Who Can Be the Parent Instructor for the Texas Teen Driver Education Course
The parent instructor is the adult who supervises the 44-hour behind-the-wheel training phase of the PTDE program. DPS checks this person's driving record when the teen applies for the Learner's Permit and again at the Provisional License stage.
Who Qualifies as a Parent Instructor
Family members who can be the instructor: * Parent or stepparent * Grandparent or step-grandparent * Foster parent * Legal guardian appointed by a court Designated adult (if no family member qualifies): A parent or legal guardian can designate another adult to be the instructor. That person must be: * At least 25 years old * At least 7 years of driving experience
Driving Record Requirements
Regardless of their relationship to the teen, the instructor must:
Hold a valid Texas driver's license
Have held a valid license for the past 3 years
Have fewer than 6 points on their driving record
Have no DWI conviction in the past 7 years
Have had no license suspension or revocation in the past 3 years
These are not optional. DPS verifies the instructor's record at both the Learner's Permit and Provisional License applications. If the instructor fails at either stage, the application is denied and prior instruction hours may be invalidated.
How to Verify Eligibility
The parent instructor can verify their own record online using the DPS Online Driver Record Request System at txdps.state.tx.us before ordering the PTDE Packet. This is strongly recommended — discovering a disqualifying record at the DPS counter is too late.
Out-of-State Instructors
If the instructor holds an out-of-state license, they must get a Texas license first. However, their out-of-state driving history counts toward the 3-year experience requirement — they will need an official driving record from the issuing state, translated into English if international.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Family members who can instruct | Parent, stepparent, grandparent, step-grandparent, foster parent, legal guardian |
Designated adult minimum age | 25 |
Designated adult experience required | 7+ years |
Texas license required | Yes |
License held for | 3 years minimum |
Points limit | Fewer than 6 |
DWI lookback | 7 years |
Suspension lookback | 3 years |
DPS verifies record | Yes — at Learner's Permit and Provisional License stages |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an aunt or uncle be the instructor? Only if designated in writing by the teen's parent or legal guardian. They must be at least 25 with 7+ years of experience and meet all driving record requirements.
What if the parent has a DWI from 8 years ago? The lookback for DWI is 7 years. A conviction from 8 years ago would not disqualify the instructor. However, any other disqualifying factors (points, suspension) still apply.
Does the instructor need to be present for the online classroom portion? No. The teen completes the online classroom course independently. The instructor's involvement is specifically in the 44-hour behind-the-wheel phase.
Can one instructor teach multiple teens at the same time? Yes. One qualified adult can serve as the instructor for multiple students, provided each student has their own course enrollment and PTDE Packet.
What if the parent's license has been suspended in the past but was reinstated more than 3 years ago? If reinstatement occurred more than 3 years before the Learner's Permit application, the suspension should no longer disqualify the instructor. Verify via the DPS online record check before proceeding.