the-Wheel Log
✅ Impact Texas Teen Drivers Certificate 

Final Thoughts: Which Option is Right for You?

Both Instructor-Taught and Parent-Taught Drivers Ed are excellent options for teens in Texas. The right choice depends on your learning style, schedule, and budget.

• Choose Instructor-Taught Drivers Ed if you prefer a professional instructor’s guidance and structured lessons.

• Choose Parent-Taught Drivers Ed if you want flexibility and a more affordable option while learning with a trusted parent.

No matter which option you choose, Get Drivers Ed offers DPS-approved online courses that make learning easy, convenient, and effective.