Driver Education Checklist

The decision to use a Driver Training or Public School, or do the driver education instruction yourself, can be intimidating.  Below is a checklist of the most common questions about each of these options.  You may also view a list of frequently asked questions about driver education from the Texas Education Agency.

 

DRIVER TRAINING SCHOOL (DTS)

PUBLIC SCHOOL (PS)

PARENT TAUGHT (PTDE)

Must Complete Driving Exam at the Driver License Office
  1.  
  1.  
  1.  

Offers both Block and Concurrent Methods
  1.  
  1.  
  1.  

Hours of Classroom Instruction Required

32 hours

32, 40 or 56 hours

32 hours

Hours of Driving Instruction Required

7 hours behind-the-wheel, 7 hours observation, plus 20 additional hours of driving (10 hours at night)

7 hours behind-the-wheel, 7 hours observation, plus 20 additional hours of driving (10 hours at night)

7 hours behind-the-wheel, 7 hours observation, plus 20 additional hours of driving (10 hours at night)

Additional 20 hours of  driving can be observed by the parent
  1.  
  1.  
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Simulator driving can be used to meet driving requirements
  1.  
  1.  

No

Contractual timelines (see FAQ for additional information)
  1.  
  1.  

No

Can transfer partial classroom instruction

  1. From one DTS to another DTS
  1. If the DTS or PS approves it

No

Can transfer full classroom instruction
  1.  
  1.  
  1. Only Block method

Can transfer driving instruction

  1. From one DTS to another DTS

No

No

Offers other types of driver education programs

No
  1. See FAQ for information

No