why texas driving safety course texas.gov

by Abbey Dooley 10 min read

The purpose of the Texas online driver safety course is to teach you how to drive defensively. Defensive driving is making sure you are aware of your safe driving habits and developing the skills to anticipate what other drivers will do. Could lower your insurance rates by as much as 10% for up to 3 years.

Full Answer

Why should you take driver safety course in Texas?

Individuals under 18 years of age are required to complete a driver education course and present the Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964) at the driver license office. When applying for a license, the driving test is required. The knowledge test will be waived if it was completed during the driver education course. NOTE: An individual ...

Why should I take a Texas defensive driving course?

Any person between 14 and 25 years old. 2. I want to take a driver education course, what are my options? Enrolling in a driver education school. Enrolling in an approved parent taught course. Completing a driver education course at a public school, education service center, college or …

Does Texas offer a defensive driving course?

The Impact Texas Young Drivers program (ITYD) is a free, 1 hour informational video that provides educational information on the dangers of distracted driving. The video also shares real life stories of people and their families who were impacted as …

What is the best online driving school in Texas?

Occupational driving safety. Transportation incidents are the leading cause of work-related fatalities in Texas. Employers should consider four elements of driving safety when developing an occupational driving safety program: the roadway workplace, the driver, the vehicle and the environment.. Use our Occupational Driving Safety Program Review Checklist …

What is Texas driving safety course?

Driving Safety Courses (sometimes known as "defensive driving") are geared to improve a driver's knowledge, perception and attitude about driving. Before beginning any driving safety course, consult with your court to verify which course, if any, will satisfy ticket dismissal.

Is the behind-the-wheel course required in Texas?

The Driver Education program is a complete driver education course that encompasses both the educational portion and the behind-the-wheel portion. Think of it as theory and practice. The educational portion is the theory, and the behind-the-wheel portion is the practice. Both are needed in Texas to obtain a license.

What is the minimum time requirement by law for Texas driving safety course?

6 hours
The State of Texas requires defensive driving online courses to take a minimum of 6 hours to complete. In compliance with the state, our Texas Defensive Driving course is 5 hours of material with 1 hour of total break time, and may be completed at your own pace.

Can I get my license without taking the road test in Texas?

No written test or behind-the-wheel test is required! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff.Jan 27, 2022

Can I get my license at 18 without a permit in Texas?

Once common question we are asked is can I get my license at 18 without a permit in Texas? The answer is yes! Once you are over the age of 18, you are no longer required to get a learners permit.

Does the Texas driver education certificate expire?

Do Drivers Ed Certificates Expire In Texas? There is not an expiration date on your DriversEd.com certificate, however, your written test score is only good for two years. This means you should head to the DPS with your certificate and test for your license within two years of your certificate's issue date.

Can a 17 year old take defensive driving in Texas?

Teen drivers under the age of 18 who are convicted of a traffic offense may be required by their court to take a defensive driving course. The good news is by taking a course, you will dismiss the ticket and the points, preventing a costly insurance rate hike.

How long is a defensive driving course in Texas?

six hours
The defensive driving course takes just six hours to complete, and many students finish it in one day. Because the course is entirely online, you can take it on your schedule and at your own pace.

Which online defensive driving course is best in Texas?

The 7 Best Online Defensive Driving Courses In Texas For 2022
  1. Aceable. Aceable is without a doubt the best online defensive driving course in Texas for 2022. ...
  2. iDriveSafely. ...
  3. Approved Course. ...
  4. Go To Traffic School. ...
  5. Improv Traffic School. ...
  6. Get Defensive. ...
  7. A Sense Of Humor Defensive Driving Course.

Can you use someone else's car for driving test in Texas?

Yes, you may use a vehicle registered in another state, provided the vehicle complies with the registration laws in that state.Nov 18, 2020

Can I take my drivers license test online in Texas?

Taking the written driving test online in Texas is the most convenient way to take the exam. Virtual Drive offers an approved six hour course that includes the Texas Driving Test Online, as the final test.Oct 30, 2019

Is the Texas drivers test hard?

The learners permit and final written exam. This is most difficult aspect of the driver's license process and one out of three people in the state of Texas fail the first time they attempt it. This is mainly due to a lack of preparation on the testers behalf so it is essential that you study hard and have a game plan.

What are the Texas driver education and safety rules?

The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation adopted amendments to the Driver Education and Safety Program rules (16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 84, Subchapter D , §84.50; Subchapter M, §§84.500 and 84.502; and Subchapter N, §84.600). The adopted rules implement House Bill 105 and House Bill 2048, 86th Legislature, Regular Session (2019). Collectively, these bills created a requirement that (1) all driver education and driving safety courses include information relating to methods of safely operating a motor vehicle near an oversize or overweight vehicle; (2) repealed Chapter 708, Transportation Code, concerning the Driver Responsibility Program; and (3) amended Chapter 1001, Education Code, by specifying the driving and safety offenses which would prevent someone from conducting a Parent Taught Driver Education Course.

When will Texas open driving schools?

October 13, 2020. On October 13, 2020, the Governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas issued updated minimum standard health protocols for Texas driving schools, allowing them to increase operations from 50% to 75% of their total listed occupancy for classroom instruction.

When will the Texas program guides be published?

The program guides proposed to be adopted by reference were published in the April 30, 2021, issue of the Texas Register (46 TexReg 2919). The Department will accept comments on the proposal until May 31, 2021.

Do you have to wear a face mask at driving school?

Effective Immediately, all driving school employees and customers must wear a face covering (over the nose and mouth) wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another individual not in the same household.

What is TDLR distance education?

To proactively address the concerns regarding COVID-19, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has enacted temporary emergency distance education provisions to allow current licensed schools to offer distance education limited to the theory hours of instruction to not exceed more than 50 percent of the course. TDLR’s temporary emergency provision is in line with the Department of Education to provide flexibilities for schools to help students complete their course work.

What is TDLR in Texas?

The Driver Education and Safety program at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is comprised of the licensing and regulation of businesses known as Driver Education Schools, Parent Taught Driver Education programs, Driving Safety Course Providers, Driving Safety Schools and Instructors.

What is a driver education program?

The Driver Education and Safety program at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is comprised of the licensing and regulation of businesses known as Driver Education Schools, Parent Taught Driver Education programs, Driving Safety Course Providers, Driving Safety Schools and Instructors. Driver Education provides the basic skills and training required by law to provide the knowledge and hands-on experience to prepare people for their written and practical tests to operate a vehicle in Texas. Driving Safety Courses (sometimes known as 'defensive driving') are geared to improve a driver's knowledge, perception and attitude about driving. The Driving Safety Course Providers are required by law to offer curriculum that meets the standards required by law in Chapter 1001, Texas Education Code. TDLR's objective is to ensure that the schools, course providers, and instructors are qualified to develop and offer the courses and that the courses meet the required standards.

Can a course provider issue a driving safety certificate?

Yes, the course provider must first submit an issuance plan and sample certificate that follow TDLR-approved guidelines and receive approval to issue certificates to students. Please contact us at [email protected] for the driving safety certificate template and specifications.

When a school closure prevents a student from completing his/her driver training, all tuition and fees are

When a school closure prevents a student from completing his/her driver training, all tuition and fees paid become refundable. The school owner is required to issue full refunds in accordance with Texas Education Code 1001.403. In situations when a school owner fails to issue refunds TDLR will attempt to acquire the students’ records and file a claim against the school’s bond. In most cases only partial refunds can be issued

How many hours of driving school is required for a driver?

The classroom phase of a driver education course is at least 32 hours, and it cannot be completed in fewer than 16 days. The in-car phase consists of 7 hours of behind-the-wheel driving, 7 hours of in-car observation, and an additional 30 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, of which 10 hours must be done at night.

Can you apply teen driver education to adult driver education?

No. Teen driver education classroom hours cannot be applied to the 6-hour adult driver education classroom hour requirements. You must complete the full adult driver course or complete the full teen driver education program. 10. I completed my driver education course and the school will not issue my completion certificate.

Can I transfer my driver's license to another school?

Yes, you may transfer to another driver education school. For more information about transfers, please email us at [email protected]. 2. I was enrolled in an out-of-state driver education course and completed part of or all my classroom hours but never got a driver license or permit.

Can you transfer out of state hours to Texas?

Out of state hours do not transfer to Texas. You will need to enroll into a Texas driver education program to complete the classroom and driving requirements necessary to obtain a Texas learner’s permit and driver license. Please check with DPS for more information.

Is Texas tuition refundable?

Yes, Texas Education Code 1001, sec 1001.403 states: On the discontinuation of a course by a driver education school or a course provider that prevents a student from completing the course, all tuition and fees paid become refundable.

Is driver education required in Texas?

Driver education is not required for individuals age 25 and older but is highly recommended. Statutory Authority. You may find more information about laws that apply to ITD Programs in the Texas Administrative Code, 37 TAC §15.62.

What is the impact Texas driver program?

The Impact Texas Young Drivers program (ITYD) is a free, 1 hour informational video that provides educational information on the dangers of distracted driving.

What is distracted driving program?

This program is meant to educate drivers in an effort to reduce the risk of being involved in automobile crashes, particularly those caused by distracted driving. Distracted driving is one of the primary causes of fatalities in the United States, and this program shows what can happen when drivers are distracted while driving.

How long does it take to get a certificate of completion for a driver's license?

The certificate of completion must be dated within 90 days prior to taking the driving skills test. Have a valid restricted driver license. All individuals tested through the TPST program must complete the ITD requirements prior to taking their driving skills test.

How often should you review your driving safety program?

DWC recommends reviewing your occupational driving safety program at least annually, or when changes occur in your workplace.

What are the elements of occupational driving safety?

Employers should consider four elements of driving safety when developing an occupational driving safety program: the roadway workplace, the driver, the vehicle and the environment.

Is driving dangerous in the workplace?

For employees who drive as a primary function of their job or for a portion of their job duties, roadways and work zones are likely the most dangerous part of their work environment. To minimize the occurrence of these types of transportation related incidents in the workplace, DWC encourages employers to implement effective occupational driving ...

When will Texas require a real ID?

Beginning May 3, 2023, all Texans will need a REAL ID with a gold star to fly within the U.S. and enter federal buildings. If you have a valid driver license, you will still be able to use it to drive and access some state services, but it will no longer be accepted as official identification by the federal government.

When do you get your real ID in Texas?

Get your REAL ID by May 3, 2023 . Beginning May 3, 2023, all Texans will need a REAL ID with a gold star to fly within the U.S. and enter federal buildings.

How often do you have to take a driver safety course in Texas?

A Texas driver safety course online can only be completed once every 12 months. If you get more than one ticket in a 12-month period, only one of the tickets can be forgiven by completing the online course. You must have had a valid Texas driver license or permit when you received the ticket.

How often do you have to take defensive driver course in Texas?

A Texas driver safety course online can only be completed once every 12 months. If you get more than one ticket in a 12-month period, only one of the tickets can be forgiven by completing the online course.

Can you get points forgiven for a ticket in Texas?

You must have had a valid Texas driver license or permit when you received the ticket. If you have a commercial driver license , you do not quali fy to have the points forgiven via taking a state approved course. However, it is still recommended that you complete the course to brush up on safe driving habits.

What happens if you have a lot of points on your license?

Drivers who have a lot of points on their record are considered high-risk drivers by insurance companies, which results in higher premiums. Prevents you from losing your license. If you get too many points on your license, you could lose your driving privileges as well as be surcharged the Texas DPS. Completing the online course could mean the ...

What are the safety skills required to take defensive driving course?

While completing the defensive driving course online, you are exposed to a wide range of driver safety skills, including: The risks of drinking and driving and/or using drugs and how they can affect driving safety. Learning and being reminded of all the current Texas driving laws, rules, and regulations.

Can you drive over 25 mph?

However, it is still recommended that you complete the course to brush up on safe driving habits. You cannot have been driving at excessive speeds more than 25 mph over the posted speed limit. If you are completing the course to brush up on safe driving habits or to qualify for an insurance discount, then there are no requirements. ...

How fast can you drive over the speed limit?

You cannot have been driving at excessive speeds more than 25 mph over the posted speed limit. If you are completing the course to brush up on safe driving habits or to qualify for an insurance discount, then there are no requirements.

Is TDLR approved in Texas?

TDLR Approval Extends to Every Court in Texas. Some people call it a driver safety course while others call it defensive driving. No matter what you call it, they are the same thing and this course is what you need. The most important thing to check is if a course has been approved by the state of Texas and the TDLR.

Why do you need to monitor your driving record?

It is because points on a driving record tend to increase court fines and insurance rates. Therefore, by monitoring your driving record, you can ensure that the benefit of taking the online course for defensive driving is ultimately transferred to you.

Do you have to take a trip to the DPS?

No need to take a trip to the DPS. It is because points on a driving record tend to increase court fines and insurance rates. Therefore, by monitoring your driving record, you can ensure that the benefit of taking the online course for defensive driving is ultimately transferred to you.

Do you have to submit a driving record to get a driver's ticket dismissed?

These courts do not dismiss a driver's tickets even after he/she takes and completes the course for defensive driving. Instead, the drivers are supposed to submit a driving record along with the course completion certificate in order to get their tickets dismissed.

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News and Updates

  • Beware Of People Posing As TDLR Inspectors
    April 26, 2022 Inspectors for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will never request or accept money under any circumstances while calling, visiting or conducting an inspection. Real TDLR inspectors will: 1. introduce themselves; 2. show their State of Texas employee ID card; 3. …
  • Update: Stay Safe Driving School (license number C2224) Closure
    April 7, 2022 If you are a student who was affected by the permanent closure of the Stay Safe Driving School (license number C2224), please contact the TDLR Education and Examination Divisionwith the following information: 1. Parent’s Full name 2. Student’s Full Name 3. Enrollmen…
See more on tdlr.texas.gov

Advisory Committee Meetings

  • March 15, 2022
    The Driver Training and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee metMarch 15, 2022 via videoconference. The meeting was archived and is avalable on TDLR’s YouTube channel. The agenda and staff reportsare available online.
See more on tdlr.texas.gov

Additional Information

  • The Driver Education and Safety program at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is comprised of the licensing and regulation of businesses known as Driver Education Schools, Parent Taught Driver Education programs, Driving Safety Course Providers, Driving Safety Schools and Instructors. Driver Education provides the basic skills and training required by law t…
See more on tdlr.texas.gov