Parent Taught Drivers Education in Texas: A Guide for Parents and Students

2023-09-03

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Learning to drive is a significant milestone in a young person's life. It signifies independence, freedom, and responsibility. However, it also brings with it a certain level of risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers.

One way to minimize this risk is to provide teenagers with the best possible driving education. In Texas, parents have the option of teaching their teenagers to drive through the Parent Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) program. This program allows parents to provide their teenagers with up to 30 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. In addition, parents must complete a 6-hour online course on how to teach their teenagers to drive.

parent taught drivers ed in texas

Learn the basics of PTDE in Texas.

Option for parents to teach teens
30 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
6-hour online course for parents
Both parent and teen must pass written test
Road test with DPS officer
Certificate of completion
Qualifies for driver's license

With proper preparation and instruction, PTDE can be a safe and effective way for parents to teach their teenagers to drive.

Option for parents to teach teens

In Texas, parents have the option to teach their teenagers to drive through the Parent-Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) program. This is a great option for parents who want to pass on their knowledge and experience to their children in a controlled and safe environment.

Cost-effective:
PTDE can be a more cost-effective option compared to traditional driving schools. Parents can save money on the cost of driving lessons and classroom instruction.
Flexible scheduling:
Parents have the flexibility to schedule driving lessons at times that work best for their family. This can be especially helpful for families with busy schedules.
Personalization:
Parents can tailor the driving instruction to their teenager's individual needs and learning style. This can be beneficial for teenagers who learn better in a one-on-one setting or who have specific areas they need to focus on.
Bonding experience:
Teaching your teenager to drive can be a bonding experience for parents and teenagers. It can provide an opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their teenagers and pass on important life lessons.

However, it's important to note that PTDE is not for everyone. Parents who are uncomfortable teaching their teenager to drive or who do not have the time or patience may want to consider enrolling their teenager in a traditional driving school.

30 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction

The PTDE program requires parents to provide their teenagers with at least 30 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. This instruction must cover a variety of driving conditions, including:

Basic driving maneuvers:
This includes starting and stopping the car, steering, accelerating, and braking.
Driving in different environments:
This includes driving in residential areas, on highways, and in bad weather conditions.
Handling difficult situations:
This includes dealing with other drivers, merging into traffic, and driving in construction zones.
Night driving:
This includes driving in low-light conditions and using headlights properly.

Parents are responsible for ensuring that their teenagers receive the full 30 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. Parents can keep track of the hours by using a driving log. The driving log must be signed by both the parent and the teenager.

6-hour online course for parents

In addition to providing behind-the-wheel instruction, parents who choose to teach their teenagers to drive through the PTDE program must also complete a 6-hour online course. This course is designed to help parents learn how to teach their teenagers to drive safely and effectively. The course covers a variety of topics, including:

The basics of driving
The importance of following traffic laws
How to create a safe learning environment
How to identify and correct common driving errors
How to deal with difficult situations

The online course is self-paced and can be completed at the parent's convenience. Parents must pass a final exam in order to receive a certificate of completion. The certificate of completion must be submitted to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) along with the teenager's application for a driver's license.

The 6-hour online course for parents is an important part of the PTDE program. It helps parents to ensure that they are providing their teenagers with the best possible driving education.

Here are some additional details about the 6-hour online course for parents:

The course is offered by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The course is free of charge.
The course can be accessed online at the DPS website.
Parents must have a valid Texas driver's license in order to take the course.
Parents must pass a final exam in order to receive a certificate of completion.

Both parent and teen must pass written test

In order to complete the PTDE program, both the parent and the teenager must pass a written test. The written test covers the same material that is covered in the 6-hour online course for parents and the 30 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. The test is designed to assess the parent's knowledge of how to teach their teenager to drive safely and effectively, and the teenager's knowledge of the rules of the road and safe driving practices.

The parent written test:
The parent written test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. Parents must correctly answer at least 20 questions in order to pass the test.
The teenager written test:
The teenager written test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. Teenagers must correctly answer at least 40 questions in order to pass the test.
Study materials:
The DPS provides study materials for both the parent and teenager written tests. The study materials can be downloaded from the DPS website or obtained from a local DPS office.
Test locations:
The parent and teenager written tests can be taken at any DPS driver license office. Parents and teenagers must schedule an appointment to take the test.

Once the parent and teenager have both passed the written test, they can proceed to the next step in the PTDE program, which is the road test.

Road test with DPS officer

The final step in the PTDE program is the road test. The road test is conducted by a DPS officer and is designed to assess the teenager's driving skills and knowledge of the rules of the road. The road test typically includes the following:

A pre-trip inspection of the vehicle
A driving course that includes a variety of maneuvers, such as parallel parking, backing up, and turning
Driving in different traffic conditions, such as residential areas, highways, and bad weather conditions
A demonstration of the teenager's ability to handle difficult situations, such as other drivers, merging into traffic, and driving in construction zones

The DPS officer will provide the teenager with instructions throughout the road test. The teenager must follow the instructions carefully and demonstrate their ability to drive safely and responsibly. If the teenager makes any serious errors, the DPS officer may fail them on the road test.

Once the teenager has successfully completed the road test, they will be issued a driver's license. The driver's license will be valid for one year. After one year, the teenager must renew their driver's license by passing a vision test and paying a renewal fee.

Here are some additional tips for passing the road test:

Be prepared. Make sure you have all of the required documents, such as your driver's permit and proof of insurance.
Arrive early for your appointment. This will give you time to relax and get settled before the test.
Be confident. Remember that you have already passed the written test and the 30 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. You are prepared for this!
Follow the DPS officer's instructions carefully. If you are unsure about something, ask the DPS officer for clarification.
Stay calm and focused. Don't let your nerves get the best of you. Just focus on driving safely and responsibly.

Certificate of completion

Once the parent and teenager have both passed the written test and the road test, they will be issued a certificate of completion. The certificate of completion is proof that the teenager has successfully completed the PTDE program and is qualified to apply for a driver's license.

Who issues the certificate of completion?
The certificate of completion is issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
What does the certificate of completion include?
The certificate of completion includes the teenager's name, date of birth, and driver's license number. It also includes the date the teenager completed the PTDE program and the name of the parent who taught them to drive.
What do I need to do with the certificate of completion?
The teenager must submit the certificate of completion to the DPS along with their application for a driver's license.
How long is the certificate of completion valid for?
The certificate of completion is valid for one year. After one year, the teenager must renew their driver's license by passing a vision test and paying a renewal fee.

The certificate of completion is an important document that proves that the teenager has successfully completed the PTDE program and is qualified to apply for a driver's license. Teenagers should keep their certificate of completion in a safe place.

Qualifies for driver's license

Once the teenager has successfully completed the PTDE program and received their certificate of completion, they are qualified to apply for a driver's license. To apply for a driver's license, the teenager must visit a local DPS driver license office and provide the following documents:

Their certificate of completion from the PTDE program
Their birth certificate or other proof of identity
Proof of residency in Texas
A completed driver's license application
The required fee

The teenager will also be required to pass a vision test and have their photograph taken. Once the teenager has provided all of the required documents and passed the vision test, they will be issued a driver's license. The driver's license will be valid for one year. After one year, the teenager must renew their driver's license by passing a vision test and paying a renewal fee.

The PTDE program is a great option for parents who want to teach their teenagers to drive. The program is flexible, cost-effective, and provides teenagers with the skills and knowledge they need to be safe and responsible drivers.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about qualifying for a driver's license in Texas:

Teenagers must be at least 16 years old to apply for a driver's license.
Teenagers who are under 18 years old must have a parent or guardian sign their driver's license application.
Teenagers who have been convicted of certain traffic violations may be required to take a driver's safety course.
Teenagers who have a disability may be eligible for a special driver's license.

For more information about qualifying for a driver's license in Texas, please visit the DPS website.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions from parents about the Parent Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) program in Texas:

Question 1: What are the benefits of the PTDE program?
Answer 1: The PTDE program offers several benefits, including flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and the opportunity for parents to bond with their teenagers while teaching them a valuable life skill.

Question 2: What are the requirements for the PTDE program?
Answer 2: To participate in the PTDE program, parents must be at least 21 years old and have a valid Texas driver's license. Teenagers must be at least 15 years old and have a valid learner's permit.

Question 3: How long does the PTDE program take?
Answer 3: The PTDE program consists of 30 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction and a 6-hour online course for parents. Parents and teenagers must also pass a written test and a road test.

Question 4: How much does the PTDE program cost?
Answer 4: The PTDE program is free of charge. However, parents may have to pay for the cost of the online course, which varies depending on the provider.

Question 5: What is the pass rate for the PTDE program?
Answer 5: The pass rate for the PTDE program is approximately 80%.

Question 6: What happens if my teenager fails the written test or the road test?
Answer 6: If your teenager fails the written test or the road test, they will need to retake the test. They will have three attempts to pass each test.

Question 7: What are some tips for teaching my teenager to drive?
Answer 7: Here are some tips for teaching your teenager to drive: be patient, start with the basics, provide clear and concise instructions, and praise your teenager's efforts.

I hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about the PTDE program. For more information, please visit the DPS website.

Now that you know more about the PTDE program, here are some tips for teaching your teenager to drive:

Tips

Here are some practical tips for parents who are teaching their teenagers to drive:

Tip 1: Be patient.
Learning to drive is a new and challenging experience for teenagers. It takes time and practice to become a safe and confident driver. Be patient with your teenager and don't get discouraged if they make mistakes.

Tip 2: Start with the basics.
Don't start by teaching your teenager how to drive in heavy traffic or on busy highways. Start with the basics, such as how to start the car, how to shift gears, and how to brake. Once your teenager has mastered the basics, you can gradually introduce them to more challenging driving conditions.

Tip 3: Provide clear and concise instructions.
When you are teaching your teenager to drive, it is important to provide clear and concise instructions. Tell your teenager exactly what you want them to do and how to do it. Avoid using vague or confusing language.

Tip 4: Praise your teenager's efforts.
It is important to praise your teenager's efforts, even if they make mistakes. This will help them to stay motivated and confident. When your teenager does something well, be sure to tell them. This will help them to learn and improve.

Tip 5: Set a good example.
One of the best ways to teach your teenager to drive safely is to set a good example. Always obey the speed limit, come to a complete stop at stop signs, and signal your turns. Your teenager will learn by watching you.

I hope these tips help you to teach your teenager to drive safely and responsibly.

Teaching your teenager to drive can be a rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can help your teenager to become a safe and confident driver.

Conclusion

The Parent Taught Drivers Education (PTDE) program is a great option for parents who want to teach their teenagers to drive. The program is flexible, cost-effective, and provides teenagers with the skills and knowledge they need to be safe and responsible drivers.

If you are considering teaching your teenager to drive through the PTDE program, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you must be at least 21 years old and have a valid Texas driver's license. Second, your teenager must be at least 15 years old and have a valid learner's permit. Third, you and your teenager must complete the required 30 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction and the 6-hour online course for parents.

Once you have completed all of the requirements, you and your teenager will need to pass a written test and a road test. If you both pass the tests, your teenager will be issued a driver's license.