Texas Driver Education Requirements
Texas law requires any person under 18 to successfully complete a state-approved driver education course to be eligible for a driver’s license. This requirement may be satisfied by completing a licensed driver education school course, a public school driver education course or a parent-taught driver education course.
Learner Permit Holding Period
You must be 15 1/2 to apply for a learner permit, you must have held your learner (instruction) permit for at least six (6) months in good standing before you can apply for a provisional driver’s license.
Minimum amount of Supervised Driving
In-car training consists of 7 hours of behind-the-wheel driving, 7 hours of in-car observation, and an additional 30 hours of behind-the-wheel driving – of which 10 hours must be done at night. The additional 30 hours of behind-the-wheel driving will be monitored by the parent or guardian and are not required to be provided by a licensed driver education school. However, the hours must be completed in the presence of an adult who holds a valid license, is 21 or older, has at least one year of driving experience, and occupies the seat next to the driver.
Minimum Age for Drivers License
16 years old; additionally, you must also have held your instruction permit for at least 6 months before you may apply for a license.
Road Test Requirement
Starting on September 1, 2009 any student submitting an application to DPS for a permit or a driver’s license must take a road test / driving skills test.
Unsupervised Driving Rules
Licensed minor may not drive from midnight to 5 a.m. unless necessary to participate to a school or work activity, or because of a medical emergency, for the first twelve (12) months of being licensed.
Passenger Rules
Licensed minor may not carry more than one (1) non-relative under 21 for the first twelve (12) months of being licensed.