If you’re planning to get your driver’s license in Texas as an adult, one of the first questions is whether you’re required to complete driver’s education. The answer depends primarily on your age and licensing status.
If you’re between 18 and 24, you are required to complete a Texas adult driver’s ed course before taking your driving test.
Texas law requires driver’s education for certain adult drivers based on age:
Learn more about what Texas adult driver’s ed is.
The state of Texas requires driver’s education for new adult drivers under 25 to ensure they understand traffic laws, safe driving practices, and licensing requirements before getting on the road.
The course covers:
Learn more about how adult driver’s ed works in Texas.
If you are 25 or older, Texas does not require you to complete driver’s education. However, you are still responsible for passing the written and driving tests.
Many drivers choose to take a Texas adult driver’s ed course anyway to prepare for the written test and improve their chances of passing on the first attempt.
Learn more about getting a Texas driver’s license over age 25.
Most drivers ages 18–24 must complete the Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) course before taking the driving test. This course focuses on distracted driving awareness and must be completed within 90 days of your test.
Learn more about what the Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) course is.
Once you know whether you’re required to take driver’s ed, the next steps include completing your course (if required), preparing for testing, and scheduling your driving test.
Learn more about the full process in our guide on Texas adult driver’s ed requirements, steps, and timeline.
If you’re required to take driver’s ed or want to prepare effectively, you can enroll in a Texas adult driver’s ed course and complete your requirements online at your own pace.
What is Texas Adult Driver’s Ed?
Texas adult driver’s ed is a state-approved 6-hour course required for drivers ages 18–24 that covers traffic laws, road safety, and the written test. Learn more about what Texas adult driver’s ed is.
Who Is Required to Take Adult Driver’s Ed in Texas?
Drivers ages 18–24 are required to complete adult driver’s ed, while those 25 and older are not required but may still benefit. Learn more about who is required to take adult driver’s ed in Texas.
How does adult driver’s education work in Texas?
Adult driver’s ed in Texas is typically completed online and includes traffic laws, safe driving techniques, and a final written test. Once finished, you’ll receive a certificate of completion required for licensing. Learn more about how adult driver’s ed works in Texas.
What is the Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) course and who must take it?
The Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) course is a one-hour video program required by the Texas Department of Public Safety for drivers age 18–24 before taking the driving test. It focuses on the dangers of distracted driving and must be completed after finishing an adult driver education course. Learn more about what the Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) course is.
What Are the Steps to Get a Driver’s License as an Adult in Texas?
Adults typically complete driver’s ed if required, take the ITAD course, gather required documents, schedule a driving test, and pass the exam. Learn more in our guide on Texas adult driver’s ed requirements, steps, and timeline.
How Long Does It Take to Get a License in Texas as an Adult?
Most adults can complete the process in a few days to a few weeks depending on course completion, ITAD timing, and DPS appointment availability. Learn more about the full breakdown in our guide on how long it takes to get a Texas driver’s license.
What Happens After I Finish Adult Driver’s Ed?
After finishing the course, you’ll receive your certificate of completion, complete the ITAD course if required, and move on to scheduling and passing your driving test. Learn more about the full process in our guide on Texas adult driver’s ed requirements, steps, and timeline.
Do Adults Need a Learner’s Permit in Texas?
Adults are not always required to get a learner’s permit, but some may choose to for practice before testing. Learn more about whether adults need a learner’s permit in Texas.
Do Adults Have to Log Driving Hours?
Adults are not required to log driving hours like teens, but practice is strongly recommended before taking the road test. Learn more about whether adults must log driving hours in Texas.
Can Adults Take the Written Test Online?
Many approved adult driver’s ed courses allow eligible students to take the written test online as part of the course. Learn more about when adults can take the written test online in Texas.
What If I’m Over 25 Getting a License?
Drivers over 25 may not need driver’s ed but must still meet Texas testing and licensing requirements. Learn more about getting a Texas driver’s license over age 25.
