What Is the PTDE Instructor Designation Form
The PTDE Instructor Designation Form is a TDLR document that formally authorizes a non-family adult to serve as the teen's driving instructor in the Parent Taught Driver Education program. It is only required when the instructor is someone other than the teen's parent, stepparent, grandparent, step-grandparent, foster parent, or court-appointed legal guardian.
When the Form Is Required
Instructor | Form Required? |
Parent or stepparent | No |
Grandparent or step-grandparent | No |
Foster parent | No |
Court-appointed legal guardian | No |
Family friend, neighbor, or other designated adult | Yes |
Who Completes the Form
The designation form is completed by the parent or legal guardian — not by the designated adult themselves. It must be signed by the parent or guardian and submitted as part of the PTDE program.
Designated Adult Requirements
The person being designated must meet all standard PTDE instructor requirements plus additional criteria:
Requirement | Value |
Minimum age | 25 years old |
Driving experience | At least 7 years |
Charges a fee | No — must not charge for instruction |
Valid Texas license | Yes — held for at least 3 years |
Points on license | Fewer than 6 |
DWI in past 7 years | None |
Suspension in past 3 years | None |
Where to Find the Form
The designation form is included in the PTDE Program Guide Packet ordered from TDLR. It is not available separately from Driving Logic — it must come from the official PTDE Packet.
A Power of Attorney Is Not Sufficient
A general power of attorney does not authorize someone to serve as a PTDE instructor. The specific TDLR designation form from the PTDE Packet is required. Using any other form or document will not satisfy the requirement.
The Designated Instructor Must Be Present at DPS
If a designated adult (rather than the parent) served as the PTDE instructor, that designated adult must be present at both the Learner's Permit and the Provisional License DPS appointments, in addition to the parent or legal guardian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the designated adult complete and sign the form themselves? No. The designation must be made by the parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian completes and signs the form, designating the other adult as the instructor.
Can a family friend serve as the PTDE instructor if they meet all requirements? Yes, if they are at least 25, have at least 7 years of driving experience, meet all standard eligibility requirements, and do not charge a fee. The parent must complete the designation form from the PTDE Packet.
Is the designation form submitted to TDLR before the course starts? The designation is part of the PTDE Packet process. The form is typically kept with the family's PTDE records and presented at the DPS when needed, rather than submitted separately to TDLR in advance. Refer to the PTDE Packet instructions for the specific submission process.
What if the designated instructor becomes ineligible during the program? The DPS will verify the instructor's record at both DPS visits. If the instructor is found ineligible at either stage, the application may be denied and prior training hours may not count. Contact TDLR if the instructor's situation changes during the program.