TEXAS  DRIVER’S EDUCATION

25

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ'S)

What is the difference between the Classroom methods, block and concurrent?

The entire program consists of a minimum of 32 hours classroom instruction; 7 hours behind-the-wheel instruction and 7 hours in-car practice. The options for teaching all or portions of the program are detailed below:

Block Method:The student completes all 32 hours of classroom instruction of the program. The student is then eligible to test for an Instruction Permit. The student must obtain an Instruction Permit prior to advancing to the 14 hours of behind-the-wheel and in-car practice.

Concurrent Method:
The student is required to complete a minimum of 6 hours of the classroom instructions, contained in Module One, "Texas Driver Responsibilities - Knowing Texas Traffic Laws." An overview of this information is provided in the Parent Taught Driver Education packet.

After completion of this portion of the classroom instruction, the student is then eligible to test for the Texas Instruction Permit and begin the 14 hours of driver training. The remaining 26 hours of classroom instruction are completed simultaneously with the behind-the-wheel and in-car practice.

If a student selects the concurrent method but wishes to transfer to or from the Parent Taught Program or a TEA approved driving training school, all 32 hours of classroom instruction must be completed prior to any behind the wheel instruction. No hours of instruction (classroom or behind-the-wheel) may be transferred between the Parent Taught Program and a TEA approved driving training school.

 

If using the Parent Taught Driver Education Program, can I receive a discount from my automobile insurance company?

Depending upon the insurance company, this program may or may not qualify for a discount for automobile insurance purposes as determined by the Texas Department of Insurance. Please consult with your insurance carrier concerning this matter.

 

Can I use film and/or videos during my classroom instruction period?

Yes. However, no more than 10 hours of video can be counted toward the 32 hours of classroom instruction.

 

How are the Classroom and Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Log Records utilized?

Classroom and Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Log Records are for the instructor's use only. You will enter the date of completion after the required hours for each specified unit title and driving time. These record logs are for instructor use. You may be required to present this form as proof you have completed all objectives outlined in the Parent Taught Education Program.

 

Forms to take to the Driver License Office upon completion of the required classroom hours and to obtain an Instruction Permit:

  1. Application for Texas Driver License, DL-14A
  2. Parental Driver Education Affidavit, DL-90A
  3. Classroom Instruction Record, DL-91A (You may be required to present this form as proof you have completed all objectives outlined in the Parent Taught Education Program)
  4. Pay the required fee for Instruction Permit Issuance
  5. Proof of Liability Insurance (If you own the vehicle)
  6. Proof of identity
  7. Proof of Social Security Number
  8. Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form in school (TEA form GEA-043R93).

 

In order to obtain an unrestricted driver license, the following documents must be presented upon returning to the Driver License Office.

  1. Instruction Permit
  2. Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form in school (TEA form GEA-043R93).
  3. Parental Driver Education Affidavit, DL-90B
  4. Classroom Instruction and Behind the Wheel Record Log, DL-91A and DL-91B (You may be required to present this form as proof you have completed all objectives outlined in the Parent Taught Education Program)
  5. Proof of Liability Insurance (If you own the vehicle)
  6. Pay the required fee for Instruction Permit Issuance

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

  • A legal guardian is defined as a guardian who has been legally appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction (Power of Attorney is not legally sufficient).
  • Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Criminal Negligent Homicide convictions are a permanent entry on the driver record. DWI's are indefinite and therefore, makes the instructor ineligible to teach the student the Parent Taught Driver Education Program.
  • The instructor must be present for the issuance of the Texas Instruction Permit or the issuance of the Class C Driver License. If there is more than one instructor teaching this course, the Classroom Instruction-Driver Education Affidavit or the Behind the Wheel-Driver Education Affidavits (DL-90A or DL-90B) are required for each instructor. At least one of the instructors must accompany the student when applying for the Texas Instruction Permit or Class C Driver License; the affidavit for the absent instructor will need to be notarized before coming to the Driver License Office.
  • No classroom instruction is permitted prior to receipt of the Parent Taught Driver Education packet. Any instruction prior to that time will not be accepted toward the required instruction time.
  • No behind-the-wheel instruction or in-car practice may be permitted until the child has been issued a Texas Instruction Permit. Driving without a license or permit on a public street or highway is a violation of state law. Any behind-the wheel instruction prior to issuance of the Instruction Permit will not be accepted toward the required instruction or practice time.
  • The course must be completed prior to the student's eighteenth (18th) birthday to receive credit under this program.
  • The student must take a written and vision examination prior to receiving the Texas Driver License Instruction permit. However, the skills (driving) test will be waived for teenagers who complete both classroom and behind-the-wheel portions of a Texas driver education course. The instructor participating in the Parent Taught Driver Education Program has the option to waive the skills (driving) test or require the student to pass the skills (driving) test administered by DPS prior to issuing a Class C driver license.