As a part of the 6-hour Driver Education requirement before taking the skills (behind the wheel) examination, ITAD (Impact Texas Adult Drivers) is a separate mandatory program to be completed within 90 days before the skills examination, following the 6-hour Adult Driver Education Course.

Who needs to complete ITAD?
Anyone with an ADE-1317 Certificate from a 6-hour Adult Driver Education Course must complete ITAD before the drive test, with the certificate valid for 90 days. Applicants aged 18-24 with a DE-964 from a Teen Driver Education course (32 hours classroom, 44 hours behind the wheel) are also required to watch the 2-hour ITAD video.

Does the ITAD certificate expire?
Yes, the ITAD certificate is valid for 90 days. If the drive test isn't passed within this period, the ITAD program must be restarted.

Can I watch the 1-hour video in parts?
Yes, the ITAD video is split into three modules for flexible viewing, with each module needing completion before progressing.

How do I receive my ITAD certificate?
Your certificate will be emailed to your registered account and can be printed from the ITAD website under "course overview" and "reprint certificate." 

Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) is a free, 2-hour video emphasizing the risks of distracted driving, featuring real-life stories of teens affected by fatal accidents. This course is mandatory for:

• Drivers aged 15-17 completing a parent-taught or minor driver education course.
• Drivers aged 18-24 completing a parent-taught, minor, or adult driver education course.

Completion of ITTD is required after behind-the-wheel driver education and before taking the driving skills test. A completion form from the Impact Texas course is needed to get your driver’s license. Best of all, did we mention the Impact Texas course is free?

Defensive driving is not always mandatory for ticket dismissal in Texas, but it is often a preferred option. In many cases, completing a state-approved defensive driving course, like ours, can be used to dismiss a traffic ticket and prevent points from appearing on your driving record. However, eligibility requirements and specific court policies vary, so it's essential to check with the court handling your ticket to determine if defensive driving is an option for dismissal. If eligible, completing defensive driving can be a beneficial way to resolve a traffic violation while improving your driving skills and potentially earning insurance discounts. 

While we are partial to the popular courses offered here at Virtual Drive of Texas and we pride ourselves on driver safety and our high passing rates, when looking for the best Texas state-approved online defensive driving course, consider factors like course quality, affordability, and convenience. Of course our school is TDLR-approved and offers a user-friendly online platform with engaging content and interactive features. It allows you to complete the course at your own pace from any device.

Taking defensive driving in Texas offers several benefits:

1. Ticket Dismissal: Completing a defensive driving course can dismiss a recent traffic ticket, preventing it from affecting your driving record and potentially leading to increased insurance rates.
2. Insurance Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete defensive driving courses, leading to savings on your auto insurance premiums.
3. Skill Enhancement: Defensive driving courses teach advanced driving techniques that enhance your ability to anticipate and respond to potential hazards on the road, making you a safer driver.
4. Point Reduction: Completing defensive driving can result in a reduction of points on your driving record, which helps maintain a clean driving history and avoid license suspension.
5. Court Requirement: In some cases, a court may require or recommend defensive driving as part of resolving a traffic violation or offense. 

Yes, taking defensive driving in Texas can often lead to a reduction in your insurance rates. Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete a state-approved defensive driving course. By demonstrating your commitment to safe driving practices and risk reduction, you may qualify for a discount on your auto insurance premium. It's recommended to check with your insurance provider to confirm the specific details and eligibility criteria for obtaining a discount after completing defensive driving. 

Online defensive driving courses in Texas typically take 6 hours to complete. This duration is mandated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for ticket dismissal purposes. However, the course is self-paced, allowing you to complete it at your convenience within a certain timeframe, such as 90 days from the date of registration. Completing the course within this timeframe enables you to dismiss a traffic ticket and potentially earn an insurance discount. 

To dismiss a traffic ticket in Texas, you can typically complete a state-approved defensive driving course. Here's how:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements to dismiss your ticket through defensive driving. Generally, you must have a valid Texas driver's license and not have taken a defensive driving course for ticket dismissal within the past 12 months.
2. Request Permission: Request permission from the court to take a defensive driving course. This can usually be done by submitting a request either in person or by mail.
3. Enroll in an Approved Course: Enroll in and complete a Texas-approved defensive driving course - we'd like to recommend ours😉. Make sure the course is certified by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for ticket dismissal. Of course the defensive driving products from Virtual Drive of Texas are approved.

4. Complete the Course: Successfully complete all requirements of our defensive driving course, including any quizzes or exams.

5. Submit Completion Certificate: Obtain a completion certificate from the defensive driving course provider. Submit this certificate along with any required documents to the court within the specified deadline.

6. Follow Court Instructions: Follow any additional instructions from the court, such as paying court fees or submitting paperwork, to ensure your ticket is dismissed successfully.

🚥By following these steps and completing an approved defensive driving course, you can often dismiss a traffic ticket in Texas and avoid points on your driving record. 

Defensive driving is a proactive driving technique that emphasizes anticipating and responding to potential hazards on the road to prevent accidents. It involves using safe driving practices and being aware of your surroundings to minimize risks. Defensive driving courses teach these skills and techniques to help drivers become more cautious and prepared on the road, ultimately enhancing safety for themselves and others. 

Nuestro curso de educación vial en línea en español, de primera categoría, ha sido muy popular. Está aprobado por el estado de Texas y promueve el aprendizaje de forma segura, rápida y cómoda desde casa. Aprende a conducir con el Curso de Español para Adultos de Virtual Drives.

Virtual Drive of Texas was the first to bring online driver’s education to our state. We are a family business with safety and a high pass rate our our top two goals. While there are many online driver’s ed courses to choose from, none have been in the business as long as Virtual Drive and a quick look at a comparison chart will help you determin what’s best for your needs. Online Driver’s Ed Comparison Chart  

Although driver’s education in Texas is not offered free of charge, the cost of courses can differ significantly. Prices vary depending on the type of license sought and can be viewed on the respective course websites. Our pricing is designed to remain competitive within the market, and we continuously update it to ensure it remains current and affordable. 

The Texas Online Driver Education program covers the mandatory 32 hours of in-class training necessary for driver’s education. Upon completion of this course, students can choose to fulfill the remaining 44 hours of required behind-the-wheel training either alongside an eligible parent/guardian or through a certified driving school instructor. This flexibility allows students to meet the full training requirement conveniently and efficiently. 

A Texas driver’s license is not only a document demonstrating authorization to drive but it is also a nationally accepted form of identification that can be used to prove your identity. The Texas State ID is only used as an identification card. 

The difference between the learners permit and driver’s license is pretty simple. A permit only allows you to drive with a licensed driver with you, and they must be in the front seat. Also, the licensed driver must be at least 21 years old. In order to drive in Texas, you must have a license to drive a registered vehicle on a public street or highway.

While new drivers in Texas under the age of 18 are required to apply for a Learner License, once you pass your 18^th birthday, this is no longer a required step toward getting your drivers license. Once common question we are asked is can I get my license at 18 without a permit in Texas? The answer is yes! 

If you are under 18 years of age, one of the first requirements is completion of a driver education course. You can begin the classroom phase of a driver education course at 14 years of age, but you cannot apply for a learner license until you are at least 15 years of age. 

What is the difference between Online Parent-Taught and Online Commercial drivers ed?  We like to view the motto for the Parent-Taught industry as “WE’VE GOT THIS,” but the reality is that some parents would just feel more comfortable having their student learn the hands-on experience of traffic school from a professional.

Online Commercial drivers ed is the ability to maintain the simplicity and freedom of learning from a mobile classroom experience. Combine this with schools who have joined us in our passion for making drivers ed a fun and retentive experience. We create a hybrid course that allows commercial schools to join us in our motto of “WE’VE GOT THIS.” 

The difference between concurrent and block teaching methods of driver’s education courses relates to how the classroom and behind-the-wheel (BTW) instruction components are structured and scheduled:

Concurrent Method:

• In a concurrent driver’s education course, the classroom instruction and BTW training are typically conducted simultaneously or concurrently. This means that students receive both classroom education and practical driving instruction concurrently throughout the duration of the course.
• Students often attend classroom sessions on certain days or weeks while also participating in behind-the-wheel training during the same period.
• This method can be more intensive and immersive as students engage in both theoretical learning and hands-on driving experience concurrently.

Block Method:

• In a block driver’s education course, the classroom instruction and BTW training are separated into distinct blocks or segments.
• Students complete the classroom portion of the course first, which may involve attending daily or weekly sessions over a set period of time (e.g., several weeks).
• After completing the classroom component, students then proceed to the behind-the-wheel training phase, which is typically scheduled separately and may involve a concentrated period of driving lessons.
• This method allows students to focus exclusively on classroom learning initially before transitioning to practical driving instruction.

Key Differences:

• Structure: Concurrent courses integrate classroom and BTW instruction concurrently, while block courses separate these components into distinct phases.
• Timeline: Concurrent courses may have a more overlapping or intertwined timeline for classroom and driving instruction, whereas block courses follow a sequential timeline with separate phases.
• Intensity: Concurrent courses can be more intensive as students balance classroom learning with driving practice throughout the course duration. Block courses may allow for more focused and concentrated learning in each phase.

The choice between concurrent and block methods often depends on factors such as student preferences, scheduling flexibility, availability of instructors, and educational objectives. 

The first thing that comes to mind is how involved must a parent be in their child’s driver’s ed process. The idea of a commercial driving school is to allow a professional to take on the responsibility of providing your child with what is needed to be a safe driver. What most parents in Texas don’t know is that the majority of the driving, no matter the method, must still be carried out by the student’s primary guardian. This means that out of the 44 hours of driving expected from the student, 30 of those hours are still being administered by, most likely, the parent.

The myth that commercial driver’s ed classrooms are all-encompassing, removing the parent from responsibility over their student’s driving experience is just that, a myth. Online driver’s ed, whether it be parent-taught or commercial, provides the parent the ability to achieve the same peace of mind in professionals to the same extent achieved through the commercial classroom route alone. The introduction of hybrid online commercial schools has helped to bridge the gap created by these two industries.

Repetition and challenging yourself are the most promising ways to ensure the confidence needed to succeed. Practice tests provide an excellent opportunity to not only test what you have learned but also become familiar with the type of questions you might see on the final examination. Additionally, in-car video tips can help prepare the parent to understand the style and flow of how most parents conduct their behind-the-wheel training.

💡If you would like more details on our supplemental training options, please check out the links below.

• Virtual Drive Practice Test
• Virtual Drive Parent In-Car Lessons
• Virtual Drive Exclusive DPS Test Preparation Package 

This process can be as simple as pushing the next button. It also can be as difficult as spending days organizing and collecting state information to compile a comprehensive educational curriculum. The reason online driver’s ed has grown at such a substantial rate is the ever-growing convenience that it provides. The driver education process in Texas is just that, a process, which means there is a step-by-step experience that your course should, with simplicity and ease, manage to get you through without ever having to ask this question. If your online driver’s education program doesn’t provide you this peace of mind, then question the quality of your product.

3 major examinations make up the driver’s education process. The first tests the student’s understanding of the beginning 6 hours of curriculum to obtain the learner’s permit. Second, comes the final classroom examination administered once all 32 hours of classroom study have been completed. Finally, there is the in-car examination carried out by a DPS official at the time of acquiring the Texas license. Classroom examinations can be taken on the driver’s license. However, most online courses in Texas, including Virtual Drive, provide their students with classroom exams through the online course itself. 

Yes, both DPS classroom exams are available to take through the online course itself. Completion of these exams with a passing grade provides you with the proper state verification of exam completion. This means that your final test can be taken anywhere you find to be a comfortable environment. 

Parent-Taught

Steps to getting started and obtaining your learner’s permit.

First things first, make sure you are qualified to teach the parent-taught method. You can find out HERE.

Drivers Ed Course

1. Purchase your desired online driver’s ed course.
2. Complete the state-required (DL-92) application for the Texas PTDE (Parent Taught Drivers Education) Packet. **Not sure if you’ve done this or need to do it now? You can register or check your status HERE.
3. Once the PTDE has been received, the student may then, and only then, begin the first 6 hours of the course required to obtain their learner’s permit. These 6 hours need to be logged by you, or by your course if it provides the feature, in no more than 2 hours per day. This means you must go at least 3 days after receiving the PTDE packet from the state of Texas before you are allowed to visit the DPS to obtain your driving permit.
4. After completion of the first module (the first 6 hours), the student will then take their learner’s permit test. This test will most likely be provided by the course you choose; however, you also have the option to take the test at the driver’s license office.
5. Now that the requirements for the permit are complete, it is time to gather your paperwork and head to the driver’s license office. The list includes:

• Verification of Enrollment Form – You must have received this within the last 30 days before going to the DPS. This comes from your public or private school. Homeschoolers will have their parents sign.
• DL-90A – This is a parent affidavit verifying the completion of the first 6 hours.
• DL-14A – Application for Driver License – You can fill this out before going or wait until you get to the DPS. But DO NOT sign yet, the DPS office will verify your signature.
• Birth Certificate (Original)
• Social Security Card
• Proof of Residency – The parent must show 2 forms of proof of residency.
• DE-964E Form – This is your certificate of completion for the first 6 hours of your 32 hours of coursework. (The Learner’s Permit section of the course) **You will receive a second certificate at the end of the 32 hours when it is time to get your final Driver’s License.

Acquiring the learner’s permit means you are now eligible to begin the second module of the classroom work, along with the “Behind-The-Wheel” lessons that correspond with what the child has just learned. It is also possible for you to follow the block method of learning. This requires completion of the full classroom before beginning any hands-on work.

• At this point, you will continue following your course’s design until you have completed all of your lessons. There will be course content, worksheets, and quizzes throughout that must be completed to move on to the final exam.
• The final written exam is solely based on the classroom work. Even if the driving has not been finalized, the final exam can still be taken.

Going Down To The DPS

The completion of the final exam with a passing grade means the end of your classroom requirements. Once the driving lessons and experience hours have been completed and logged, the 6-month permit requirement has been met, and the student is 16 years old, you are ready for the driver’s license office.

Here is what you will need for your DPS visit:

• DE-964
• Completion Certificate
• DL-90a
• DL-14a
• Learners Permit Progress Report
• 2 Forms of ID

To answer this question, you would first need to answer one of the following questions with a “Yes”:

• An unusual economic hardship for the family of the minor.
• A death-related emergency.
• Sickness or illness or disability of family members. (PHYSICIAN’S STATEMENT REQUIRED)
• Enrollment in a Vocational Education Program. (CERTIFICATION FROM SCHOOL REQUIRED)

If you meet any of these scenarios and would like to apply to the state, Please download the DL-77. 

This process should be instant, if not at least same-day delivery. The state of Texas changed the requirements for a driver ed certification to be hard copy. This began allowing for digital copies to be used, and the long waiting game came to an end. Now, our course should be able to provide you with immediate satisfaction once your final test has been completed with a passing grade.

This question can be answered in two ways:

🚥Technical answer:

1. 6 Hours of the classroom are required to receive the permit.
2. 26 Hours of post-permit classroom to receive the completion certificate.
3. 14 Hours of Behind-The-Wheel training.
4. 30 hours of experience driving (10 of which are at night).
5. 76 total hours must be completed to receive the Texas driver’s license.
6. The state of Texas limits all hours above to 2 hours a day.

This means that the technical answer to this question is 38 days.

The reality is that many students and parents tend to have other life priorities take precedence. The main reason someone takes online driver’s ed is to create flexibility in their life. No one wants driver education running their schedule. That’s just part of it, life happens. So here is what you need to know.

1. It takes 3 days minimum to complete enough of the course to be eligible for the learner’s permit.
2. The permit must be held for at least 6 months and until the student is 16 years old.

This means that all students must wait at least 6 months before they can even receive their Texas driver’s license. There are 35 days of curriculum to spread throughout that 6-12 month(s) in whatever schedule fits your needs. 

Simply put, 6-12 months, depending on if you are under the age of 18 years old.  No matter how you break down your coursework, you are still required to hold your permit for at least 6 months after receiving your learner’s permit.  You must also be 16 years of age unless you qualify for a hardship license. Apply by filing the state form DL-77. 

No, all aspects of online driver’s ed are designed to create stress-free and comfortable environments for learning, as well as testing. Forcing time restraints on something as crucial as final examinations would not provide that crucial element of peace while completing each step of your education.

The certificate of completion should be a digital copy that becomes available once the final examination has been completed. Just as with the rest of your course, the step-by-step layout of your course will prompt you on when and how to receive the certificate. At Virtual Drive of Texas you can choose to print the certificate or find out whether your local DPS office will accept an emailed copy.

Yes. Not only is it a good idea to have a spare copy of your certificate for your sake, but there is also the likelihood that your insurance will ask for a copy to qualify you for their teen driver discount. Cost should not be an issue considering your certificate is printable; leaving you free to print as many copies as you might need.

You will visit the Texas Department of Public Safety once you are ready for either the permit or license. The Texas DPS manages the license given out to each new driver. It is not a requirement to go to the DPS of your resident county to complete the driver’s license process. Check out our Texas DPS information page to find out more about the department and locations.