Find a Driver's Ed Course in Fort Worth, TX That Fits Your Needs

Written by Mary Salatino

Residents of Fort Worth, Texas, must complete driver's education before scheduling their road test — finding the right course can make all the difference. This guide breaks down what to consider — including course types, requirements, practice and road test prep — so you can choose the program that will best prepare you to earn your driver's license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Course Types

Understanding what types of driver education programs are available can help you choose the one that fits your needs. Fort Worth offers options for teen and adult drivers, with in-person and online formats to suit any schedule and learning style.

In-Person Drivers Ed

Traditional classroom settings offer face-to-face instruction with a certified instructor and can be ideal for students who benefit from structured learning environments. These courses typically include a set schedule, where students attend classes at a local school and participate in discussions, group activities and live Q&A sessions.

Online Drivers Ed

Online driver education courses provide flexibility, allowing students to complete the classroom portion of instruction from the comfort of home. This option is often ideal for students with busy schedules or those who prefer to work at their own pace.

Texas Driving School's online programs are state-approved and cover all the required content, including traffic laws, safety protocols and defensive driving techniques.

Our online courses also offer the flexibility to log in and out at any time, making it easy to work around school, work or extracurricular activities.

Self-Taught Drivers Ed

Self-taught drivers ed is a flexible option for individuals who prefer to learn at their own pace. In this approach, students can study the required material independently, often using online resources, textbooks or study guides. This method allows users to create their own schedules, making it ideal for those with busy lifestyles or specific learning preferences.

To pursue the self-taught program, students must still meet state requirements, including completing the necessary classroom hours and behind-the-wheel practice.

While this option promotes independence, students must have a qualified adult supervise their practice hours to ensure compliance with Texas regulations.

Parent-Taught Driver's Ed

Texas also offers a unique Parent-Taught Drivers Ed (PTDE) option, where a parent or guardian takes on the role of instructor. This program allows families to work together to complete the classroom and behind-the-wheel practice hours.

PTDE requires a parent to meet certain eligibility criteria and obtain a PTDE packet from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This option gives parents the flexibility to teach at a comfortable pace and customize practice sessions to focus on specific skills.

Adult Drivers Ed

There are also courses tailored to adult learners seeking their first license or looking to refresh their existing skills. These programs often offer a condensed curriculum that covers essential driving knowledge and behind-the-wheel basics, helping adults feel confident and prepared for their road test.

Additional Programs: Driver Improvement

A driver improvement course can help individuals correct specific behaviors and enhance their skills. Typically court-ordered or mandated by the DPS, these courses cover essential topics such as traffic laws and accident prevention.

Texas State Requirements for Drivers Ed

In Texas, driver's education is designed to forge responsible motorists. The TDLR oversees these requirements, which include a combination of classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel practice and additional parental involvement for drivers under 18.

Here's a breakdown of the requirements:

Minimum Instruction Hours

For residents under 18, Texas requires a minimum of 32 hours of classroom instruction covering topics like traffic laws, road signs and signals, and the dangers of distracted driving.

This instruction can be completed in person at a certified driving school or online through a TDLR-approved course. Students must spread these hours over at least 16 days, ensuring they have enough time to process and retain the information.

Behind-the-Wheel Training Requirements

In addition to classroom instruction, new motorists are required to complete 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training, including:

  • Seven hours of in-car observation, where they watch a certified instructor or a qualified adult demonstrate how to drive safely.
  • Seven hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, where they practice hands-on driving under the supervision of an instructor or a licensed adult who meets state requirements.
  • 30 hours of supervised driving practice, with at least 10 of these hours completed at night. Parents or guardians typically supervise this portion.

Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) Program

Texas mandates that residents under 18 complete the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) program before taking their driving test. This free, two-hour video course addresses the risks of distracted driving.

Teens must complete ITTD at least 90 days before their exam to be eligible for licensure. Adults ages 18 to 24 are also required to complete the similar Impact Texas Young Drivers (ITYD) course.

Selecting a TDLR-Approved Course

Choosing a TDLR-approved driver's ed course is essential for meeting Texas's licensing requirements and obtaining the completion certificate needed for the driving test.

Here's what to keep in mind:

  • Meets state standards: Only TDLR-approved courses meet Texas's requirements for classroom and behind-the-wheel training.
  • Certified instruction: TDLR-approved programs are taught by certified instructors or follow the PTDE guidelines to ensure quality education.
  • Verification: Confirm a course's approval by checking the TDLR online database of approved programs or asking the school directly.
  • Official certificate: After completion, you should receive the DE-964 (minors) or ADE-1317 (adults) certificate required for the Texas DPS test.

Selecting a TDLR-approved course guarantees that your training qualifies you for your permit or license application.

Driving Practice and Road Test Preparation

The best driver's education courses in Fort Worth offer added support to help you build confidence and prepare for the road test.

Look for these features:

  • Supervised practice hours: Many courses include supervised behind-the-wheel sessions with certified instructors who focus on high-priority areas such as safe lane changes, speed control and defensive maneuvers.
  • Mock tests: Some programs offer practice exams that simulate the DPS road test, helping you understand the test format, timing and scoring.
  • Test route familiarization: Local driving schools in Fort Worth may offer practice on the exact roads used in the city's driving test. Practicing on these routes can make you more comfortable with the specific intersections, speed zones and road types encountered during the exam.

Ready to Drive? Register Now!

Complete your Fort Worth driver's education coursework from the comfort of home! Sign up for one of our online courses today and enjoy expert instruction, flexible scheduling and a supportive learning environment.

Don't wait — sign up now and pave your way to becoming a licensed driver!