Teen and Under 25 Drivers

All drivers 18 years of age and under must meet the licensing requirements for a learner or provisional driver license, but they are also subject to additional requirements, including graduated driver licensing and driver education. 

Graduated Driver Licensing
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is designed to provide new drivers of motor vehicles with driving experience and skills gradually over time in low-risk environments.  GDL requirements include such requirements as time for holding a learner license before obtaining a provisional license, and restrictions on passengers and hours of driving for provisional license holders.  Read more about the Texas GDL requirements.

Driver Education
According to Texas law, the Department may not issue a driver license to a person who is under 25 years of age unless the person successfully completes an approved driver education course.  Teens and young adults under 25 may meet this requirement by completing courses offered by private commercial driving schools, through public schools, or the parent taught program.

The Parent Taught Driver Education (PTDE) program is offered by the Department for parents, and other family members, who wish to provide instruction to their teen driver(s).  Can’t decide if you want to be the instructor?  View our checklist for the differences between parent taught and commercial/public school driver education programs.
 
NOTE: All driver licenses, other than a learner license, issued to persons under 18 years of age will be marked “Provisional”. The provisional license will be vertical and will be dated to expire on the applicant's 18th birthday or next birthday occurring after the date of issuance. No renewal notice will be sent as the applicant must present Verification of Enrollment and Attendance from their school for each renewal.