Adult Driver Education Course in Texas
In Texas, anyone 18 to 24 applying for a first driver license must complete a 6-hour, TDLR-approved adult driver education course before DPS will issue the license. Drivers 25 and older don’t have to — but many take it anyway, because a course that includes the state knowledge test lets you skip the written exam at DPS.
Who needs an adult driver education course in Texas?
Whether you need the course depends on your age and whether you’ve held a license before.
Ages 18–24
If you’ve never held a license and you’re applying for your first Texas Class C license, you must complete an approved adult driver education course.
Age 25 and older
You can go straight to DPS, but the course teaches Texas traffic law and — if it includes the knowledge test — removes the written exam from your DPS visit.
Under 18
Teens 14–17 take teen driver education instead, which includes behind-the-wheel instruction.
New to Texas
If you hold a valid out-of-state license, you usually transfer it to Texas rather than take driver education.
What the Texas adult driver education course covers
The state minimum is six hours of instruction. Online courses let you log in and out and pick up where you left off.
There is no required behind-the-wheel hour log for adults, but new drivers should practice with a licensed adult before the road test.
Adult driver education vs. defensive driving
They’re two different courses, and one won’t satisfy the other.
Adult driver education
For getting your first license.
- Required for ages 18–24
- Can replace the DPS knowledge test
- Issues an ADE-1317 certificate
Defensive driving
For drivers who already have a license.
- Dismisses an eligible traffic ticket
- Can earn an insurance discount
- See defensive driving vs. driving safety
How to get your Texas driver license with adult driver ed
- Choose a TDLR-approved courseOnly state-approved providers issue a certificate DPS will accept. Check the approved course directory first.
- Complete the 6-hour courseWork through it online at your own pace.
- Pass the knowledge testMany online adult courses include the state written test, so you won’t take it at DPS.
- Get your ADE-1317 certificateThe official adult driver education certificate of completion.
- Complete ITAD if you’re 18–24Impact Texas Adult Drivers is a free, roughly one-hour video. Its certificate must be dated within 90 days of your road test.
- Visit DPSBring your certificates, ID, proof of Texas residency, Social Security number, and registration and insurance for your test vehicle.
- Pass the vision test and road testYou’ll leave with a temporary license; your card comes by mail.
- Want to skip the DPS wait?Some areas allow third-party road testing at an approved driving school — see DPS-approved road test options.
How to pick an adult driver education course in Texas
- Confirm TDLR approval. A non-approved course is money wasted.
- Knowledge test included? If so, you skip the written exam at DPS.
- Look at the full price. Watch for certificate, shipping, or retake fees.
- Mobile and Spanish options. Many approved providers offer both.
- Certificate delivery. Instant email beats waiting on the mail.
- Self-paced access. Log in and out without losing progress.
Adult driver education in Texas: FAQs
Is adult driver education required in Texas?
Yes, for first-time license applicants ages 18 through 24. They must complete a 6-hour, TDLR-approved adult driver education course and the free Impact Texas Adult Drivers program before their road test. It is optional at 25 and older.
How long is the adult driver education course in Texas?
The state minimum is six hours. Online courses let you complete those hours at your own pace and stop and start as needed.
Can I take adult driver education online in Texas?
Yes. TDLR approves online adult driver education courses, and their completion certificates are accepted by DPS.
Does adult driver ed let me skip the DPS written test?
If your course includes the state knowledge test and you pass it, you will not need to take the written test at DPS. You still take the vision test and the road test.
What certificate do I get for adult driver education in Texas?
Adult courses issue form ADE-1317, the Texas adult driver education certificate of completion. Bring it to DPS along with your ITAD certificate if you are 18–24.
Can I take the adult course if I am 17?
No. Applicants under 18 must take teen driver education, which includes behind-the-wheel instruction.
Ready to get your Texas license?
Start with a TDLR-approved adult driver education course you can finish online.
Find an Approved Adult CourseRequirements are set by TDLR and DPS and can change. Confirm current DPS document requirements before your appointment.