What Is the Texas Adult Driver Education Course (ADE)
The Texas Adult Driver Education Course is a TDLR-regulated, 6-hour online course required for applicable first-time Texas license applicants ages 18–24. Driver education is optional for adults 25 and older. It includes the required comprehensive Texas Highway Sign and Traffic Law Examination.
Purpose
The course teaches Texas traffic laws, safe driving practices, and the knowledge required for a Texas driver license. Successful completion of the required examination through the approved ADE course satisfies the applicable written-knowledge examination requirement. Present your completion certificate when applying at DPS.
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 | Required participation quizzes/checks must be successfully completed before progressing. Follow the instructions shown for each required lesson/unit assessment. |
Final exam | 30 questions: 15 Highway Signs + 15 Traffic Laws; 70% (21/30) passing. Maximum three final attempts; different questions on failed retests; third failed final = course failure |
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.