Summary of Texas Graduated Licensing Law

(detailed chart bottom of this page) Texas has a three stage licensing process for minors. Permit (at least age 15)* Provisional License (ages 16 - 17)** License (age 16 if has had permit at least 6 months)

*Must have completed minimum first 6 hours of state approved driver education course.

**Must have held Permit for minimum 6 months. Restrictions apply to license during first 6 months after licensing.

Texas License Chart

Applicants age 15 to 19 Must provide one of the following documents: (1) High School Diploma (2) Certificate of Graduation from High School (3) GED Certificate (4) DE-964 Verification of Enrollment & Attendance

Permit

Age 15

Parent or legal guardian must accompany the teen to the license office to sign a permission statement. Pass the vision, road sign and written tests. Show proof of completion of at least 1st 6 hours of driver education classroom. (Driver Ed Kit use form DEB 9091Acon) In addition, the minimum age of the person who must accompany any instruction permit holder during the operation of the vehicle is 21 years of age.

Provisional License

Age 16 - 17

Applicants under age 18 must hold an instruction permit or hardship license for a minimum of six months prior to issuance of a provisional Class A, B, or C driver license. During the 1st six months after attaining a Provisional License some restrictions apply. Only 1 passenger under age 21 who is not a family member. Between midnight & 5:00 a.m., driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or above in the right passenger seat (as on Permit) UNLESS driving for school or work related reason or medical emergency.

Driver's License

Age 16 - 17

After 6 months on Provisional License with no tickets or collisions, etc., restrictions are removed.

 

Parent Taught Driver Education

Texas implemented a Parent Taught Driver Education Program on April 1, 1997. The Parent Taught Driver Education Program requires students to acquire the essential knowledge, skills and experience to perform reduced-risk practices in the total traffic environment. To achieve this goal, students are required to master the following elements: applicable Texas traffic laws, rules and procedures for operating and owning an automobile; benefits of occupant protections, use of a space management systems; factors and behaviors that effect driver performance including alcohol and other drugs; and protection of Texas natural resources, including litter prevention.

The Parent Taught Driver Education Program is available to teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17. However, before the instructor (parent, stepparent, grandparent, step-grandparent, or legal guardian) begins teaching this course, the instructor must have a valid TEXAS driver license. Active Military US military personnel and their spouse may participate as instructors if they hold a valid license from their state of permanent residence or last duty station.

The instructor cannot have a conviction (including a probated sentence) of criminally negligent homicide or driving while intoxicated. The instructor's license may not be suspended, revoked, or forfeited in the past three years for traffic related violations. Furthermore, the instructor may not be disabled due to mental illness. Questions as to mental stability will be forwarded to the Medical Advisory Board for determination.

It is the responsibility of the instructor to check both their criminal and driver records prior to requesting the packet. The Department will not check the instructor's record until issuance of the instruction permit to the student. If at that time it is determined that the instructor has a prohibited conviction the instruction permit will be denied and all prior classroom instruction credit is invalid.

In order to apply for a Parent Taught Driver Education Program, you must complete the DL-92 - Request Form and submit with a $20.00 non-refundable fee (check or money order only) to: Texas Department of Public Safety, License Issuance Bureau, P.O. Box 15999, Austin, Texas 78761-5999. An additional Request Form and $20.00 non-refundable fee are required for each student who will be participating in the Parent Taught Driver Education Program. Please allow 2 - 3 weeks for delivery.

Upon receipt of your Request Form, a DE-964 Certificate will be assigned to the student and forwarded to the designated Driver License Office where the student will apply for the license and take the required tests. The DE-964 Certificate will be maintained and available at the designated Driver License office for the instructor to complete. The Parent Taught Driver Education packet will be mailed to the instructor's address.

THE STATE ADOPTED TEXTBOOKS ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED