Are you a parent in Texas looking to teach your teenager how to drive? If so, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with all the information you’ll need to get your teen on the road safely and legally.
In Texas, parents have the option of teaching their child how to drive through the Parent Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) program. This program allows teenagers as young as 15 years old to learn the basics of driving from a parent or legal guardian. Once the teen has completed the program, they can take the state driving test and apply for a driver’s license.
If you’re interested in enrolling your teen in the PTDE program, you’ll first need to meet certain requirements. These requirements include:
parent taught drivers ed texas
Texas program for parent-taught drivers education.
- Age requirement: 15 years old
- Parent or legal guardian as instructor
- 30 hours of in-car instruction
- 10 hours of classroom or online instruction
- Driving log and skills checklist
- State driving test required
- Provisional driver’s license
- Restrictions until age 18
Note: Requirements may vary. Check with the Texas Department of Public Safety for the latest information.
Age requirement: 15 years old
In Texas, the minimum age to obtain a learner’s permit is 15 years old. This means that your teen can begin the Parent Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) program as early as their 15th birthday.
-
15-year-olds can apply for a learner’s permit.
Once your teen has their learner’s permit, they can begin driving with a parent or legal guardian as their instructor.
-
16-year-olds can take the driving test.
After completing the PTDE program, your teen can take the state driving test at age 16. If they pass the test, they will be issued a provisional driver’s license.
-
Provisional license holders must be supervised.
Teenagers with a provisional license must be supervised by a parent, legal guardian, or other responsible adult while driving.
-
Restrictions are lifted at age 18.
Once your teen turns 18, the restrictions on their provisional license will be lifted and they will be able to drive unsupervised.
Note: It’s important to check with the Texas Department of Public Safety for the latest information on age requirements and other PTDE program regulations.
Parent or legal guardian as instructor
In the Parent Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) program, the parent or legal guardian of the teen driver serves as the driving instructor. This means that you will be responsible for teaching your teen the basics of driving, including how to operate the vehicle, how to obey traffic laws, and how to drive safely.
-
Be patient and supportive.
Teaching your teen to drive can be a challenging experience, but it’s important to be patient and supportive. Remember that your teen is learning a new skill, and they will make mistakes. Be there to offer encouragement and guidance, and don’t get discouraged if they don’t pick up on things as quickly as you’d like.
-
Follow the curriculum.
The PTDE program provides a curriculum that outlines the skills and knowledge that your teen needs to learn in order to drive safely. Be sure to follow the curriculum and cover all of the required topics.
-
Provide plenty of practice.
The best way for your teen to learn how to drive is to practice, practice, practice! Make sure your teen gets plenty of driving experience in a variety of conditions, including different weather conditions, different traffic conditions, and different types of roads.
-
Be a good role model.
Your teen will learn a lot about driving by watching you. Be sure to set a good example by obeying traffic laws, driving safely, and being courteous to other drivers.
Remember, the goal of the PTDE program is to produce safe and responsible drivers. By following the curriculum, providing plenty of practice, and being a good role model, you can help your teen achieve this goal.
30 hours of in-car instruction
The Texas Parent Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) program requires that teenagers complete 30 hours of in-car instruction with their parent or legal guardian. This instruction must be divided into at least 10 separate sessions, and each session must be at least two hours long. The purpose of this in-car instruction is to give teenagers the opportunity to learn the basics of driving in a safe and controlled environment.
During the in-car instruction, teenagers will learn how to:
- Start and stop the vehicle
- Steer and control the vehicle
- Accelerate and brake
- Yield and turn
- Park the vehicle
- Drive in different traffic conditions
- Handle emergency situations
The parent or legal guardian must provide instruction in a calm and patient manner. They should also make sure that the teenager is following all traffic laws and driving safely. If the teenager makes a mistake, the parent or legal guardian should provide constructive criticism and help them to correct their mistake.
The 30 hours of in-car instruction is an essential part of the PTDE program. It provides teenagers with the opportunity to gain the experience and confidence they need to drive safely.
In addition to the 30 hours of in-car instruction, teenagers must also complete 10 hours of classroom or online instruction. This instruction will cover topics such as traffic laws, vehicle maintenance, and safe driving practices.
Once the teenager has completed the 30 hours of in-car instruction and the 10 hours of classroom or online instruction, they will be eligible to take the state driving test. If they pass the driving test, they will be issued a provisional driver’s license.
10 hours of classroom or online instruction
In addition to the 30 hours of in-car instruction, teenagers enrolled in the Texas Parent Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) program must also complete 10 hours of classroom or online instruction. This instruction can be provided by a variety of sources, including public schools, private driving schools, and online driving schools.
The classroom or online instruction will cover a variety of topics, including:
- Traffic laws and regulations
- Safe driving practices
- Vehicle maintenance
- Accident prevention
- Defensive driving
- Drowsy driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
The classroom or online instruction is an important part of the PTDE program. It provides teenagers with the knowledge they need to be safe and responsible drivers.
If you are choosing to teach your teen driver through the PTDE program, you will need to make sure that they have access to the required 10 hours of classroom or online instruction. There are a number of reputable online driving schools that offer courses that meet the Texas state requirements. You can also check with your local public school or private driving school to see if they offer PTDE courses.
Once your teen has completed the 10 hours of classroom or online instruction, they will need to pass a written test in order to obtain their learner’s permit. They will then be able to begin the 30 hours of in-car instruction with you.
The PTDE program is a great option for parents who want to teach their teenagers how to drive. It provides a structured and comprehensive curriculum that ensures that teenagers learn the skills and knowledge they need to be safe and responsible drivers.
Driving log and skills checklist
As part of the Texas Parent Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) program, teenagers are required to keep a driving log and complete a skills checklist.
-
Driving log:
The driving log is a record of all the driving practice that the teenager completes. It must include the date, time, location, and duration of each driving session. The teenager must also note the weather conditions and any other relevant information, such as the type of road or traffic conditions.
-
Skills checklist:
The skills checklist is a list of all the driving skills that the teenager must master in order to pass the state driving test. The skills checklist includes tasks such as starting and stopping the vehicle, steering and controlling the vehicle, accelerating and braking, yielding and turning, parking the vehicle, and driving in different traffic conditions.
-
Completing the driving log and skills checklist:
The teenager should complete the driving log and skills checklist with the help of their parent or legal guardian. The parent or legal guardian should sign the driving log and skills checklist to verify that the teenager has completed the required practice and mastered the necessary skills.
-
Submitting the driving log and skills checklist:
Once the teenager has completed the driving log and skills checklist, they must submit it to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The DPS will use the driving log and skills checklist to verify that the teenager has met the requirements of the PTDE program.
The driving log and skills checklist are important tools for ensuring that teenagers are properly prepared to drive safely. By completing the driving log and skills checklist, teenagers can demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to operate a vehicle safely and responsibly.
State driving test required
Once the teenager has completed the Parent Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) program, they will be eligible to take the state driving test. The driving test is administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The test consists of two parts: a written test and a road test.
Written test: The written test covers traffic laws and regulations, safe driving practices, and vehicle maintenance. The teenager must correctly answer at least 70% of the questions on the written test in order to pass.
Road test: The road test evaluates the teenager’s ability to operate a vehicle safely and responsibly. The teenager will be asked to perform a variety of driving maneuvers, such as starting and stopping the vehicle, steering and controlling the vehicle, accelerating and braking, yielding and turning, parking the vehicle, and driving in different traffic conditions. The teenager must successfully complete all of the maneuvers on the road test in order to pass.
If the teenager passes both the written test and the road test, they will be issued a provisional driver’s license. The provisional driver’s license has certain restrictions, such as a nighttime driving restriction and a passenger restriction. The restrictions will be lifted once the teenager turns 18 years old.
It is important to note that the state driving test is a challenging test. Teenagers should make sure that they are well-prepared for the test before they take it. They should study the Texas Driver’s Handbook and practice driving regularly with their parent or legal guardian.
Passing the state driving test is an important milestone for teenagers. It is a sign that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to drive safely and responsibly. Teenagers who have successfully completed the PTDE program and passed the driving test should be confident in their ability to drive safely.
Provisional driver’s license
Once a teenager has passed the state driving test, they will be issued a provisional driver’s license. The provisional driver’s license has certain restrictions, which are designed to help keep teen drivers safe on the road. These restrictions include:
- Nighttime driving restriction: Teen drivers with a provisional license are not allowed to drive between the hours of 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM.
- Passenger restriction: Teen drivers with a provisional license are only allowed to have one passenger in the vehicle who is under the age of 21, unless the passenger is a family member.
- Speeding restriction: Teen drivers with a provisional license are not allowed to drive more than 5 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
The provisional driver’s license also requires teen drivers to display a decal on their license plate that indicates that they are a new driver. This decal helps law enforcement officers to identify teen drivers and enforce the restrictions.
The restrictions on the provisional driver’s license will be lifted once the teenager turns 18 years old. However, the teenager must maintain a clean driving record in order to have the restrictions lifted. If the teenager is convicted of a traffic violation, the restrictions may be extended.
The provisional driver’s license is an important tool for helping to keep teen drivers safe on the road. The restrictions on the provisional driver’s license help to reduce the risk of teen drivers being involved in a car crash.
Teen drivers should be aware of the restrictions on the provisional driver’s license and should obey these restrictions at all times. Teen drivers who violate the restrictions on the provisional driver’s license may face serious consequences, including fines, suspension of their license, or even jail time.
Restrictions until age 18
Teen drivers in Texas who have a provisional driver’s license are subject to certain restrictions until they turn 18 years old. These restrictions are designed to help keep teen drivers safe on the road and reduce the risk of car crashes.
- Nighttime driving restriction: Teen drivers with a provisional license are not allowed to drive between the hours of 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM.
- Passenger restriction: Teen drivers with a provisional license are only allowed to have one passenger in the vehicle who is under the age of 21, unless the passenger is a family member.
- Speeding restriction: Teen drivers with a provisional license are not allowed to drive more than 5 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
- Cell phone restriction: Teen drivers with a provisional license are not allowed to use a cell phone while driving, even if the phone is hands-free.
In addition to these restrictions, teen drivers with a provisional license must also display a decal on their license plate that indicates that they are a new driver. This decal helps law enforcement officers to identify teen drivers and enforce the restrictions.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Parent Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) program in Texas:
Question 1: Who is eligible for the PTDE program?
Answer: Teenagers who are at least 15 years old and have a learner’s permit are eligible for the PTDE program.
Question 2: What are the requirements for the PTDE program?
Answer: Teenagers must complete 30 hours of in-car instruction, 10 hours of classroom or online instruction, and pass a driving log and skills checklist in order to complete the PTDE program.
Question 3: Who can serve as an instructor for the PTDE program?
Answer: A parent or legal guardian of the teenager can serve as an instructor for the PTDE program.
Question 4: What is the driving log and skills checklist?
Answer: The driving log is a record of all the driving practice that the teenager completes. The skills checklist is a list of all the driving skills that the teenager must master in order to pass the state driving test.
Question 5: What is the state driving test?
Answer: The state driving test is a two-part test that consists of a written test and a road test. Teenagers must pass both parts of the test in order to obtain a driver’s license.
Question 6: What are the restrictions on a provisional driver’s license?
Answer: Teenagers with a provisional driver’s license are subject to certain restrictions, such as a nighttime driving restriction, a passenger restriction, and a speeding restriction.
Question 7: How long do the restrictions on a provisional driver’s license last?
Answer: The restrictions on a provisional driver’s license last until the teenager turns 18 years old, provided that they maintain a clean driving record.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ: If you have any other questions about the PTDE program, you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Now that you know more about the PTDE program, here are some tips for teaching your teen to drive:
Tips
Here are some practical tips for teaching your teen to drive:
Tip 1: Be patient and supportive.
Teaching your teen to drive can be a challenging experience, but it’s important to be patient and supportive. Remember that your teen is learning a new skill, and they will make mistakes. Be there to offer encouragement and guidance, and don’t get discouraged if they don’t pick up on things as quickly as you’d like.
Tip 2: Follow the curriculum.
The PTDE program provides a curriculum that outlines the skills and knowledge that your teen needs to learn in order to drive safely. Be sure to follow the curriculum and cover all of the required topics.
Tip 3: Provide plenty of practice.
The best way for your teen to learn how to drive is to practice, practice, practice! Make sure your teen gets plenty of driving experience in a variety of conditions, including different weather conditions, different traffic conditions, and different types of roads.
Tip 4: Be a good role model.
Your teen will learn a lot about driving by watching you. Be sure to set a good example by obeying traffic laws, driving safely, and being courteous to other drivers.
Closing Paragraph for Tips: Remember, the goal of the PTDE program is to produce safe and responsible drivers. By following these tips, you can help your teen achieve this goal.
Now that you have some tips for teaching your teen to drive, you can begin the PTDE program with confidence. Just remember to be patient, supportive, and consistent, and your teen will be driving safely in no time.
Conclusion
The Parent Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) program in Texas is a great option for parents who want to teach their teenagers how to drive. The program provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers all of the skills and knowledge that teenagers need to learn in order to drive safely. The program also requires teenagers to complete a driving log and skills checklist, and to pass a state driving test before they can obtain a driver’s license.
As a parent, you play a vital role in your teen’s driving education. By being patient, supportive, and consistent, you can help your teen learn to drive safely and responsibly. Remember, the goal of the PTDE program is to produce safe and responsible drivers. By working together, you and your teen can achieve this goal.
So if you’re a parent in Texas who is interested in teaching your teen to drive, I encourage you to learn more about the PTDE program. It’s a great way to give your teen the skills and knowledge they need to drive safely and responsibly for a lifetime.