Beginning September 1, 2026, Texas will require all driver education and driving safety courses to include instruction on driving through construction and maintenance work zones. This update comes through Senate Bill 1366, passed by the 89th Legislature (Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation).
Work zones are among the most dangerous driving environments in Texas, contributing to thousands of crashes and injuries each year. By embedding work-zone awareness directly into driver education, Texas aims to ensure new drivers are prepared to handle these challenging situations before they receive their license.
For defensive driving providers, this new requirement presents an opportunity to expand course content with practical strategies. Lessons can highlight reduced speed expectations, awareness of workers on the road, and defensive maneuvers that prevent collisions in unpredictable construction areas. You can count on DriverEdToGo.com to stay current with all the latest updates.