Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education Program Guide (PTDE)

The Parent-Taught Driver Education Program (PTDE) allows teens to learn the rules of the road under the supervision of a parent or guardian. An important piece of this program is the PTDE program guide, a resource that explains important requirements and guides students and their parents through the learning process.

You can start the process by enrolling in the Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education Course. This course teaches essential driving skills and allows you to download the PTDE guide directly within the course.

The guide includes an overview of the documents and steps required to complete the program and eventually obtain a learner license. Your packet will include general parent-taught program information, learner and provisional license application checklists and an official behind-the-wheel practice log, among other PTDE-related items.

To complete the program and qualify for your learner license, follow this simple three-step process.

1. Request TDLR Approval for Parent Instruction

Before starting the PTDE course, it's essential to obtain approval from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for parent or guardian instruction. Both instructors and students must meet specific eligibility requirements to participate in the PTDE program.

Instructors must:

Be a parent, step-parent, foster parent, grandparent, step-grandparent or legal guardian
Hold a valid Texas driver's license for the past three years or more that has not been suspended, revoked or forfeited following a traffic offense
Have not been convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) in the past seven years
Have no convictions of Criminally Negligent Homicide
Have no convictions in the past three years for three or more moving violations or two or more moving violations that resulted in an accident
Meet any other eligibility requirements outlined by the TDLR

To verify your eligibility, click here. Instructors can submit their applications to TDLR on this page.

Students must:

Be at least 14 years old
Be enrolled in school for the past 80 days or a high school equivalency preparation program for the past 4five days
Make satisfactory academic progress and meet school attendance requirements
Have a parent or guardian who meets the eligibility requirements to serve as an instructor

Instructors can apply for authorization through the TDLR website by completing the online application. The application requires providing personal information, including driver’s license details, contact information and a declaration of eligibility.

A non-refundable application fee of $20 is required to become a parent instructor. This fee is payable to the TDLR and isn’t included in your online course purchase price.

2. Wait for Approval to Start the Course

After submitting the application for TDLR approval, it's important to wait for confirmation before starting the PTDE course. While waiting for approval, students and their parents or guardians can use this time to familiarize themselves with the requirements of the PTDE program and gather any necessary materials.

Once the parent or guardian instructor receives approval from the TDLR, the student can begin the PTDE course. This approval ensures that the parent or guardian is authorized to provide state-approved instruction.

3. Begin the Course

With TDLR approval secured, students are ready to begin the PTDE course. This program provides instruction on essential driving skills and road safety, paving the way for students to become responsible drivers.

Students and parents can download the PTDE guide within the course. This guide offers important information about the program and the process for applying for a learner license. It also includes a behind-the-wheel practice log and checklists that help students ensure they’ve satisfied all requirements for their learner or provisional license.

The PTDE course is a state-required minimum of 32 hours, covering a range of safe driving practices. Students will engage in various learning activities, including instructional videos, reading materials, quizzes and practice tests.

Module 1 of the PTDE course is six hours long. After completing this module, students are eligible to apply for a learner's permit at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).