What Is the TDLR PTDE Packet and Do I Need It Before Starting
Yes — you need the PTDE Packet before your teen begins the course. The Parent Taught Driver Education Program Guide is ordered from TDLR and officially registers the parent or designated adult as the teen's driving instructor with the state of Texas. Course time completed before the packet is received does not count toward the requirement.
What the Packet Is
The PTDE Program Guide is a document produced by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). It outlines the requirements for the program, provides the parent with guidance on how to conduct the behind-the-wheel training, and contains several forms needed during the licensing process — including the instructor eligibility affidavit and the designation form if a non-family adult is serving as the instructor.
What the Packet Contains
Program overview and PTDE rules
Instructor eligibility requirements and affidavit
Behind-the-wheel instruction and practice logs
Designation form for non-family instructors
Guidance for the Learner's Permit and Provisional License DPS visits
How Much It Costs
The PTDE Packet costs $20 and is paid directly to TDLR. This fee is separate from the Driving Logic course fee and is not refundable through Driving Logic — contact TDLR directly for packet-related questions.
Does the Packet Need to Come to DPS?
No. The PTDE Packet does not need to be brought to either the Learner's Permit or the Provisional License DPS visit. The DE-964 certificates are the documents DPS requires at each stage. The packet is for the family's use during the program — keep it on hand throughout the process, but do not worry about bringing the physical packet to DPS.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Cost | $20 |
Paid to | TDLR — not Driving Logic |
Ordered at | tdlr.texas.gov |
Delivery | Instant by email |
Required before starting | Yes — teen's course time does not count without it |
Required to bring to DPS | No |
One packet per | Student — a second teen needs a new $20 packet |
Lost packet | Contact TDLR directly — Driving Logic cannot reissue |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if we start the course before the packet arrives? Any course time completed before the PTDE Packet is received does not count toward the 24-hour requirement. If the teen starts early, those hours cannot be applied — the course would need to be restarted from the point after the packet was received. Do not start the course until the packet email has been received.
Is the PTDE Packet the same as the Driving Logic course? No. They are two separate things. The PTDE Packet is a government registration document from TDLR. The Driving Logic course is the online classroom instruction. Both are required as part of the PTDE program.
Does each teen in the family need their own packet? Yes. Each student who participates in the PTDE program must have their own $20 packet ordered from TDLR.
Can we order the packet by mail? Yes, but online ordering at tdlr.texas.gov is much faster — the packet is emailed immediately after payment. Mail orders can take 2–3 weeks. Order online to avoid delays.
If the packet email does not arrive, what do we do? Check spam and junk folders. If the email is not there, you can check the status of your order and download the guide directly from the TDLR website using the information submitted during the order. Contact TDLR if further assistance is needed — Driving Logic does not have access to PTDE Packet orders.