What the Texas online course covers and who needs it

Texas requires you to complete a driver education course before you can take the written permit test — and you can do this course entirely online. The course teaches road rules, hazard recognition, and safe driving practices. It takes about 6 to 8 hours to finish, though you can spread it across multiple days.

You need this course if you are under 18. If you are 18 or older, you can skip it and go straight to the written test at the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The online option means you do not have to attend a classroom or sit in a car with an instructor — you watch videos, read material, and take quizzes on your own schedule.

The course is offered by private driving schools approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The state does not run the course itself; it only approves which schools can offer it. This matters because you will pay the school directly, not the state.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas requires all drivers under 18 to complete a driver education course before taking the permit test, and online courses meet this requirement.
  • The course takes 6 to 8 hours and covers traffic laws, road signs, hazard recognition, and safe driving — you complete it at your own pace.
  • You must choose a school approved by the Texas Education Agency; the state maintains a searchable list on the TEA website.
  • After you finish the course, the school sends your completion certificate directly to the DPS, and you can then schedule your written permit test.
  • Cost varies by school but typically ranges from $25 to $100; some schools offer discounts or payment plans.

Finding and choosing an approved Texas online driving school

The Texas Education Agency publishes a list of approved driver education providers on its website. You can search by school name or by county. Look for schools that specifically offer online courses — not all approved schools do, and some offer only classroom or behind-the-wheel instruction.

When you are comparing schools, check what is included in the price. Some schools bundle the course with practice tests for the written permit exam; others charge separately for that. Read reviews from other students if you can find them, and confirm the school is currently active — some schools on the list are no longer operating.

You will need to create an account with the school and provide your name, date of birth, and Texas driver's license number (or state ID number if you do not have a license yet). Some schools ask for your Social Security number as well. Make sure you use the name exactly as it appears on your ID, because the DPS will check this when you take the permit test.

How the online course works and what to expect

Most online courses are broken into chapters or modules. You log in, watch videos, read text, and answer questions as you go. Some schools require you to watch videos in order and will not let you skip ahead; others let you move through the material more freely. You typically cannot pause a video and come back to it later — you have to watch it in one session.

Quizzes are usually built into each chapter. You need to pass them to move forward, though most schools let you retake a quiz if you do not pass the first time. The passing score is usually 70 or 80 percent, depending on the school. At the end of the course, you take a final exam that covers all the material.

The entire process is tracked online. Once you pass the final exam, the school generates a completion certificate and sends it electronically to the DPS. You do not print it or mail it yourself. This usually happens within 24 hours, though some schools take up to 48 hours. You can check your DPS record online to confirm the certificate has been received.

Cost and payment options

Prices for online driver education courses in Texas range from about $25 to $100, depending on the school. Some schools charge a flat fee; others charge more if you want additional services like practice tests or a printed workbook mailed to your home.

Most schools accept credit cards and debit cards online. Some offer payment plans if the full cost is more than you can pay upfront — for example, paying half now and half when you finish. A few schools offer discounts for siblings or for completing the course quickly. Ask about these when you are choosing a school.

The course fee goes to the private school, not to the state. The DPS does not charge you for the course itself, though you will pay a separate fee when you take the written permit test at a DPS office.

What happens after you finish the course

Once the DPS receives your completion certificate from the school, you are cleared to take the written permit test. You do not have to wait any specific amount of time — you can schedule your test as soon as the certificate is in the system. You schedule the test through the DPS website or by calling a local DPS office.

Bring your completion certificate with you to the test, or at least have the school name and completion date ready. The DPS will look up your record, but having the information handy speeds things up. You will also need to bring a valid form of ID — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card.

The written test covers the same material as the online course: road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have 3 attempts to pass it. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake it after a waiting period (usually a few days to a week, depending on your DPS office).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the online course if I am homeschooled?

Yes. The online course is open to anyone under 18 in Texas, regardless of whether you attend public school, private school, or are homeschooled. You just need to be a Texas resident and have a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

What if I move to Texas after starting the course in another state?

Texas will not accept driver education from another state. You must complete a Texas-approved course before you can take the permit test here. If you have already taken a course in another state, you will need to take a Texas course as well.

How long is the completion certificate valid?

The certificate is valid for two years from the date you complete the course. This means you have two years to take and pass the written permit test. If you do not take the test within two years, you will need to retake the course.

Can I do the course on my phone or tablet?

Most schools support phones and tablets, but some require a computer with a larger screen. Check the school's system requirements before you sign up. Even if the course works on your phone, watching 6 to 8 hours of video on a small screen can be hard on your eyes.

What if the school goes out of business before I finish the course?

If a school closes, you will lose access to your account and any progress you made. This is rare, but it happens. Stick with schools that have been operating for several years and have good reviews. If you are concerned, you can call the Texas Education Agency to ask how long a school has been approved.