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State Cert Guide

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Do I need drivers ed in Texas as an adult?

If you're under 25, yes, unless a valid license from another state means you don't need one. TDLR, a Texas state website, says everyone under 25 must take a drivers ed course, and its quiz asks about a license from another state. If you're over 25, no. If you're over 18 but under 25, you can take the 6-hour adult course. The 24-hour minor course is another option.

By State Cert GuideChecked against the sources listed below.Published · Updated Report a mistake

The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
6That is how many hours the adult drivers ed course takes.
Verified. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation · Do I Need Driver Ed? (opens state website) · checked Nov 12, 2026
Who needs it
Under 25: a driver education course is requiredThat's TDLR's rule for getting a Texas driver's license.
Same source and date as above
Who needs it
Over 25: no driver education course is requiredThat's TDLR's answer for applying for a Texas driver's license.
Same source and date as above
Adult course
Applicants over 18 may take the 6-hour adult courseTDLR lists it first among the extra options you get once you're past that age.
Same source and date as above
Minor course option
TDLR lists a 24-hour minor driver education course as an optionYou take it with a driver education provider, the same as the adult course.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check whether Texas requires a course for you. TDLR's quiz asks your age and whether you have a valid license from another state. If it says you don't need a course, you can stop here and buy nothing.

  2. Step 2. Pick a course from a driver education provider on the TDLR provider search. If you're over 18, you can take the 6-hour adult course. TDLR also lists the minor course and a parent-taught course as options.

  3. Step 3. Take the course with that provider. If you chose the 24-hour minor course, you may be able to do some of your testing with the provider instead of at DPS.

  4. Step 4. Keep your certificate of completion. If you lose it, ask the school you took the course with for a duplicate.

Before you pay

Ask the school what the course price covers, and whether getting your certificate costs extra. We haven't confirmed a Texas rule on that yet.

Ask how your certificate reaches the state.

Over 18, TDLR lists three options: the 6-hour adult course, the 24-hour minor course and a parent-taught course. With the 24-hour course, you may be able to do some of your testing with the provider instead of at DPS. TDLR links DPS for how to apply. Pick the option that fits how you want to test.

Questions

I'm 25. Do I need a course?

TDLR's quiz has an age choice of "25 years or older", so it has a place for exactly 25. The page's sentences about under 25 and over 25 skip that age. Take the quiz and follow its result before you buy a course.

I have a valid license from another state. How do I apply in Texas?

TDLR points to the Texas DPS Moving to Texas page for details on how to apply. Read it before you buy a course.

I'm in a teen course and just turned 18. Can I use those hours toward the adult course?

No. TDLR says teen classroom hours can't be applied to the adult course. You must finish the full adult course or the full teen program.

Do drivers ed hours from another state count in Texas?

No. Texas says out of state hours don't transfer to Texas.

Can I switch schools after I start?

Yes. TDLR says you may transfer to another driver education school, as long as your previous school was licensed in Texas.

Is there a drivers ed course in American Sign Language?

Yes. TDLR has a course in ASL for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. It is entirely optional. You take it through a licensed driver education school to get a certificate of completion. TDLR doesn't keep information on which providers offer it, so ask your provider before you choose a school.

What to do next

Read TDLR's page before you pay. If it says you need a course, use the provider search to find one.

www.tdlr.texas.gov

Sources we read