If you're between 18 and 24 years old in Texas, state law requires you to complete a 6-hour adult drivers ed course to apply for a Texas driver’s license. This course covers essential topics like traffic laws and defensive driving and includes the Texas DPS written test.
For adults 25 or older, the course is optional but highly recommended. While it’s not a requirement, completing the course can simplify the licensing process, allowing you to bypass the written knowledge test at the DPS. Even if you have previous driving experience, the course helps you refresh your understanding of Texas traffic laws, ensuring you’re fully prepared.
In areas like El Paso, where driving conditions range from busy city streets to rural roads, taking the course can help you build confidence and stay safe behind the wheel. Many students appreciate the convenience of online learning, allowing them to complete the course from home on their schedule.
After completing your adult drivers ed course, follow these steps to obtain your Texas driver’s license:
- Download Your Certificate: You’ll receive your ADE-1317 certificate via email upon completing the course. Save and print a copy.
- Complete the Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) Program: This free, one-hour program educates drivers about distracted driving and is required before taking your Texas driving test.
- Schedule a DPS Appointment: Visit the DPS website to book an appointment. In El Paso, DPS locations may have longer wait times, so schedule early.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather proof of identity, residency, your ADE-1317 certificate, and any other required paperwork.
- Take the Texas DPS driving test: Demonstrate your driving skills to earn your license.
Planning your next steps carefully ensures a smooth experience at the DPS, especially in busier regions like El Paso County.
Taking drivers ed in Texas is simple and convenient. Enroll in a state-approved adult driver education course online, like ours. Once registered, you can complete the 6-hour course at your own pace using any device with internet access.
Our online platform tracks your progress automatically, so you can stop and start as needed. After finishing, your ADE-1317 certificate will be emailed to you immediately. This certificate is required for adults aged 18 to 24 when applying for a Texas DPS license.
In El Paso, completing this course is a critical first step toward earning your driver’s license, providing flexibility for even the busiest schedules.
Drivers ed covers all the essential knowledge and skills required to drive safely in Texas. Key topics include:
- Traffic Laws and Road Rules: Learn about speed limits, right-of-way rules, and traffic signs.
- Defensive Driving Techniques: Gain skills to handle emergencies and anticipate potential hazards.
- Preparation for the License Exam: Review material to pass the written and driving tests confidently.
- Driver Responsibilities: Understand vehicle maintenance and safety practices.
- Road Safety: Focus on preventing distracted and impaired driving.
This knowledge is especially helpful for navigating El Paso’s diverse driving conditions, from urban intersections to stretches of highway.
The DE-964 certificate is specifically for teen drivers completing a driver education course in Texas. Adults aged 18 to 24 who take the Texas adult drivers ed course will instead receive an ADE-1317 certificate.
The ADE-1317 certificate is your proof of course completion and is required to apply for a Texas driver’s license. It’s an essential part of the application process and must be presented at the DPS office.
In El Paso, make sure to double-check your DPS appointment requirements to avoid any surprises.
To apply for a Texas driver’s license, you’ll need the following documents:
- Proof of identity (e.g., passport, birth certificate).
- Proof of Texas residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).
- Social Security Number.
- ADE-1317 certificate (if applicable).
- Proof of vehicle insurance if you’re taking the driving test.
In El Paso, it’s wise to confirm your local DPS office’s specific document requirements beforehand.
You can fail the Texas DPS permit test up to three times before needing to pay another application fee. To maximize your chances of passing, prepare thoroughly by studying the Texas drivers handbook and taking a Texas drivers license practice test.
In El Paso, practice your driving skills in a variety of scenarios, including busy intersections and rural areas, to build confidence. If needed, you can also schedule lessons with a local instructor.
No, obtaining a Texas driver’s license requires an in-person visit to the DPS. Steps like completing the drivers ed course and ITAD program can be done online, but testing and application processing must occur in person.
El Paso residents should plan ahead to schedule their DPS appointments, as some locations may have longer wait times due to demand.
Yes, parallel parking is one of the key skills assessed during the Texas DPS driving test. Practicing this maneuver in different settings, such as downtown El Paso or suburban neighborhoods, can help you master it.
If you struggle with parallel parking, consider taking driving lessons with a certified instructor. These sessions offer hands-on guidance to help you feel confident on test day.
Yes, our Texas adult drivers ed course is available statewide. We serve many areas, including:
- Arlington
- Frisco
- Beaumont
- Denton
- Flower Mound
- Rosenberg
- Pflugerville
- Waco
- Harlingen
- Cedar Park
Whether you’re in El Paso or another part of Texas, our online course provides the flexibility and convenience you need to meet state requirements.
A Texas restricted license (commonly referred to as an adult learners permit) is valid indefinitely until you pass the Texas DPS driving test or cancel your application.
Use this time to practice driving with a licensed adult to build confidence and prepare for the road test. In El Paso, practicing in diverse conditions, such as heavy traffic and rural roads, can help you gain experience.
To pass the Texas DPS driving test, you must score at least 70 out of 100 points. The test evaluates your ability to follow traffic laws, perform key maneuvers like parallel parking, and demonstrate safe driving habits.
Studying the Texas DPS handbook and using a Texas drivers license practice test can help you prepare. In El Paso, consider practicing with an instructor familiar with local testing conditions.