Choosing a Driver Education Course

Teens

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.

NOTE: An individual may start the classroom phase of a driver education course at 14 years of age but cannot apply for a learner license until he/she is at least 15.

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

This chart shows the differences between the three types of driver education for teens:

Adults

Individuals between 18 and 24 years of age are required to complete a driver education course and present the original certificate of completion at the driver license office. A driver education course is not required for individuals who already hold a valid driver license from another state or country.

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 two types of driver education for adults:

1. Six-hour adult driver education course which can be taken either online or in the classroom
2. Traditional driver education course offered through a driver training school (this course is recommended for individuals who want additional behind-the-wheel and classroom training)

This chart shows the main differences between the two types of driver education for adults: