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Key Takeaways in This Article
- Texas requires driver’s ed for new drivers ages 14 to 24.
- Online driver’s ed courses cost $43.68 to $67.68 in Texas.
- New drivers in Texas can take teen driver’s ed, parent-taught driver’s ed, behind-the-wheel driving lessons, or adult driver’s ed for 18 to 24 year olds.
Featured Driver’s Education Providers
We reviewed the industry’s top driver’s education programs, and here are our featured picks.
Looking for information about driver’s ed requirements in Texas? Below, we cover everything you need to know to obtain a learner’s permit or driver’s license, including which online driver’s ed courses provide the best bang for your buck.
Best Texas Online Driver’s Ed Courses
- Aceable
- DriversEd.com
- IMPROV
- Driver’s Ed Direct
- Safe2Drive
Read our detailed reviews below.
How Do You Get a Driver’s License in Texas?
The process for obtaining a driver’s license in Texas varies depending on age. For teens, the licensing process happens in phases.
How To Obtain a Driver’s License as a Teen
New drivers ages 14 to 17 must complete a mandatory 32-hour driver education course to obtain a driver’s license. After completing the first six hours of this course, drivers ages 15 to 17 can apply for a learner’s license.
For teens, there are four options for completing the driver’s ed requirement:
- Public school driver’s ed
- Private driver’s ed classes
- Online driver’s ed courses
- Parent-taught driver’s ed courses
The course must be approved by state authorities and adhere to state guidelines.
Parents who wish to enroll their child in parent-taught driver’s ed must follow specific registration and record-keeping requirements. To learn more about the parent-taught driver education process, visit the TDLR parent-taught driver education resource page.
Phase One: Learner License
Phase one of the Texas Graduated Driver License Program requires drivers ages 15 to 17 to:
- Complete at least six hours of driver’s ed.
- Meet high school education requirements.
Once the driver meets these conditions, gathers the required documents, and completes the driver’s license application, they can apply for their permit.
- Schedule an appointment at a Driver License Office and bring a parent or legal guardian.
- Provide documents, signature, and thumbprints.
- Have a picture taken.
- Pay application fees.
- Pass the vision exam.
Phase Two: Provisional License
After receiving a learner’s license, drivers ages 16 to 17 can apply for a provisional license when they have met the following requirements:
- Hold a learner’s license for at least six months.
- Complete seven hours of in-car driving observation.
- Complete seven hours of driving practice with an instructor.
- Fulfill 30 hours of driving practice with a licensed driver over the age of 21, including 10 hours of nighttime driving.
- Complete the Impact Texas Teen Driver Program no more than 90 days before taking the skills test.
To apply for a provisional license, the applicant must visit a Driver Liense Office with a parent or legal guardian.
- Provide the driver’s license application and other required documents.
- Pay application fees.
- Pass the vision exam.
- Provide proof of vehicle insurance if taking the driving skills test. Driving test requirements may be completed at the Driver License Office or through a third-party provider.
The provisional license expires on the teens’ 18th birthday. Teens 18 years of age must visit their local Driver License Office or renew their license online within 30 days before the provisional license expiration date. They’ll then be issued a driver’s license for individuals under 21.
How To Obtain a Driver’s License As an Adult
New drivers between the ages 18 to 24 must complete the following before applying for a license in Texas:
- Six-hour mandatory driver’s education course.
- Impact Texas Driver’s Course (ITD) if taking the driving test.
Once new adult drivers meet these requirements, they can bring the driver’s license application and required documents to apply for their license.
- Schedule an appointment at a Driver License Office.
- Sign documents.
- Have a picture taken.
- Pay application fees.
- Pass the vision, knowledge, and driving tests.
Some Texas driver’s license applications have additional requirements. Visit the Texas DPS for further information.
How Long is Driver’s Ed in Texas?
Driver’s ed courses in Texas take six to 32 hours to complete. Teen and adult driver’s education courses adhere to different state-mandated course structure requirements.
Teen Driver’s Ed
Teen driver education courses in Texas must be at least 32 hours. Learners can complete these hours through an online course or in a classroom in no fewer than 16 days. New teen drivers must complete six hours of this required course before applying for a learner’s license.
In addition to the 32-hour classroom instruction, new drivers ages 15 to 17 must also complete:
- 7 hours of in-car driving observation
- 7 hours of behind-the-wheel driving with an instructor
- 30 additional hours of behind-the-wheel practice, including 10 hours of nighttime driving
The 30-hour block of behind-the-wheel practice must be monitored from the passenger seat during practice by an adult driver who:
- Is 21 or older
- Has a valid driver’s license
- Has a minimum of one year of driving experience
Note that teens age 14 can begin a driver’s ed course, but cannot apply for a learner’s permit until age 15.
Adult Driver’s Ed
Texas requires new drivers ages 18 to 24 to take a six-hour driver education course before taking the driving exam. Learners can complete the course online or in a classroom.
How Much is Driver’s Ed in Texas?
Average course costs for top online driver’s education providers range from $43.68 to $67.68. Expect course costs to be higher for parent-taught packages or behind-the-wheel driving instruction.
What are the Best Online Driver’s Ed Courses in Texas?
#1 Aceable
What we like about Aceable:
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Average course cost of $46.77
- Courses available online and through the Aceable app
Aceable was founded in 2013 with the goal of expanding online access to driver’s ed materials. Based in Austin, TX, the company started offering approved online driver education in its home state. Since then, the company has expanded to offer courses in multiple states and an easy-to-use mobile app.
For those unsatisfied with their Aceable online driver education experience, the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee for uncompleted courses, refunded within 30 days of purchase. Learn more by visiting our Aceable review or the Aceable website today.
Aceable courses in Texas:
- Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed: Suitable for new drivers ages 14 to 17. Package pricing includes an optional one-month trial of Allstate Roadside Services.
- Adult Driver’s Ed: Fulfills state six-hour course requirements for new drivers ages 18-24. Package pricing includes an optional one-month trial of Allstate Roadside Services.
#2 DriversEd.com
What we like about DriversEd.com:
- Over 25 years of experience
- Average course cost of $58.15
- Behind-the-wheel lessons available in Texas through Coastline Academy
DriversEd.com was founded in 1997. Based out of Houston, TX, the company boasts excellent online reviews and easy-to-understand course content.
DriversEd.com courses in Texas are fully refundable within 30 days of purchase as long as no certificate of completion has been issued. Find out more about DriversEd.com courses and pricing by reading our detailed DriversEd.com review.
DriversEd.com courses in Texas:
- Teen Driver’s Ed: Fulfills the 32-hour instruction requirement for new Texas drivers ages 14 to 17.
- Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed: Includes required course for teens ages 14 to 17 and allows parents to act as classroom and in-car instructors.
- Adult Driver’s Ed: Meets the six-hour course requirement for drivers ages 18 to 25.
- Behind-the-Wheel Instruction: DriversEd.com partners with Coastline Academy to offer driving instruction. private driving lessons include seven hours of in-car observation and seven hours of driving with an instructor. Driving packages start at $359.
All pricing packages for the courses listed above include an optional discount and one-month free trial of Allstate Roadside Services.
#3 IMPROV
What we like about IMPROV:
- 24/7 customer support
- Average course cost of $43.68
- Interactive and comedic lessons
Founded in 2009, IMPROV is based in Los Angeles, CA. Customer feedback for IMPROV highlights engaging lessons, affordable course prices, and outstanding customer service.
Improv offers a full refund of course fees as long as no certificate of completion has been issued. Find out more about IMPROV classes and availability by reading our IMPROV review.
IMPROV courses in Texas:
- Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed: Fulfills 32-hour course requirement for new drivers ages 14 to 17.
#4 Drivers Ed Direct
What we like about Drivers Ed Direct:
- Average course cost of $67.68
- Video library to help teach concepts
- Excellent customer reviews on multiple platforms
Drivers Ed Direct was founded in 2006 and now operates out of Chatsworth, CA. The company partners with iDriveSafely and other well-known providers to offer courses in more locations. Customers note excellent service and behind-the-wheel driving lessons in California.
All courses are self-paced and available on PC and mobile browsers.
Drivers Ed Direct Courses in Texas:
- Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed: Fulfills the 32-hour course requirement for new drivers ages 14 to 17. Some package options include an online permit test.
- Adult Driver’s Ed: Six-hour course fulfills state requirements for drivers ages 18 to 24.
#5 Safe2Drive
What we like about Safe2Drive:
- Good refund policy
- Average course cost of $49.60
- Parent-taught behind-the-wheel lessons available in Texas
Safe2Drive was founded in 2003 and operates out of Rancho Santo Margarita, CA. The company has positive reviews on Yelp and Google, with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Safe2Drive offers a full refund on all online courses within 30 days of purchase and before a certificate of completion is issued.
Safe2Drive courses in Texas:
- Teen Driver’s Ed: Meets 32-hour course requirement for new drivers ages 14 to 17.
- Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed: Fulfils 32-hour course requirement for new drivers ages 14 to 17. The optional behind-the-wheel-only package includes seven hours of observation and seven hours of driving with an instructor.
Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed in Texas
Parent-taught driver’s ed (PTDE) remains a popular option for many teen drivers and their families. Parents can become classroom and in-car instructors and play an active role in their child’s driving education.
Parents interested in PTDE must submit the Parent-Taught Driver Education Instructor Designation Services Request and adhere to specific record-keeping requirements. Learn more on the TDLR website.
Behind-the-Wheel Training Requirements
Texas law requires new teen drivers between the ages of 15 and 17 to complete a minimum of 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training and practice. Teens must complete 14 of those hours with a certified instructor or an approved parent or guardian. These hours must be appropriately recorded and submitted as part of licensing requirements.
Texas DPS Contact Information & Resources
Ready to learn more about getting your Texas permit or driver’s license? Visit the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation Driver Education and Safety page. There, you’ll find everything you need to know about driver’s ed requirements in Texas. Parents can also submit necessary forms for instructor approval, order instruction packets, and verify a driving school’s licensing.
For information on Driver License Office procedures, Texas DPS contact info, or to schedule an appointment at your local office, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety’s FAQ page.
You Might Also be Interested in:
- The Complete Parent’s Guide to Driver’s Ed
- The Complete Teen Guide to Driver’s Ed
- The 65 Best Used Cars for Teens
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Driver’s Ed in Texas
Is driver’s ed required in Texas?
Yes. Texas requires all first-time drivers ages 14 to 24 to take a driver education course. New drivers ages 14 to 17 must complete a full 32-hour teen driver’s ed course. Unlicensed adults ages 18 to 24 must complete a six-hour adult driver’s ed course.
Is driver’s ed free in Texas?
Private driver’s ed courses in Texas are not free. Course costs vary by provider, with higher prices for courses that include in-car driving instruction.
Can you take driver’s ed online in Texas?
Yes, new drivers ages 14 to 24 can take online driver’s ed to fulfill the state’s 32-hour course requirement for teens or six-hour requirement for new drivers 18 and older.
Is online driver’s ed legit in Texas?
Texas online driver’s ed providers listed on this page carry approval from the TDLR or Texas DPS as appropriate. Check a school’s state approval status by visiting the TDLR verification page.
When can you start driver’s ed in Texas?
New teen drivers can begin driver education at 14. However, they must be 15 or older to apply for a learner license.
Our Methodology
With so many online driver’s ed courses available, we work hard to identify the highest quality providers. Our goal is to provide reviews that are accurate, trustworthy, and helpful to our readers.
Minimum Requirements
Using data from consumer reviews, we first identified a set of minimum requirements for each driver’s ed course provider. To be included in our ranking each provider must have:
- Self-paced, online courses
- Courses available in at least two states
- An active Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile
- Active reviews on Google, Yelp, and/or Trustpilot
- A majority of DMV-approved courses in the states in which they operate
Key Metrics
After selecting providers that meet our minimum requirements, we conducted extensive research and identified the following key metrics to rank the best online driver’s ed courses for 2023.
- Accessibility (20%): Our methodology rewards programs that are low-cost, self-paced, and approved in the majority of states where they operate. These metrics identify programs that are accessible for more people.
- Quality (30%): We take a close look at each provider’s availability and caliber of customer support as well as the number of years they’ve been in business. We reward providers who offer money-back guarantees and optional behind-the-wheel courses.
- Reputation (50%): We evaluate hundreds of online reviews—on BBB, Google, Trustpilot, and Yelp—to determine a program’s standing with its current and former customers.
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