What Is the PTDE Instructor Designation Form
The PTDE Instructor Designation Form is needed when a parent or legal guardian wants to designate a non-family adult — such as an aunt, uncle, or family friend — to serve as the driving instructor instead of themselves.
When You Need It
You need the designation form if the driving instructor will be someone other than: * The teen's parent or stepparent * The teen's grandparent or step-grandparent * The teen's foster parent * The teen's legal guardian
If the instructor is any of the above, no designation form is needed. If the instructor is anyone else — such as a family friend, adult sibling, or other relative — the parent or legal guardian must complete the designation form.
What the Form Does
The form officially designates the named adult as the authorized driving instructor for the program. DPS will check the designated instructor's driving record at both the Learner's Permit and Provisional License stages, just as they would for a parent instructor.
Designated Adult Requirements
The person being designated must be: * At least 25 years old * At least 7 years of driving experience * Valid Texas driver's license, held for 3+ years * Fewer than 6 points on their record * No DWI in 7 years, no suspension in 3 years
Where to Find the Form
The designation form is included in the PTDE Program Guide packet from TDLR. If you do not have it, visit tdlr.texas.gov or contact TDLR directly.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Required when | Instructor is not a parent, grandparent, foster parent, or legal guardian |
Completed by | Parent or legal guardian — not the designated adult |
Designated adult minimum age | 25 |
Designated adult experience | 7+ years |
Same record requirements apply | Yes — DPS checks at Learner's Permit and Provisional License |
Frequently Asked Questions
My teen's parent is not eligible — can I designate a family friend? Yes. A parent or legal guardian can designate another eligible adult. The designated person must meet all the standard instructor requirements and the parent must complete the designation form from the PTDE Packet.
Who signs the designation form? The parent or legal guardian signs it — not the designated adult. It is a formal authorization from the parent to allow another person to instruct.
What if the designated instructor fails the DPS record check? If DPS determines the designated instructor does not meet requirements at the Learner's Permit or Provisional License stage, the application will be denied. Verify the designated person's eligibility before beginning the program.
Can a power of attorney be used instead of the designation form? No. Texas law specifically states that a power of attorney is not legally sufficient for PTDE instructor designation. The official TDLR designation form must be used.