No, adults aged 18 and older in Texas are not required to complete behind-the-wheel drivers training to obtain a Texas driver’s license. However, professional driving classes are an excellent option if you’ve never driven before or want to improve your skills. Certified instructors teach essential maneuvers like parallel parking, highway merging, and defensive driving techniques, which can greatly enhance your confidence behind the wheel. For residents of Gilmer and other parts of Upshur County, local driving schools provide personalized instruction to help you succeed in the Texas DPS driving test. Hands-on training ensures you’re fully prepared for real-world driving situations, reducing anxiety during your road test.
If you’re 18 to 24 years old, taking a Texas adult drivers ed course is mandatory. This course covers everything from traffic laws to defensive driving strategies and includes the Texas DPS written test, simplifying the process of obtaining your license. Adults aged 25 and older are not required to take this course but are encouraged to do so. The 6-hour course is particularly useful if you’re a first-time driver, as it helps you learn essential skills and bypass the DPS knowledge test. Whether you’re in Upshur County or elsewhere in Texas, completing this course is a smart choice for a smoother licensing experience.
Drivers ed is designed to prepare new drivers for the challenges of driving. It provides a foundation in Texas traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, and road safety practices. The course also ensures drivers understand their responsibilities on the road, helping reduce accidents and improve overall safety. For adults, drivers ed simplifies the licensing process, particularly for those aged 18 to 24, by including the Texas DPS written test. In Upshur County, drivers ed ensures you’re ready to navigate local roads and highways confidently. Whether you’re taking the course online or in person, it’s an essential step toward earning your Texas driver’s license.
Yes, we provide our Texas adult drivers ed course to students not just in Upshur County, including Gilmer, but throughout Texas. Our program is accessible to residents in counties like Williamson County, Brazos County, Deaf Smith County, Guadalupe County, El Paso County, DeWitt County, and Moore County. Additionally, our courses cater to students in cities such as Georgetown, Bryan, Seguin, El Paso, and Alpine. This broad availability ensures you can take advantage of our state-approved 6-hour driving course online, no matter where you are in Texas. Our goal is to make earning your Texas adult driver’s license as convenient and accessible as possible, whether you're in a bustling city or a quiet county.
You can watch the Impact Texas Driver video on the official Texas DPS website. This free, one-hour video is required before you can take your Texas DPS driving test. The Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) program focuses on the dangers of distracted driving and is mandatory for anyone who has completed a Texas adult drivers ed course. Be sure to complete the ITAD program within 90 days of your scheduled road test. The program not only fulfills a legal requirement but also equips you with critical knowledge to stay safe behind the wheel.
After finishing your Texas adult driver education course, follow these steps to secure your Texas driver’s license:
- Receive Your Certificate: Upon completing the course, you’ll get an ADE-1317 certificate. Save this as you’ll need it for your DPS appointment.
- Complete the ITAD Program: Sign up for the free Impact Texas Adult Drivers program on the DPS website and finish the video within 90 days of your road test.
- Schedule a DPS Appointment: Book an appointment at your nearest DPS office. For Upshur County residents, nearby offices like Longview are convenient options.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather items like proof of identity, residency, and your ADE-1317 certificate.
- Take the Driving Test: After successfully completing the road test, you’ll receive a temporary paper license.
Completing these steps ensures a smooth path to obtaining your Texas driver’s license.
Parallel parking is an essential part of the Texas DPS driving test. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Position Your Vehicle: Align your car parallel to the vehicle in front of the parking space, leaving about 2-3 feet of distance.
- Reverse Slowly: Turn your steering wheel toward the curb as you back into the space.
- Straighten Out: Adjust your steering to center the car within the parking space.
- Check Your Distance: Ensure your vehicle is 6–18 inches from the curb.
Practice is key to mastering parallel parking. Upshur County residents can utilize quiet streets or local driving classes to hone their skills. Consistent practice will help you perform confidently on test day.
You can take the Texas DPS written test, also known as the permit test, at any DPS office. For adults aged 18 to 24, the written test is included in the Texas adult drivers ed course, eliminating the need to take it separately at the DPS. If you’re in Upshur County, the nearest testing location might be in Longview, which offers convenient access for scheduling appointments. Be sure to bring the required documents and arrive early to avoid delays.
No, you won’t receive your official Texas driver’s license immediately after passing the road test. Instead, the DPS provides a temporary paper license valid for 90 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within 2–3 weeks. During this time, ensure your mailing address is correct to avoid delays. Keep your temporary license with you while driving until your official license arrives.
The fee for a Texas driver’s license is $33 for adults. This includes your application and the driving test if taken at a DPS location. Additional expenses may include professional driving lessons or third-party testing fees, which are optional but useful for gaining confidence. Our affordable Texas adult drivers ed course, priced at $34.95, covers the DPS written test, offering excellent value for first-time drivers.
Here’s how to prepare for the Texas DPS driving test:
- Study the Texas Drivers Handbook: This guide is your primary resource for understanding traffic laws and safe driving practices.
- Take Practice Tests: Use tools like the Texas drivers license test practice to reinforce your knowledge.
- Practice Driving: Spend time behind the wheel with a licensed driver to build confidence.
Upshur County residents can access online resources or enroll in professional driving classes for additional support. Consistent study and practice will ensure you’re fully prepared to pass your driving test.
For adults 18 and older, there’s no minimum holding period for a Texas restricted license, often called a learner’s permit for adults. This allows you to take the driving test as soon as you feel ready. However, practicing under the supervision of a licensed adult is highly recommended to build the skills needed for safe driving and passing the Texas DPS driving test. Whether you practice with a family member or a professional instructor, the experience gained is invaluable.