Is the Texas Adult Driver Education Course (ADE) Required
It depends on your age. Adults ages 18–24 who have never held a Texas driver's license are required by Texas law to complete an approved Adult Driver Education Course before applying. Adults 25 and older are not required to take it.
Required — Ages 18–24
If you are between 18 and 24 years old and applying for your first Texas driver's license, completing a TDLR-approved Adult Driver Education Course is a legal requirement. You cannot apply for your license at the DPS without your ADE-1317 completion certificate.
This requirement applies regardless of whether you have driven before — it is based on age and the absence of a prior Texas license.
Not Required — Ages 25 and Older
Texas law does not require adults 25 and older to complete driver education before applying for a first license. However, completing the course is strongly recommended because it allows you to take the official DPS written exam online rather than at a DPS office, and ensures you are fully prepared for the knowledge and road tests.
What Happens If You Skip It (Ages 18–24)
If you are between 18 and 24 and attempt to apply for your license at the DPS without an ADE-1317 certificate, the DPS will not process your application. You must complete the course and obtain your certificate before your DPS appointment.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Required for ages 18–24 | Yes — cannot apply for license without ADE-1317 certificate |
Required for ages 25+ | No — optional |
Required for ages under 18 | No — teen driver education applies instead |
Out-of-state license holders | May be exempt — confirm with DPS |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I skip the course and just go to the DPS? If you are between 18 and 24, the DPS will not issue your license without an ADE-1317 certificate. You must complete the course first.
I am 25 — will the DPS ask me for a certificate? No. Adults 25 and older are not required to provide an ADE-1317 certificate. You will need to take the written knowledge test at the DPS office unless you complete the course and pass the DPS exam online.
I have a license from another state — is the course still required? If your out-of-state license is valid and unexpired, Texas may waive the driver education requirement. Contact your local DPS office to confirm before enrolling.
Does this course replace the driving test? No. The course covers the knowledge requirement only. You must still pass an in-car driving test at the DPS or an approved third-party provider to receive your license.
Do I need to complete the course before I can get a learner's permit? Adults ages 18 and older can apply for a learner's permit before completing the full course. However, completing the course and passing the DPS exam is required before taking the final driving test for your license.