So you want to learn how to drive.
Great!
Driving is one of the most valuable skills you can learn in your life.
But before you get to the good stuff, you’re going to have to learn how to do it right first (please, we don’t want any more boneheads on the road).
However, you might be wondering:
“Can I take online driver’s ed in Texas?”
Great question.
In this article, you’ll get the answer to that and a handful of other questions you may have.
By the end of it, you’ll know everything you need to know about online driver’s ed in Texas.
Let’s dive in.
Can You Take Online Driver’s Ed in Texas?
Yes. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, there are a few TDLR-approved schools that offer online driver’s ed courses for you. With these, you can complete the “classroom” portion of your training.
In case you didn’t know, there are two types of training you need to get your driver’s license:
- 1Classroom learning
- 2Behind-the-wheel training
Online drivers ed allows you to do ALL the classroom learning at the comforts of home.
And if your parents know how to drive, they can also be your instructor for the behind-the-wheel practice.
The Top 4 Best Online Driver's Ed Courses In Texas
DriversEd.com is one of the original online driver's ed courses in Texas. Their 3D videos and in-house behind the wheel instructors makes this a great choice.
Improv Traffic School is perhaps the most entertaining online driver's ed course in Texas. Filled with comedy, they use "edutainment" to help students learn.
4. iDriveSafely
iDriveSafely is another legit online driver's ed course in Texas. They've been around for over 25 years and have had millions of students pass their coursework
Is Texas Online Driver’s Ed Better Than In-Person Classes?
If you ask me, I’d say yes every day.
Online driver’s ed is better because it:
However, if you can focus better in an offline classroom setting, then go for that.
The knowledge you get in driver’s ed is invaluable, so do whatever helps you learn best.
Yes, online driver’s ed is 10x more convenient. But if you don’t learn from it, what’s the use?
What are The Requirements for Texas Online Driver’s Ed?
There are three age-groups in Texas that all have a different set of requirements. These are teens (14-17), adults (18-24), and over 25s (25+).
Let me break it down for you:
Requirements for Online Teen Driver Ed in Texas
Teen driver education consists of:
- 132 hours of classroom learning (2 hours a day max)
- 244 hours of behind-the-wheel training (1 hour a day max)
The behind-the-wheel training further breaks down into:
However, to start this behind-the-wheel practice, you’ll need a Texas learner permit.
To get that, you need a:
You may start the classroom training at 14, but you’ll need to be at least 15 before you can hit the road.
Also, only teens aged 16 - 17 may get a provisional driver’s license (which has another set of requirements).
Provisional driver’s licenses allow you to drive on your own, but there are a few restrictions compared to class C licenses.
VIDEO: Texas Online Driver's Ed Requirements For Teens
Requirements for Online Adult Driver’s Ed in Texas
If you’re 18 and above, I have some good news for you:
Driver’s ed will be way easier.
Instead of 32 hours of classroom learning, your entire course will only take 6 hours!
Plus, you don’t have to get a learner’s permit or go through 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training anymore.
Aside from the 6-hour classroom learning, all you have to do is take a 1-hour Impact Texas Young Driver’s program (which you can take for free on ITYD’s website) and pass a written and driving exam.
Easy, right?
Online Driver’s Ed Requirements for Ages 25+
For everyone 25 and over, all I have to say is congrats!
You don’t need to get any driver’s ed. You can proceed straight to the written and driving test.
However, I highly recommend that you take adult driver’s ed anyway.
Not only will it increase your chances of passing the exam, but it’ll also make things better and safer for everyone.
Our roads are already full of bad drivers, so please don’t get a license unless you know all the rules!
How Long Does Online Driver’s Ed Take in Texas?
To complete your driver’s ed, you must study and practice for a total of 76 hours. However, since Texas only allows you to study 2 hours a day and practice for 1, the fastest you can finish your teen driver’s ed is 44 days.
That said, some programs force you to finish all 32 hours of studying before moving on to the 44 hours of training.
If that’s the case, it’ll take you a minimum of 60 days to complete.
What’s more, course timers are required by law in Texas.
Even if you’re a fast learner, these timers will stop you from skipping ahead in the course. They force you to sit down and study for the entire two hours (bummer, I know).
For adults, all you need is a 6-hour course.
Yes, there is still a timer, so you can’t skip ahead.
But hey, at least you aren’t limited to 2 hours a day. You can finish it up in one day if you want.
What's the Difference Between Parent-Taught and Instructor-Taught Driver's Ed in Texas?
You have two options for your behind-the-wheel training:
The names say it all.
Parent-taught driver’s ed (PTDE) means your parents or guardians will be your driving instructor for the 44 hours of practice (assuming they have a DL themselves).
Instructor-taught driver’s ed (ITDE) means a licensed driving instructor will train you.
I know what you’re thinking:
“Why would anyone prefer ITDE over PTDE?”
It’s less convenient AND more expensive.
Well, that’s because to get PTDE, your parents or guardians must meet specific criteria.
You can check out the requirements on TDLR’s website.
How Much Does Texas Online Driver’s Ed Cost?
Good online driver’s ed in Texas costs approximately $60 - $100 for PTDE. Meanwhile, adult courses only cost around $40.
For PTDE, your parent or guardian also has to pay a $20 fee before they are authorized to instruct you.
As for ITDE and driving school, prices can range from $300 - $450.
What is the Best Online Driver's Ed School in Texas?
If you’re looking for an online driver’s ed school in Texas, look for one that is:
- 1State certified (the #1 priority)
- 2Affordable
- 3Easy and fun (with images, videos, animations, or even games)
- 4Has unlimited practice tests
- 5Mobile-friendly
Any school that offers those five things is good.
However, if you’re looking for a quick answer, check out Driversed.com.
In my opinion, DriversEd.com has one of the most modern and entertaining courses.
You get interactive 3D videos and games that keep you entertained and make vital points easy to remember.
Also, you get to study on any device. Talk about convenience.
Other top schools you might want to check out are:
There are only a handful of state-approved online driving schools in Texas. If you want to see the complete list, you can find it here.
Conclusion
Not only can you take online driving ed in Texas, but doing so will also give you the freedom to study when and where you want.
And honestly?
There really aren’t any downsides to it.
So if you’re serious about getting your driver’s license, signing up for an online driver’s ed school is the perfect place to start.
Good luck!