The Texas Adult Driver Education Course is a state-required 6-hour online course for adults ages 18–24 who are applying for their first Texas driver's license. It is regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Adults 25 and older are not required to take it, but may enroll to take the DPS written exam online and prepare for the licensing process.
What the Course Is
The course covers Texas traffic laws and procedures, right-of-way, traffic control devices, controlling traffic flow, alcohol and other drugs, cooperating with other road users, managing risk, and human trafficking awareness. The course spans 7 lessons and takes a minimum of 6 hours to complete. The final assessment is the official Texas DPS Highway Sign and Traffic Law Examination, which is integrated directly into the course.
Who Takes This Course
Adults ages 18–24 who have never held a Texas driver's license are required to complete this course before applying for their license. Adults 25 and older may also take it voluntarily — completing the course allows them to take the official DPS written exam online rather than at a DPS office.
Cost
The total cost is $39.95 — a $29.95 course fee plus a $10 certificate and handling fee. The $10 certificate fee covers the state-issued ADEE-1317 certificate number purchased from TDLR, which includes security features required by the Texas DPS to validate your certificate at the driver license office.
How the Course Works
The course is self-paced and fully online, available in English. Lessons unlock sequentially — each lesson must be completed before the next one opens. Active instructional time is tracked; you cannot advance faster than the course requires. At the end of each lesson there is a 4-question quiz. You need 3 of 4 correct (75%) to advance. Retakes are unlimited.
The final lesson is the official 30-question Texas DPS Highway Sign and Traffic Law Examination. You must pass with a score of 70% or higher (21 of 30 correct). You have 3 attempts. If you do not pass within 3 attempts, you must repurchase the course to try again.
Your ADEE-1317 Certificate
Your ADEE-1317 completion certificate is emailed to you immediately after you pass the DPS exam. This certificate confirms you completed the 6-hour course and passed the official written knowledge exam — you do not need to take the written test again at the DPS office. The certificate includes an ADE control number required for ITAD registration. Bring a printed or digital copy to your DPS appointment.
After the Course — ITAD and DPS
After receiving your ADEE-1317 certificate, you must complete two more steps before getting your license:
Complete the free ITAD course — The Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) program is a free 1-hour video course at impacttexasdrivers.dps.texas.gov. You need your ADE control number from your ADEE-1317 certificate to register. The ITAD certificate is valid for 90 days.
Visit a DPS driver license office — Schedule an appointment at txdpsscheduler.com and bring your ADEE-1317 certificate, ITAD certificate, and required identity and residency documents. You will take a vision test and a road test at the DPS.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Course type | Online, self-paced |
Language | English |
Regulated by | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) |
Required for | Adults ages 18–24 applying for first TX license |
Course length | 6 hours minimum |
Lessons | 7 |
Lesson quiz | 4 questions — 3 of 4 correct (75%) to advance |
Final exam | Texas DPS Highway Sign and Traffic Law Examination — 30 questions, 70% passing, 3 attempts |
Certificate type | ADEE-1317 |
Certificate delivery | Emailed immediately after passing DPS exam |
Total cost | $29.95 + $10 certificate fee = $39.95 |
Written test at DPS | Not required — ADEE-1317 certificate serves as proof |
Access window | 120 days from enrollment |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does completing this course mean I skip the written test at the DPS? Yes. The ADEE-1317 certificate proves you completed the official DPS written knowledge exam as part of the course. You do not need to take the written test again at the DPS office.
What is the ITAD course and do I have to do it? ITAD (Impact Texas Adult Drivers) is a free 1-hour video course from the Texas DPS. It is required before you can take your driving test. It is separate from this course and must be completed at impacttexasdrivers.dps.texas.gov after you finish this course.
I am 25 — do I have to take this course? No. Adults 25 and older are not required to take driver education. However, completing the course allows you to take the official DPS written exam online rather than at a DPS office.
What happens if I don't finish within 120 days? Your enrollment expires. You would need to repurchase the course to complete it and receive your ADEE-1317 certificate.
Is there a driving skills test? Yes. You must still pass an in-car driving test at a DPS driver license office or approved third-party provider. This course covers the knowledge requirement only.
What if I fail the DPS exam? You have 3 attempts to pass the DPS exam. If you do not pass within 3 attempts, you must repurchase the course to try again.