Orange County Texas Driver’s Education FAQs
How many hours to get drivers license?
For adults aged 18 to 24 in Texas, obtaining a driver’s license requires completing a state-approved Texas adult drivers ed course. This course is designed to take 6 hours and provides comprehensive education on Texas traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, and road safety principles. Once you successfully complete the course, you’ll receive an ADE-1317 certificate, which is necessary for applying for your Texas drivers license at the DPS.
For individuals 25 or older, the course is optional but offers significant advantages. It allows you to bypass the written knowledge test at the Texas DPS, which saves time and reduces stress. However, the overall time to get your license depends on other steps, such as scheduling your road test and gaining sufficient driving practice. The flexibility provided by this process means you can adjust the timeline to your individual needs.
What is the ADE/DE control number?
The ADE/DE control number is a unique identifier assigned to your completion certificate from a Texas-approved drivers ed course. For adults aged 18 to 24, the ADE-1317 certificate contains this control number. It confirms that you have successfully completed the required Texas adult drivers ed course and are eligible to proceed with your Texas drivers license application at the DPS.
This number is crucial for documentation and tracking during your licensing process, so keep a copy of your certificate safe until your driver’s license is issued.
If you go to driving school can you get your license faster?
Enrolling in a driving school, specifically a Texas adult drivers ed course, can expedite parts of the licensing process. For adults aged 18 to 24, the course includes the Texas drivers license written test, eliminating the need to take it separately at the DPS. This simplifies the process, making it faster for you to move on to scheduling your road test.
Adults aged 25 and older can also benefit from the course as it allows them to skip the written test and focus on preparing for the driving test. While taking drivers ed alone doesn’t guarantee a quicker overall process, it reduces the steps required and enhances your readiness, which can help you obtain your Texas drivers license more efficiently.
What is drivers ed?
Drivers ed, short for driver’s education, is a structured program designed to teach new drivers the essential knowledge and skills needed for safe and responsible driving. In Texas, adults aged 18 to 24 are required to complete a 6-hour Texas adult driver education course before they can apply for a driver’s license.
The course typically covers topics such as Texas traffic laws, road signs, defensive driving techniques, and safe driving practices. It also helps prepare you for the written knowledge test. For those 25 or older, taking drivers ed is optional but provides valuable preparation for both the written and driving tests, ensuring you’re equipped with the skills and confidence needed to pass.
Can you do driving school online?
Yes, you can complete your Texas adult drivers ed course online. Online driving schools provide the convenience of learning at your own pace, making it easier to fit the course into your schedule. You can access the course from anywhere, including Orange County, and complete it on any device with internet access.
The 6-hour course is designed to be user-friendly, with interactive lessons and quizzes that reinforce the material. After completing the course, your ADE-1317 certificate is emailed to you, allowing you to move forward in the licensing process without delay.
How to get a Texas license?
To get a Texas drivers license as an adult, follow these steps:
- Complete a Texas Adult Driver’s Education Course: This is mandatory for those aged 18 to 24 and optional for those 25 and older.
- Finish the Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) Program: This free, one-hour program must be completed within 90 days of your driving test.
- Prepare the Required Documents: These include proof of identity, Texas residency, and, if applicable, your ADE-1317 certificate.
- Pass the Road Test: Schedule your Texas DPS driving test and demonstrate your driving skills.
These steps ensure you meet all state requirements to obtain your Texas drivers license.
How much is a driver's license in Texas?
The cost of a Texas drivers license is $33 for adults. This fee covers the application, processing, and initial issuance of the license. Additional costs may include professional driving lessons or the use of a rental car for the road test if needed.
If you choose to take your road test at a third-party facility instead of the DPS, expect to pay an additional fee of $50–$80. Being aware of these costs can help you plan your budget effectively as you work toward obtaining your Texas drivers license.
What do you need for a learner's permit?
Adults aged 18 and older in Texas are issued a restricted license, often referred to as a Texas adult learner permit. To obtain this, you’ll need the following:
- Proof of identity (e.g., U.S. passport, birth certificate)
- Proof of Texas residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
- Social Security Number
- ADE-1317 certificate if aged 18–24
- A completed Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL-14A)
Bring these documents to your DPS appointment to apply for your restricted license and begin practicing for your driving test.
Do you have to take the knowledge test if you're over 18?
For adults aged 18 to 24, completing the Texas adult drivers ed course eliminates the need to take the Texas drivers license written test separately at the DPS. The course includes this test as part of its curriculum.
For adults 25 and older, the written test is required unless you opt to complete the drivers ed course. This makes the course a convenient option for bypassing the written test while gaining valuable preparation for the driving test.
Are Orange County and the city of Orange the only places where this Texas adult drivers ed course is available?
Not at all! While our Texas adult drivers ed course is a fantastic option for residents of Orange County and the city of Orange, we proudly offer our services across the entire state of Texas. Whether you’re in Hunt County, Uvalde County, Wilbarger County, San Augustine County, Upshur County, or Maverick County, you can enroll in our state-approved course.
In addition to Orange, we serve cities like Greenville, Uvalde, Eagle Pass, San Augustine, Vernon, and Hamilton County, ensuring that no matter where you are in Texas, you can access a convenient and affordable path to earning your Texas driver’s license. Our course is designed to meet the unique needs of adult drivers, with flexibility to complete the program at your own pace from anywhere in Texas.
So, whether you’re looking to get started in Orange County or elsewhere in the Lone Star State, we’ve got you covered!
Can I go to DPS without an appointment in Texas?
Some Texas DPS offices accept walk-ins, but availability varies by location. To avoid long wait times, it’s strongly recommended to schedule an appointment in advance. Many offices prioritize appointments, and walk-in slots may be limited.
In busy areas like Orange County, scheduling ahead ensures you won’t face unnecessary delays. Check the DPS website for your nearest office’s walk-in policy before visiting.
Where do you go to take your permit test?
For adults aged 18 to 24, the permit test is included in the Texas adult drivers ed course, so you don’t need to take it separately. If you’re 25 or older and choose not to take the course, you’ll need to take the Texas DPS written test at a DPS office.
To make the process smoother, consider taking the online Texas adult drivers ed course, which combines convenience with thorough preparation for your Texas drivers license.