TL;DR:

Texas allows teens to complete drivers ed through the Parent-Taught Drivers Ed (PTDE) program.
Parents must order the official PTDE Program Guide before starting the course.
Teens can begin at age 14 and apply for a learner’s permit at age 15.
PTDE includes 32 classroom hours and 44 behind-the-wheel hours.
Get Drivers Ed offers a TDLR-approved Parent-Taught Drivers Ed course with instant certificates.

Starting drivers ed is a big milestone for Texas families, and the Parent-Taught Drivers Ed (PTDE) option gives parents more flexibility and involvement in their teen’s learning process. However, PTDE comes with specific state requirements that must be followed carefully.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know before starting Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed, including eligibility rules, required paperwork, training hours, and how Get Drivers Ed helps families stay fully compliant from day one.

If you’re preparing for drivers ed, it’s also helpful to review How to Pass Online Teen Drivers Ed Course to understand what successful completion looks like.

What Is Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed?

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

The program is regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Families who enroll in the Texas Parent-Taught Teen Drivers Ed Course through Get Drivers Ed receive a structured online curriculum, official certificates, and step-by-step guidance designed to meet all state requirements.

Who Is Eligible for Parent-Taught Drivers Ed in Texas?

Teen Eligibility Requirements

Must be at least 14 years old to start the course
Must be 15 years old to apply for a learner’s permit
Must live in Texas

Parent / Instructor Eligibility Requirements

Must be the teen’s parent, legal guardian, or court-appointed instructor
Must have held a valid driver license for at least 3 years
Must have a clean driving record
Must be approved through the PTDE Program Guide

These rules are enforced to ensure safe learning environments and align with the Texas DPS licensing requirements.

Required Paperwork Before You Start

PTDE Program Guide (Mandatory)

Before beginning any coursework, parents must order the official PTDE Program Guide from TDLR. This guide includes:

Authorization to teach drivers ed
Required forms and logs
Instructions for classroom and driving hours

Texas does not allow families to start Parent-Taught Drivers Ed before receiving this guide.

TDLR outlines this process clearly within its driver education regulations.

Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed Training Requirements

Classroom Instruction (32 Hours)

The classroom portion must include:

Texas traffic laws
Road signs and signals
Defensive driving principles
Alcohol and drug awareness
Hazard recognition

Online coursework through Get Drivers Ed allows teens to complete lessons at their own pace while staying fully compliant.

Research from national teen driver safety statistics shows that structured classroom education significantly reduces crash risk among new drivers.

Behind-the-Wheel Instruction (44 Hours)

Texas requires 44 total driving hours, broken down into:

30 hours of actual driving
14 hours of observation

Driving practice must include a mix of conditions such as nighttime driving, city streets, and highways.

According to the parent-teen driving guidelines from the CDC, consistent supervised practice is one of the strongest predictors of safe teen driving behavior.

Step-by-Step: How PTDE Works

Step 1: Order the PTDE Program Guide

This must be done before enrolling in any course.

Step 2: Enroll in a TDLR-Approved Course

Choose the Texas Parent-Taught Teen Drivers Ed Course from Get Drivers Ed to complete the classroom portion online.

Step 3: Complete the First 6 Hours

After the first 6 hours, Get Drivers Ed issues your permit certificate.

Step 4: Apply for a Learner’s Permit

Teens can then apply at DPS. For full details, review How to Get a Texas Learner’s Permit Through Parent-Taught Drivers Ed.

Why Following PTDE Requirements Matters

Failing to meet Texas PTDE requirements can result in:

Permit delays
Certificate rejection
Extra fees
Restarting the course

The state enforces these rules to improve safety outcomes. Studies cited by evidence-based driving research show that teens who complete structured, supervised training have significantly lower crash rates.

Benefits of Parent-Taught Drivers Ed

When done correctly, PTDE offers major advantages, including:

Flexible scheduling
Increased parent involvement
Customized practice environments
Cost savings compared to classroom programs

You can explore these advantages further in Benefits of Parent-Taught Drivers Ed in Texas.

Interactive Checklist: Are You Ready to Start PTDE?

☑️ Teen is at least 14 years old ☑️ Parent has a valid license for 3+ years ☑️ PTDE Program Guide has been ordered ☑️ Enrolled in a TDLR-approved course ☑️ Ready to track classroom and driving hours

If all boxes are checked, you’re ready to begin.

Why Families Choose Get Drivers Ed

Families trust Get Drivers Ed because it offers:

TDLR-Approved Curriculum

Fully compliant with Texas PTDE rules.

Flexible Online Learning

Teens can study anytime, anywhere.

Instant Certificates

Permit certificates issued immediately after completion.

Step-by-Step Guidance

Clear instructions for parents and teens throughout the process.

You can explore programs directly through Get Drivers Ed or enroll in the Texas Parent-Taught Teen Drivers Ed Course to get started.

FAQs

Is Parent-Taught Drivers Ed legal in Texas?

Yes. Texas law allows PTDE when all TDLR and DPS requirements are followed.

When can my teen get a learner’s permit?

At age 15, after completing the first 6 hours of classroom instruction.

Do parents need special training to teach PTDE?

No formal training is required, but parents must meet eligibility rules and follow the PTDE guide.

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

Yes. Get Drivers Ed is a TDLR-approved provider accepted statewide.

Ready to Start Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed?

Texas Parent-Taught Drivers Ed offers flexibility and family involvement—but only when requirements are followed correctly. With Get Drivers Ed, you get a fully approved course, instant certificates, and clear guidance every step of the way.

🚗 Start your Texas Parent-Taught Teen Drivers Ed Course today and help your teen begin driving safely and confidently.