Parent-Taught Driver Ed Texas: (PTDE): A Complete Guide for Families
The Parent Taught Teen Driving Course is one of the most flexible and affordable ways for teens in Texas to complete their driver education. With PTDE, parents can actively participate in teaching their teen essential driving skills, while the online course provides all state-required lessons, safety training, and quizzes.
This learning method is perfect for busy families who want a safe, convenient, and DPS-approved option for driver education.
Why Choose a Parent-Taught Driver Ed Texas?
100% Online Instruction – Teens can complete classroom hours anytime.
Flexible Schedule – Learn at your own pace from home.
Parent Supervision – Parents take part in behind-the-wheel training.
State Approved (Texas DPS) – Meets all legal requirements to get a learner permit and license.
More Affordable than traditional driving schools.
What Your Teen Will Learn from Parent-Taught Driver Ed Texas:

The Parent-Taught Driver Ed Texas: PTDE course covers everything required by Texas law, including:
Understanding road signs and laws
Safe driving habits
Hazard recognition & defensive driving
Sharing the road
Driving in weather conditions
Behind-the-wheel practice modules
Preparing for the DPS Written Knowledge Test
Step-by-step assistance for earning a learner permit and driver’s license
1. What is a Parent Taught Teen Driving Course?
The Parent Taught Teen Driving Course (PTDE) is a Texas DPS-approved program where a parent or legal guardian serves as the instructor for the teen’s behind-the-wheel training. The course includes online classroom instruction plus required driving hours to prepare the teen for a learner permit and license.
2. Who can be the parent instructor?
A parent, legal guardian, or even a designated adult over 25 can teach the course if they meet DPS requirements:
Must hold a valid driver’s license
Cannot have certain criminal or driving violations
Must order a PTDE packet from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
3. How many hours does my teen need to complete?
Teens must complete:
32 hours of online classroom instruction
14 hours of in-car instruction (7 hours observation + 7 hours driving)
30 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night
4. Can teens earn a learner permit through this course?
Yes! Once the teen completes the first 6 classroom hours (also called “Level 1”), they receive a certificate to take the DPS Written Knowledge Test and apply for their learner permit.
Yes. Our Parent Taught Teen Driving Course is fully TDLR and DPS approved, meaning it meets every requirement for Texas teens ages 14–17.
It depends on your schedule. Teens are allowed to complete a maximum of 2 hours per day, so the classroom portion usually takes 2–3 weeks. Behind-the-wheel hours continue until all 44+ hours are completed.
Yes. After completing the online course and all required driving hours, teens must take the DPS Road Test to earn their official driver’s license.
Final Thoughts
The Parent Taught Teen Driving Course offers convenience, affordability, and parent involvement—making it one of the safest and most effective ways for teens to begin their driving journey. With state-approved online lessons and guided behind-the-wheel practice, families can work together to help teens become confident, responsible, and safe drivers.
The parent-taught drivers ed Texas program allows parents to teach their teens using DPS-approved materials.
Teens aged 14–17 can enroll in our Parent Taught 101 and begin learning online with their parent as the instructor.
Once your teen completes the first section and gets a learner’s permit, they can begin driving with supervision.
Yes, our Texas parent-taught driving course online is officially approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The Texas teen driving course online consists of 32 hours of classroom instruction and 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
Yes, you can start immediately after enrollment. Our Texas online driver education is open 24/7.
The parent-taught driver education Texas includes videos, quizzes, driving logs, and step-by-step lessons.
Of course! Our friendly support team is ready to help you with your Texas DPS-approved course anytime.
Yes, our online drivers ed Texas is mobile-friendly and works on all devices.
Prices vary by course, but we offer affordable options for all. Visit our pricing page to learn how much driver’s ed costs in Texas.
Yes, they will receive a Texas DPS certificate of completion to apply for their driver’s license.
They can retake it as many times as needed until they pass. Our Texas online driver education ensures every student succeeds.
Parent Taught Program Guide (PTDE 101) Teen’s proof of identity (birth certificate or passport) Texas residency document Social Security card (or lawful presence document)
Yes: Immigrant teens can use passport + I-94 or residency card Must also show Texas residency This is fully accepted for the Texas parent taught driving course online and for the DPS permit.
They will: Receive a DPS-approved certificate Take the certificate to DPS to get a learner permit Complete 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a parent Schedule the driving test to earn their Texas driver’s license
Texas requires all teens under 18 to complete: 32 hours of online drivers ed 44 hours driving practice The parent taught option lets families complete everything safely from home, saving money and time.
