How Old Do You Need To Be To Take Drivers Ed?

14 Years Old

At 14 years old you can begin the first module of the state-required Drivers Ed course in Texas. However, you will have to wait until you’re 15 and have completed the additional required steps to get your learner’s permit.

There are multiple types of drivers ed approved in Texas for receiving your permit. All of these courses contain a combination of required classroom time as well as adult-supervised driving lessons.

Table of Contents

  1. Understanding the Graduated Driver License Program
  2. Meeting the Age Requirements
  3. Enrolling in a Texas Driver Education Course
  4. Acquiring a Learner License
  5. Logging Driving Practice Hours
  6. Applying for a Provisional License
  7. License Restrictions and Requirements
  1. Understanding the Graduated Driver License Program

The Texas Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program aims to provide teen drivers with the knowledge and experience necessary for safe driving. The program is divided into two phases:

  • Phase One: Learner License
  • Phase Two: Provisional License

Each phase has specific requirements and restrictions designed to help teens gain valuable driving experience while minimizing risk.

  1. Meeting the Age Requirements

In Texas, teens must be at least 15 years old to begin the process of obtaining a driver license. The age requirements for each stage of the GDL program are as follows:

  • Learner License: 15-17 years old
  • Provisional License: 16-18 years old

Keep in mind that you must meet the minimum age requirement before you can proceed with the subsequent steps.

  1. Enrolling in a Texas Driver Education Course

Before you can apply for a learner license, you must enroll in an approved Texas Driver Education course. There are two types of courses to choose from:

  • Traditional Classroom Course: This option includes 32 hours of in-person classroom instruction, usually taught at a local driving school or high school.
  • Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE) Course: This option allows parents or legal guardians to teach the classroom portion of the course, using a state-approved curriculum.

Both courses also require behind-the-wheel training. A total of 44 hours of driving practice is needed, with 14 hours of in-car observation and 30 hours of actual driving practice, including 10 hours at night.

  1. Acquiring a Learner License

After completing the classroom portion of the driver education course, you can apply for a learner license. To do so, you must:

  1. Visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office with a parent or legal guardian.
  2. Provide the necessary identification and residency documents, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of Texas residency.
  3. Present a Verification of Enrollment (VOE) form from your high school or an acceptable alternative, confirming your enrollment and attendance.
  4. Submit a completed driver education certificate to verify your completion of the classroom portion of the course.
  5. Pass the written knowledge test, which covers Texas traffic laws and road signs.
  6. Pass a vision exam to ensure you meet the minimum vision requirements for driving.
  7. Pay the required fee for a learner license.

Once you have successfully completed these steps, you will receive your learner license. This license allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and has held a valid driver license for at least one year.

  1. Logging Driving Practice Hours

While holding a learner license, you must complete the remaining driving practice requirements, including:

  • 30 hours of supervised driving practice, with 10 of those hours taking place at night.
  • 14 hours of in-car observation, which can be part of your driver education course or parent-taught driver education.

Your driving practice must be logged on the Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Log (DL-91B) and signed by your driving instructor or supervising parent/guardian.

  1. Applying for a Provisional License

After holding a learner license for a minimum of six months and completing the required driving practice, you may apply for a provisional license. To do so, you must:

  1. Be at least 16 years old.
  2. Visit a Texas DPS office with a parent or legal guardian.
  3. Present your Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Log (DL-91B) to verify your driving practice hours.
  4. Provide the necessary identification and residency documents, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of Texas residency.
  5. Submit your completed driver education certificate to confirm you have finished the entire course, including both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
  6. Pass the road test, which assesses your ability to safely operate a vehicle and follow Texas traffic laws.
  7. Pay the required fee for a provisional license.

Once you have successfully completed these steps, you will receive your provisional license.

  1. License Restrictions and Requirements

A provisional license comes with certain restrictions to help ensure the safety of teen drivers. These restrictions include:

  • No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless it’s for work, school, or a medical emergency.
  • No more than one passenger under 21 years old who is not a family member.
  • No use of cell phones or other wireless communication devices while driving, except in emergencies.

These restrictions will be lifted once you turn 18 or have held the provisional license for 12 months, whichever comes first. At that time, you will be eligible for an unrestricted Texas driver license.

Summary

Obtaining a Texas driver license as a teen involves a series of steps designed to ensure you have the knowledge and experience necessary for safe driving. By following this comprehensive guide and adhering to the requirements and restrictions of the GDL program, you can become a responsible and confident driver in the state of Texas.