Mr. Skipper dot Com

Mr. Skipper began driving back in 1976 when he was 12. He hasn't had any accidents in a LONG time. (He's old and slow.) When he was a teen, drivers' education was taught in school. That's not the case anymore. However, the Texas Department of Transportation allows parents (or their designee) to be the course instructor. (See question 5.)

 

How to Apply for a Texas Driver License as a Teen <All the details are here.>

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.  There are four types of driver education to select from when taking this course:

1. A traditional driver education course offered by a certified driver training school

2. An online driver education course offered by a certified driver training school

3. Parent-taught driver education (PTDE)

4. Driver education offered in public school

 

Phase One of the Graduated Driver License Program

Phase I - Learner License

• This entry-level restricted driver license allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult before you graduate to the next level.

• You must be between 15 and 17 years of age.

• You must have completed the first six hours of the driver education* classroom instruction if you are using the concurrent method or all 32 hours of classroom instruction if you are using the block method.

• You must provide evidence that you:

  • Are a student enrolled in a public, private, or home school and attended school for at least 90% of the time in the fall or spring semester preceding the date of application; or

  • If you are applying during the summer and are still enrolled in school, your last report card for the most recent school year is acceptable provided it has your name, a list of absences, and a complete listing of grades.

• You must have a licensed adult 21 years or older in the front passenger seat when driving.

• You are restricted from using a wireless communications device, including a hands-free device, except in the case of an emergency.

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*Driver Education

Individuals under 18 years of age are required to complete a driver education course and present the Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964) at the driver license office.

When applying for a license, the driving test is required. The knowledge test will be waived if it was completed during the driver education course.

There are three types of driver education for teens:

1. A traditional driver education course offered by a driver training school

2. Parent-taught driver education (PTDE)

3. Driver education offered in public school

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