Total PTDE Program Costs Overview
Before diving into parent-taught driver's ed provider differences, it helps to see the mandatory licensing costs versus optional add-ons.
| Expense | Recipient | Required? | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| TDLR Program Guide Packet | Texas Dept. of Licensing and Regulation | Yes | $20.00 |
| Approved PTDE Online Course | Commercial Provider (e.g., NextDoorDriving) | Yes | $42.95 – $120.00 |
| DPS Learner License Application | Texas DPS | Yes | $16.00 |
| DPS Provisional License Application | Texas DPS | Yes | $16.00 |
| Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) | Texas DPS | Yes | $0.00 (Free) |
| Third-Party Road Test (TPST) | Private Driving School | Optional | $60.00 – $125.00 |
| Professional Driving Lessons | Private Driving School | Optional | $40.00 – $100.00/hr |
| Estimated Base Cost | — | — | $94.95 – $172.00 |
Price note: Course prices were checked on September 14, 2026, and may include limited-time promotions. Confirm the current price, included features, and final checkout total directly with the provider before enrolling.
Approval note: Before enrolling, verify the provider and course through the official TDLR Driver Education Provider Search. A company’s own “Texas approved” statement should not be your only confirmation.
Breaking Down Mandatory Texas PTDE Expenses
Every family completing parent-taught driver’s ed in Texas must pay several baseline fees, regardless of which course provider they select.
TDLR Program Guide and Instructor Designation Fee ($20)
Before starting classroom instruction or in-car training, the parent instructor must request authorization from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
- Cost: $20.00 per student.
- Details: The $20 payment covers the TDLR instructor-designation request and PTDE Program Guide for one student. The instructor must still meet all eligibility requirements.
Approved Online PTDE Course Tuition ($42.95 – $99.00)
Texas requires teens to complete 24 classroom hours of driver education. For parent-taught driving students, approved course providers deliver the curriculum online.
- Cost: Varies by provider (promotional rates start at $42.95; non-promotional rates reach $115).
- Details: Course tuition covers the 24-hour curriculum, module quizzes, progress tracking, and official driver education completion certificates (DE-964).
Texas License and Permit Application Fees ($32 Total)
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) charges standard administrative fees when issuing physical license cards:
- Learner License (permit): $16.00 paid during the in-person DPS permit appointment.
- Provisional Driver License: $16.00 paid when upgrading to a full license after passing the road test.
Texas Online PTDE Provider Price Comparison (Current Market Rates)
When comparing online parent-taught driver’s ed, Texas families should look closely at what is included in the headline price. Confirm whether the advertised price includes the official knowledge exam, electronic certificates, retakes, parent lesson guides, driving logs, and full-course access. Some providers also offer optional upgrades, promotional subscriptions, or paid delivery services.
| Online PTDE Provider | Current Advertised Price | Regular Price | Included Features and Value Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| NextDoorDriving.com | $42.95 | $120.00 | Includes full 24-hr course, official online permit test with unlimited attempts, instant electronic certificates, and complete parent in-car guides. No hidden certificate or processing fees. |
| Texas Teen Driving Course | $59.00 | $115.00 | Includes 24-hr course, permit test, unlimited attempts, downloadable certificates, 1-year access limit. |
| Virtual Drive of Texas | $59.95 | $99.95 | Standard 24-hr course, permit test, parent materials, instant certificate download. |
| ParentTaught.com | $60.00 | $60.00 | Includes 24-hr course, permit test, two DE-964 certificates, practice tests, driving logs, no expiration. |
| All Star Driver Education | $69.99 | Not listed | Includes course and knowledge test. (Page still lists a 32-hour course; verify current 24-hour format before enrolling.) |
| iDriveSafely | ~$69.00 | $115.00 | Online course and permit prep; advertised price relies on active promotional coupons. |
| Aceable | $74.00 | $115.00 | Mobile app interface, 24-hr course, in-course permit test, audio narration options. |
| DriversEd.com | ~$99.00 | Varies | Online course, mobile app access, practice permit tests, parent guide. |
Prices checked September 14, 2026. Promotions, coupon requirements, and regular prices may change. Verify the final checkout total before enrolling.
Why NextDoorDriving.com Stands Out for PTDE
For families searching for the cheapest parent-taught driver’s ed in Texas, the first price you see is only one consideration; the included certificates, parent materials, and state certification also matter. At $42.95, NextDoorDriving.com offers the lowest entry price for a full, TDLR-approved online Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE) course without sacrificing quality. For example:
- Combining NextDoorDriving’s low course tuition with the required TDLR packet and DPS fees brings your total cost to obtain a provisional license down to $94.95, the lowest total among the courses compared.
- NextDoorDriving includes electronic DE-964 certificate delivery in its base tuition. Before choosing another low-priced course, check whether certificates are delivered electronically at no additional charge or whether printed, mailed, replacement, or expedited delivery carries a separate fee.
- Your course includes an embedded official Texas knowledge test with unlimited free retakes, allowing you to skip the in-person exam at the DPS.
That combination makes it a strong candidate for families seeking the best parent- taught driver’s ed program based on total cost and included features.
Optional Expenses and Hidden Fees
Beyond base tuition and state fees, optional services can increase your teen’s driver licensing costs. These expenses usually come into play for convenience and scheduling preferences.
Third-Party Skills Testing (TPST) vs. Free DPS Road Test ($60 – $125)
To complete the final driving test requirement, Texas allows you to take the road skills exam through the DPS or an authorized third-party testing location:
- DPS office road test ($0.00 extra): The $16 provisional license application fee covers up to three road-test attempts within 90 days. If you do not pass within three attempts or before the payment expires, you must reapply.
- Third-Party Skills Testing (TPST) provider ($60 – $125): Authorized driving schools offer the Texas road test, often with more flexible scheduling. While convenient, private testing centers set their own prices.
Optional Professional Driving Lessons ($50 – $80/hr)
Because parent instructors deliver the initial 14 hours of behind-the-wheel training under the PTDE program, commercial driving lessons are optional. However, families often hire private instructors for specialized coaching. Pricing varies by location, but on average, professional lessons will cost:
- Single lesson: $50 – $80 per hour (ideal for parallel parking or highway practice).
- 14-hour transfer package: ~$250 – $450 (if a parent decides not to complete the in-car training themselves).
Certificate Processing and Delivery Fees ($15–$30)
Certificate delivery policies vary by provider. Electronic certificate delivery may be included in the course price, while printed, mailed, replacement, or expedited certificates can add approximately $15–$30. Check the provider’s current fee schedule and confirm whether both required certificates (for the Learner License and Provisional Driver License) are included before enrolling.
Course Access and Extension Fees
Texas teens must hold a Learner License for at least six months before qualifying for a provisional license. Before enrolling in driver’s ed, check whether course access expires, whether extensions cost extra, and whether access continues through the final licensing stage. Also review the refund policy, especially any restriction that applies after a DE-964 certificate has been issued.
Are There Free Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed Courses in Texas?
There is no widely available, free TDLR-approved online parent-taught driver’s ed course. Search results advertising “free Texas driver’s ed” commonly refer to practice tests, state handbook access, limited trials, or promotions rather than a complete approved course. Scholarships or locally funded programs may occasionally cover driver’s ed course tuition, but families should verify that the specific course is approved for Texas parent-taught driving.
Cost Comparison: Parent-Taught vs. Commercial Driving School
By authorizing parent-taught driver’s ed, Texas offers families serious financial savings compared to traditional in-person commercial driving schools.
| Feature / Line Item | Parent-Taught Driver Ed (e.g., NextDoorDriving) | Commercial Driving School (Instructor-Led) |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom Course Fee | $42.95 – $99.00 (Current) | $150.00 – $250.00 (Classroom only) |
| In-Car Instruction | Included (Parent teaches 44 hours) | Included (7 hrs driving + 7 hrs observation) |
| Mandatory State Fees | $52.00 (TDLR Packet + DPS Fees) | $32.00 (DPS fees only) |
| Total Out-of-Pocket Range | $94.95 – $151.00 | $382.00 – $700.00+ |
Vehicle and Insurance Costs
Families who choose a parent-taught driving course should also budget for fuel and vehicle wear during the required driving practice. By law, a Texas driving test vehicle must have current registration, liability insurance, and working safety equipment, so plan for that if you will be using a private vehicle for the road test. Insurance premiums may also increase once the teen becomes licensed. These costs vary by vehicle, insurance company, and location.
