Philip W. Barnes, PhD

In 2009, the Texas Legislature passed and the governor signed into law new requirements that young drivers must meet in order to obtain a driver’s license. As always with requirements of this kind, the public policy objective is to increase the probability that young people will be safer drivers than they might otherwise have been.

Applicants for a driver’s license in Texas between the ages of 18 and 24 now must complete an approved driver education course and a driving skills test to get a license. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), applicants must submit a certificate proving that they have successfully completed a driver education course approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). After obtaining a certificate showing proof of completing an approved course, the applicant will not have to take the written highway signs and traffic laws written test. However, they will have to pass the standard driving skills part of the test administered by DPS.

As of May 1, 2010, the classroom phase of a driver education course is at least 32 hours, which cannot be completed in less than 16 days. The in-car phase consists of 7 hours of behind-the-wheel driving, 7 hours of in-car observation, and an additional 20 hours of behind-the-wheel driving - of which 10 hours must be done at night. The additional 20 hours of behind-the-wheel driving will be monitored by the parent or guardian and are not required to be provided by a licensed driver education school. However, the hours must be completed in the presence of an adult who holds a valid license, is 21 or older, has at least one year of driving experience, and occupying the seat next to the driver.

It should be noted that a driving safety course or drug and alcohol driving awareness program are not acceptable as driver education courses. There are three ways that teenagers can obtain the necessary certificate. By courses provided by licensed driver training schools, by approved driver education courses provided by public schools and by approved “parent taught” driver education courses.

The Driver Training Division regulates commercial (licensed) schools and can provide information on the driver education programs provided through them. You can view a list of the commercial DE schools at www.tea.state.tx.us/drive/activede.html. If you have a question about commercial driving schools, you may contact one a specialists at (512) 936-6777 or by fax at (512) 936-6799.

Public schools, education service centers, colleges, and universities may offer driver education programs. You can view a listing of the public schools that have DE programs at www.tea.state.tx.us/drive/publicde.html. Contact TEA at (512) 463-9574 for further information.

DPS is responsible for the parent taught driver education program. Parents or legal guardians with an interest in that program may contact the DPS Parent Taught Office in Austin at (512) 424-5623 or (512) 424-5624. You may visit their website at www.txdps.state.tx.us.