Being a parent of a teen taking Texas Parent Taught Drivers Ed can feel overwhelming and confusing at times. But don't worry! Thousands of Texas parents and teens have successfully completed the program with the help of Aceable's interactive content, tools, and resources.
To help make things easier, we’ve compiled clear answers to some of the most common questions parents have about the Texas Parent Taught Drivers Ed (PTDE) program. This guide will provide you with the information you need to support your teen every step of the way.
My Teen Is Ready to Take the Course. How Do I Get Started?
It's easy to get started! Just follow these steps:
Check eligibility: Make sure both you and your teen are eligible to take Texas PTDE. Teens between the ages of 14 and 17 are eligible to take the course, although they cannot get their learner's permit until they turn 15. Instructors must also meet certain requirements.
Order your packet: Order the Parent Taught Drivers Ed Program Guide Packet from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation before beginning any coursework. This is a state requirement, and the cost is $20.
Enroll in the course: Sign up for Aceable's PTDE Course. Your teen will need to complete Level 1 (six hours) before applying for their learner's permit.
Have more questions? Check out Aceable's Getting Started Guide.
What Is Included with the Parent Taught Driver's Ed Aceable Course?
The course itself is 24 hours of instruction, broken up into 12 levels. Level 1 consists of six hours of instruction, while levels 2 through 12 consist of the rest. After completing Level 1 of the course, you'll be able to take your state-approved written test within our app, so you can skip a trip to the DPS!
Aceable also gives you additional tools and resources to make the entire process easier, including a "License Checklist" that guides you through the process from start to finish.
Learn more about account features, course details, and exams in our PTDE Account and Course Experience Guide.
How Does My Teen Get a Permit?
Texas teens must be at least 15 years old to get a driver's permit and must:
Order the PTDE Program Guide Packet.
Have an eligible instructor.
Complete Level 1 of the PTDE course and receive a certificate of completion.
Complete all of the required paperwork.
Once you're ready, make an appointment with the Texas DPS. When you arrive, you'll also need to pay the $16 fee and take a vision exam.
Still have questions? View our Getting Your Permit Help Section.
What Do I Teach My Teen Behind the Wheel?
The state of Texas offers a 30-hour Behind-the-Wheel Guide that explains concepts you should be teaching your teen and provides tips to help with behind-the-wheel training. Within the Aceable course, you'll also find a Driving Manager Checklist that guides you through the first 14 hours of in-car instruction. When you're logged into the course, click on the "Resources" tab, then find the "Driving Checklist."
Download driving logs and view more FAQs in our Behind the Wheel Help Section.
How Does My Teen Pass the Driving Test and Get Their License?
Once your teen has finished the PTDE course, they're ready to start the final process of becoming a licensed driver! To make sure you don't miss any important steps, carefully review Aceable's License Checklist. Complete all the required paperwork and make sure they take the free two-hour Impact Texas Teen Drivers Program. Then, your teen can schedule their driver's test with the DPS.
Take a look at the answers to some other FAQs on our Getting Your License page.
Where Do I Find the Required Paperwork, and How Do I Fill It Out?
As you go through the process of helping your teen get their license, it's important to keep track of all the required paperwork. You can reference Aceable's General Paperwork page for links to items such as our Pre-DPS Trip Guide, the Parent-Taught logs and forms, verification of enrollment (VOE) form, and more.
Our Help Center Is Here If You Have More Questions
At Aceable, we do everything we can to set parents and teens up for success with a wide range of resources at your fingertips. If you can't find what you need, don't hesitate to contact us — we're here to help seven days a week!
*Updated 08/22/2024