The number of hours needed to get your Texas drivers license varies based on your age and the steps you complete. Adults aged 18 to 24 must complete a state-mandated 6-hour Texas adult drivers ed course. This course equips you with the knowledge to understand Texas traffic laws, road safety principles, and defensive driving techniques.
For those 25 and older, drivers education is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. Completing the course can help you bypass the DPS written test and prepare you more thoroughly for the driving test. While the state does not require a set number of driving practice hours for adults, gaining sufficient supervised driving experience is crucial for building confidence and ensuring safety on the road.
An ADE (Adult Driver Education) control number is a unique identifier printed on your ADE-1317 certificate, which you receive after completing a Texas adult drivers ed course. This certificate is a requirement for obtaining your Texas drivers license and serves as proof that you’ve successfully met the state’s educational requirements.
The DE (Driver Education) control number pertains to a DE-964 certificate, which is issued to individuals aged 14 to 17 who complete a teen driver education course. Both certificates are key documents tailored to different age groups, ensuring compliance with Texas state law.
Yes, our Texas adult drivers ed course is available online for residents across the state, not just Tyler. Whether you’re in Smith County or other cities like Grand Prairie, Wylie, Victoria, Abilene, Houston, Rowlett, Allen, Brownsville, Leander, Fort Worth, Garland, Corpus Christi, DeSoto, or San Antonio, you can enroll and complete the course from the comfort of your home.
This flexibility ensures you can prepare for your Texas drivers license on your own schedule, no matter where you are in Texas.
If you are 18 to 24 years old, completing a Texas adult drivers ed course is mandatory before applying for a restricted license (commonly called an adult learner’s permit). This restricted license allows you to practice driving legally while preparing for your DPS driving test.
For individuals 25 and older, drivers ed is optional. However, enrolling in a course can make the process simpler by allowing you to bypass the written knowledge test at the DPS. It’s also a great way to ensure you’re fully prepared for the licensing process.
Drivers education is a structured program designed to teach new drivers the skills and knowledge needed to operate a vehicle safely and responsibly. In Texas, adult drivers education courses cover essential topics such as:
- Texas traffic laws and road signs
- Defensive driving techniques
- Safety practices, including avoiding distractions and handling emergencies
- Preparation for the DPS written test and driving test
Completing a Texas adult drivers ed course is mandatory for adults aged 18 to 24 seeking a Texas drivers license and optional, but recommended, for those aged 25 and older.
If you are between 18 and 24 years old, completing the state-required 6-hour Texas adult drivers ed course is necessary before you can apply for a Texas drivers license. This course ensures you are well-prepared for both the written knowledge test and the driving test.
For adults aged 25 and older, the course is not mandatory. However, taking it can help streamline the process by allowing you to skip the DPS written test. It’s a useful tool for first-time drivers or those who need a refresher on traffic laws and safety.
To get a Texas drivers license as an adult, follow these steps:
- Complete Drivers Ed: If you are 18–24 years old, complete the mandatory 6-hour Texas adult drivers ed course. For those 25 and older, taking this course is optional but highly recommended.
- Finish the ITAD Program: The Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) program is a free, one-hour video course required before taking your driving test.
- Pass the DPS Written Test: Completing a drivers ed course includes this test. Otherwise, you’ll need to take it at the DPS.
- Apply for a Restricted License: This license allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult.
- Practice Driving: Gaining supervised driving experience is key to building confidence.
- Schedule and Pass the Driving Test: Once ready, book and complete the Texas DPS behind the wheel test.
Remember to bring required documents, such as your ADE-1317 certificate, proof of residency, and identification, to your DPS appointment.
The Texas DPS written test consists of 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass, meaning you can miss up to 9 questions. Using resources like a Texas drivers ed practice test or permit practice test can help you prepare effectively.
Yes, the DPS written test can be taken online if you complete a Texas adult drivers ed course. The online course includes the written knowledge test, which eliminates the need to take the test in person at the DPS. If you do not take the course, you must complete the test at a DPS office.
The driving test evaluates your ability to safely operate a vehicle and perform essential maneuvers such as:
- Lane changes
- Parallel parking
- Merging into traffic
- Observing traffic signs and signals
The test typically lasts 20–30 minutes. Ensure your vehicle is insured, roadworthy, and meets DPS safety requirements. Confidence comes from preparation, so practice extensively beforehand.
Yes, reverse parking (backing into a parking space) is commonly tested during the Texas driving test. This maneuver assesses your spatial awareness and vehicle control, both critical for safe driving. Practicing reverse parking in a variety of settings will help you master this skill.
Yes, all new drivers, including those 18 years old, must pass the Texas DPS behind the wheel test to earn their Texas drivers license. However, completing a Texas adult drivers ed course allows you to skip the written knowledge test, focusing solely on the road test.
Driving lessons and practice are highly recommended to ensure you are ready for the test.