Do I Need a Driving Log and How Does It Work
Texas law requires the 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training to be documented. The PTDE Packet from TDLR includes a driving log template for this purpose. However, the log does not need to be submitted to the Texas DPS at any point — it is a family record kept throughout the program.
What the Driving Log Is
The driving log is a record of each behind-the-wheel training session. It tracks the date, duration, type of driving (instruction, observation, or practice), conditions (daytime or nighttime), and who was supervising. The PTDE Packet includes log sheets for both the 14-hour instruction/observation sessions and the 30-hour practice sessions.
Does It Need to Be Submitted to DPS?
No. The official Texas DPS Provisional License requirements page does not list the driving log as a required document to bring to the appointment. Maintain the log as a family record, but it does not go to DPS.
Who Signs Off on the Log
The designated PTDE instructor certifies the instruction and observation hours. A parent or legal guardian certifies the 30 hours of additional practice driving. Both sets of hours are required to be documented.
Tracking the 10 Nighttime Hours
10 of the 30 practice hours must be completed at night. The log should clearly identify which sessions were nighttime sessions to confirm the requirement is met.
Digital Alternatives
The family may use a digital tool or app to track hours informally during the program, but the official PTDE Packet log forms are the state record. If a digital tracking tool is used day-to-day, the hours should also be recorded in the official log forms for accuracy.
Quick Facts
Detail | Value |
Driving log provided by | TDLR — included in PTDE Packet |
Submit to DPS | No — keep as family record |
Who certifies instruction hours | Designated PTDE instructor |
Who certifies practice hours | Parent or legal guardian |
Nighttime hours required | 10 of the 30 practice hours |
Driving Logic tracks BTW hours | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
If we lose the PTDE Packet, how do we get the log forms? Contact TDLR. The packet contents — including log forms — can only be reissued by TDLR, not Driving Logic.
Does the teen need to sign the log? The PTDE Packet instructions will specify the signing requirements. Generally, the supervising instructor or parent certifies the hours.
What if we did not keep a log during training? TDLR requires the hours to be logged as they are completed. Reconstructing hours retroactively may create compliance issues. If you are in this situation, contact TDLR for guidance before proceeding to the Provisional License DPS appointment.
Can we use a phone app to track hours instead of the paper log? Phone apps can be used for informal tracking, but the official PTDE Packet forms are the state record. Hours tracked in an app should also be recorded in the official log throughout the program.