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 most of that course online instead of sitting in a classroom. The online portion covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and hazard recognition. You'll watch videos, read material, and answer questions as you go.

You need this course if you're under 18. If you're 18 or older, you can skip the course and go straight to the written test, though taking it is still an option. The course itself doesn't get you the permit; it's a requirement you complete before the Texas Department of Public Safety will let you test for one.

Most online courses in Texas are offered by private companies approved by the state, not by the state itself. You pay the course provider directly, not the DPS. The cost varies by provider but typically ranges from $20 to $50.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas requires an approved driver education course for anyone under 18 before taking the written permit test.
  • You can complete most of the course online through a state-approved provider, though some require a small in-person component.
  • The online course teaches traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving but does not issue your permit — you still need to pass the written test at a DPS office.
  • You'll receive a completion certificate from the course provider, which you bring to the DPS when you test for your permit.
  • Course providers are private companies, not the state, so you choose which one and pay them directly.

Finding and choosing an approved online provider

The Texas DPS does not run the online courses itself. Instead, it approves private companies to offer them. You can find a list of approved providers on the DPS website under driver education course providers. Each provider has its own website, pricing, and course structure, though all must cover the same required material.

When choosing a provider, check whether the course is fully online or requires some in-person time. Some providers require you to attend a classroom session or take a final exam in person, while others are completely online. Read the course description carefully so you know what to expect before you pay.

Look for a provider that fits your schedule. Most online courses let you start and stop whenever you want, so you can work through the material over days or weeks. Some providers let you complete it in a single session if you prefer.

How to enroll and work through the course

Once you've chosen a provider, go to their website and create an account. You'll enter your name, date of birth, and contact information. Some providers ask for your Texas ID number if you have one, though it's not always required at this stage.

After you enroll and pay, you'll get access to the course material. Most courses are broken into chapters or modules covering topics like traffic signs, right-of-way rules, and impaired driving. You watch videos, read text, and answer questions as you progress. You typically have to answer a certain percentage of questions correctly to move forward.

Keep track of your progress as you go. If you stop partway through, you can usually log back in and pick up where you left off. The course provider will track your completion and issue a certificate when you finish.

What happens after you finish the course

When you complete all the course material and pass any final quiz or exam, the provider generates a completion certificate. This certificate is proof that you've met Texas's driver education requirement. Some providers email it to you; others let you print it from your account.

You need this certificate when you go to a DPS office to take the written permit test. Bring it with you along with your other documents — your birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The DPS will check that your course completion is on file before letting you test.

If you lose your certificate, contact the course provider and ask them to send you another copy or confirm your completion to the DPS directly. Most providers can do this quickly.

Timeline and what to expect at the DPS office

Most online courses take between 6 and 20 hours to complete, depending on the provider and how fast you work through the material. You can usually finish in a few days if you work steadily, or spread it over several weeks if you prefer.

After you finish the course, you can schedule your written permit test at any DPS office. You don't have to wait; you can test the same day you finish if an office has an appointment available. The written test covers the same material as the course and typically has 30 questions. You need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it. You don't have to repeat the online course — your completion certificate stays valid. Most DPS offices let you schedule a retest within a few days.

Cost and payment information

Online course providers charge their own fees, which the state does not set or control. Prices typically fall between $20 and $50, though some providers charge more or less. This is separate from the DPS fee for the written permit test itself, which is around $16 (fees vary slightly by location).

Most providers accept credit cards and debit cards online. Some accept PayPal or other payment methods. Once you pay the course provider, that money goes to them, not to the state. If you have a problem with your payment or need a refund, contact the provider directly — the DPS is not involved in course payments.

If you're 18 or older

Texas does not require the driver education course if you're 18 or older. You can go straight to a DPS office, take the written permit test, and get your learner's permit without completing any course first. However, some people over 18 still choose to take the course to learn the material before testing.

If you're over 18 and decide to take the course anyway, the process is the same: find an approved provider, complete the course, get your certificate, and bring it to the DPS office. It's optional but available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the online course if I'm 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 don't need to provide proof of your schooling status to enroll in the course.

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

If you've already completed an approved driver education course in another state, Texas may recognize it. Contact the DPS or ask the course provider whether your out-of-state completion will transfer. If it won't, you'll need to complete a Texas-approved course before testing for your permit.

Do I have to use the same provider for the whole course?

No. If you start with one provider and switch to another, you can do that — though you'll likely have to pay both providers. It's simpler to choose one provider and stick with it, but switching is technically possible if you need to.

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

If a provider closes, contact the DPS to ask what happens to your progress. The state maintains records of course completions, so even if the provider disappears, your completion should still be on file if you finished the course. If you hadn't finished, you'd need to enroll with a different approved provider.

Can I take the online course on my phone or tablet?

Most providers support phones and tablets, but check the provider's website first to confirm. Some courses work better on a computer. If you have questions about device compatibility, email the provider before you pay.