What Are the Behind-the-Wheel Requirements
Texas requires 44 total hours of behind-the-wheel (BTW) training as part of the PTDE program. These hours are completed after the Learner's Permit is issued and must be documented by the family. The driving log is for the family's records — it does not need to be submitted to DPS.
The 44 Hours Breakdown
Type | Hours | Who Supervises | Daily Cap |
In-car observation | 7 | Designated PTDE instructor | Part of 2-hr BTW instruction cap |
Behind-the-wheel instruction | 7 | Designated PTDE instructor | 2 hours per day maximum |
Additional supervised practice | 30 | Any licensed adult 21+, 1+ year license | 2 hours per day (parent-certified) |
Total | 44 |
10 of the 30 practice hours must be completed at night.
Who Can Supervise Each Type
In-car observation and BTW instruction (14 hours total): The designated PTDE instructor listed on the PTDE Packet — typically a parent, grandparent, foster parent, or formally designated adult.
Additional 30 practice hours: Any licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and has held a license for at least 1 year. This does not have to be the designated PTDE instructor — a grandparent, other parent, or family friend who qualifies can supervise practice hours.
Daily Limits
BTW instruction by the PTDE instructor: maximum 2 hours per day
Parent-certified practice driving: maximum 2 hours per day
Combined BTW instruction and classroom time in the same day must not exceed 6 hours total
When BTW Training Can Begin
Behind-the-wheel training cannot begin until the Learner's Permit has been physically issued at the DPS office. Hours driven before the permit is in hand do not count toward the requirement.
The Driving Log
The PTDE Packet from TDLR includes a driving log template for tracking hours. The family should maintain this log throughout the program. The log does not need to be submitted to DPS at the Provisional License stage — it is a family record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Driving Logic track or verify BTW hours? No. The 44 BTW hours are logged and certified by the parent. Driving Logic provides only the online classroom course.
What counts as a "night" hour? TDLR defines nighttime driving generally as driving during hours of darkness. Consult the PTDE Packet instructions for the specific definition applicable to your program.
Can a driving instructor from a commercial school supervise the practice hours? The 30 practice hours can be supervised by any qualified adult who meets the age and license requirements — the supervisor does not need to be a certified instructor. The 14 hours of instruction and observation, however, must be with the designated PTDE instructor.
What if the PTDE instructor becomes ineligible during the program? Contact TDLR immediately. DPS verifies instructor eligibility at the Provisional License stage — hours accumulated with an ineligible instructor may not count. Designating a new eligible instructor as soon as possible is important.
Is there a minimum BTW training period? With a 2-hour daily cap on instruction, the 14 hours of observation and instruction require at least 7 days to complete. The 30 practice hours at 2 hours per day require at least 15 days. Combined, the minimum BTW training spans several weeks even at the maximum daily pace.