What Are the Behind-the-Wheel Requirements for the Texas Teen Driver Education Course
Texas requires 44 total hours of behind-the-wheel (BTW) training before a teen can apply for a Provisional License. This phase is entirely separate from the online classroom course and is conducted by the parent instructor under the PTDE program.
BTW Hour Breakdown
Type | Hours Required | Who Supervises |
In-car observation | 7 hours | Designated parent instructor |
Behind-the-wheel instruction | 7 hours | Designated parent instructor |
Additional practice | 30 hours (10 at night) | Any licensed adult 21+, 1+ year license |
Total | 44 hours |
Daily Limits
BTW instruction is capped at 2 hours per day
Because of this daily cap, the 14 instructor-supervised hours take at least 7 days minimum
The 44-hour total cannot realistically be completed in fewer than several months for most families
When BTW Can Begin
BTW training can only begin after the teen has received their Texas Learner's Permit from the DPS. Hours logged before the permit is issued do not count.
Who Can Supervise the 30 Practice Hours
The 30 hours of additional practice can be supervised by any licensed driver who is: * At least 21 years old * Has held a valid driver's license for at least 1 year
This can be any trusted adult — a grandparent, other parent, family friend, or older sibling who qualifies.
Logging the Hours
All BTW hours must be logged in the driving log included in the PTDE Program Guide. The log is submitted as part of the Provisional License application.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Total BTW hours required | 44 |
Observation hours | 7 — with designated instructor |
Instruction hours | 7 — with designated instructor |
Practice hours | 30 (10 at night) — any licensed adult 21+ |
Daily instruction cap | 2 hours/day |
BTW can start | After Learner's Permit is issued |
Hours logged in | PTDE Program Guide driving log |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Driving Logic track or verify BTW hours? No. BTW hours are tracked by the parent instructor in the PTDE Program Guide driving log. Driving Logic provides the classroom course only.
What if a friend teaches the 7 hours of instruction instead of the designated parent? The 7 hours of observation and 7 hours of instruction must be supervised by the designated PTDE instructor listed on the PTDE Packet. Using a different person for these hours violates the program requirements.
Can the 30 practice hours be done with the designated instructor too? Yes. The designated instructor can supervise all 44 hours if they choose. The 30 practice hours can also be split between the instructor and other qualifying adults.
What happens if BTW hours are logged before the Learner's Permit is issued? Hours logged before the permit date do not count and cannot be applied to the requirement. All BTW training must occur after the DPS issues the permit.
Is there a minimum number of days for the BTW phase? Texas requires at least 44 total hours with a 2-hour daily instruction cap. The 14 instructor-supervised hours require at least 7 days. In practice, the full 44 hours spread across months.