Texas Parent-Taught Driver’s Education : A Stress-Free Guide to Your Teen’s License

With Virtual Drive’s TDLR/DPS-approved Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed course, you can feel confident knowing, “We’ve got this!” From your first step of state registration to receiving your Texas driver’s license, our course provides a smooth, stress-free experience. This approach allows a certified online course to teach your teen, while you supervise and guide their hands-on practice.

Here’s how it works:

1. Enroll in the Course
   Begin with Virtual Drive’s TDLR-approved Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed course (#107), designed for teens aged 14-17. Complete the DL-92 form and submit it to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to participate in the program.
2. Study the Online Course
   The first six hours of our course focus on preparing for the DPS written test, which you can take online, saving a trip to the DPS office!
3. Apply for the Learner’s Permit
   After completing the first six hours and passing the DPS test, print your certificate, gather your identification (per our checklist), and apply for your Texas learner’s license at the DPS office.
4. Begin Behind-the-Wheel Lessons
   With a learner’s permit, teens start in-car driving lessons supervised by a parent or guardian. Teens also continue online course modules until all requirements are completed.
5. Complete the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) Course
   All new drivers under 24 must complete the free ITYD course after driver’s ed, a requirement before taking the DPS road test.
6. Apply for Your Texas Driver’s License
   At 16, after finishing the parent-taught course and ITTD, apply for your Texas driver’s license. Remember to make copies of your DE-964 certificate for insurance discounts and personal records.

Our program prioritizes ease and clarity to ensure you’re well-prepared and avoid surprises at the DPS. Choose Virtual Drive to experience a Texas driver’s ed program focused on simplicity and support.

The Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed Program Guide from TDLR includes a behind-the-wheel instruction log sheet . Parents sign off on each objective as lessons are completed. This log is essential and must be submitted to the DPS when applying for a provisional driver’s license.

As an online driver’s ed student in Texas, your role is to engage actively in the learning process to build the knowledge and skills for safe, responsible driving. Key aspects of your role include:

1. Self-Motivation: Stay committed to completing the course by setting study goals and dedicating time to finish each module.
2. Active Participation: Engage with lessons, watch videos, and complete quizzes to reinforce essential driving concepts.
3. Follow Guidelines and Deadlines: Adhere to course guidelines, complete modules on time, and follow instructions for assessments.
4. Seek Clarifications: Ask questions if needed, using available resources to fully understand driving laws and safety practices.
5. Practice Responsible Online Behavior: Maintain professionalism in interactions with course materials and instructors.
6. Prepare for Exams: Take assessments seriously by reviewing content, practicing sample questions, and seeking help if necessary.
7. Apply Knowledge in Real Life: Start relating what you learn to real-world driving scenarios, focusing on responsible driving behaviors.

If you’ve chosen online parent-taught driver’s ed, your role is straightforward. A quality course will guide you and your teen through the required 32 hours of classroom instruction, leaving you to simply monitor progress and sign off on course completion.

As the in-car instructor, you’ll supervise 7 hours of in-car lessons, 7 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, and an additional 30 hours of driving experience, including 10 nighttime hours. A well-structured course provides prompts and guidance to help you through each step.

Once completed, bring the required forms to the Texas driver’s license office, sign off on the paperwork, and submit it. You’ll then wait as your teen takes the final driving test to earn their license.

Now, parents or guardians who prefer not to teach behind-the-wheel (BTW) skills can still enjoy the flexibility of online learning. A recent Texas law allows individuals over 25 with a valid driver’s license—such as a sibling, cousin, or family friend—to conduct BTW instruction for teens. Alternatively, commercial driving schools work with online providers to offer a hybrid approach, combining 32 hours of online classroom instruction with professional in-car training.

This hybrid model merges the benefits of parent-taught and commercial drivers ed, providing an affordable and flexible option for families who prefer not to handle the BTW instruction themselves.

The TDLR website provides step-by-step instructions for registering as a parent-taught driving instructor. You can check your eligibility to teach your student here.

While your teen holds a learner’s permit, they can be covered under your vehicle insurance as long as they’re still a student and unlicensed. Once they obtain a driver’s license, they’ll need liability insurance in their own name.