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What Is the Texas Adult Driver Education Course (ADE)

The Texas Adult Driver Education Course is a TDLR-approved 6-hour online course required for adults ages 18–24 applying for their first Texas driver's license.

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The Texas Adult Driver Education Course is a state-required 6-hour online course for adults who are applying for their first Texas driver's license. It is regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and includes the official Texas DPS Highway Sign and Traffic Law Examination as the final assessment.

Purpose

The course teaches Texas traffic laws, safe driving practices, and the knowledge required to obtain a Texas driver's license. Because the official DPS written exam is administered as part of the course, you do not need to take the written knowledge test at the DPS office when you apply for your license.

Who It Is For

The course is required for Texas adults ages 18–24 who have never held a Texas driver's license. Adults 25 and older are not required to take it but may enroll voluntarily — completing the course allows them to take the DPS written exam online rather than in person at a DPS office.

What It Is Not

This course is not the Texas Driving Safety Course, which is for licensed drivers seeking ticket dismissal or an insurance discount. The Adult Driver Education Course is for first-time license applicants.

Quick Facts

Detail

Information

Regulated by

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)

Required for

Adults ages 18–24 applying for first TX license

Language

English

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

Total cost

$29.95 + $10 certificate fee = $39.95

Access window

120 days from enrollment

Skips DPS written test

Yes — ADEE-1317 certificate serves as proof

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same as defensive driving? No. The Adult Driver Education Course is for adults who have never held a license. The Driving Safety Course (defensive driving) is for licensed drivers seeking ticket dismissal or an insurance discount. They are separate programs.

Is this course accepted by all Texas DPS offices? Yes. Driving Logic's course is approved by TDLR and the ADEE-1317 certificate is accepted at all Texas DPS driver license offices statewide.

Does this course teach me how to drive? The course covers traffic laws, road signs, defensive driving, and safety knowledge — the same content tested on the DPS written exam. It does not include behind-the-wheel instruction. You will still need to pass an in-car driving test at the DPS or an approved third-party provider.

What is the ADEE-1317 certificate? ADEE-1317 is the official TDLR certificate format issued to adults who complete the Texas Adult Driver Education Course. It includes security features required by the Texas DPS for validation at the driver license office, and an ADE control number you will need to register for the ITAD program.

Can I take this course if I already have a license from another state? If you have a valid, unexpired driver's license from another U.S. state, you may be exempt from the driver education requirement. Contact your local DPS driver license office to confirm your specific situation.

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