Texas Online Driver Education and Texas Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Texas? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Texas has implemented a graduated driver license program for Texas drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Texas.

Texas Instruction Permit (Learner's Permit)

You may apply for an instruction permit in Texas after your 15th birthday. When you go down to the local driver's license office, be sure to take the following paperwork with you:

• Certificate of completion of a state-approved drivers education course.
• A valid form of ID (for a list of acceptable ID's, please visit the Texas DPS website)
• Social Security card
• Proof of current enrollment in and attendance of high school

At the driver's license office, you will first need to pass a vision screening test and then you will be given the written test. If you pass, you will be issued your instruction permit.

Instruction Permit--Restrictions:

• You must drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old who actively supervises your driving from the front passenger seat.
• Everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt!

Texas Provisional License

• You may apply for a provisional license if you meet the following requirements:
• Have had your instruction permit for at least 6 months and maintained a safe driving record
• Completed a state-approved drivers education course (which includes both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction)

When you're ready to upgrade to a provisional license, head back down to the local driver's license office with the identification documents you took last time plus your instruction permit. You will be given a road test, and if you pass you will be issued your provisional license.

Provisional License--Restrictions:

• Cell Phones may not be used while you are driving
• Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt
• You may have only 1 non-family passenger who's under 21 years of age riding in the car with you
• You may not drive between the hours of 12 midnight and 5am unless you're driving to or from your job, a school-sponsored activity, or for a medical emergency.

After the first 6 months of having your provisional license, the above restrictions are lifted. And, after you turn 18, you may apply for your regular driver's license.

Texas Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in Texas is as follows:

• $25,000--personal injury (1 person)
• $50,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
• $25,000--property damage per accident

Driving without the required amount of auto insurance is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.

Texas Drunk Driving Laws

Drinking while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Texas, and the law is strictly enforced.

Upon your FIRST Texas DUI conviction, you will face the following penalties:

• Jail time ranging from 3 to 180 days (or 180 days to 2 years if a child under 15 is in the vehicle)
• Suspension of your license anywhere from 90 days to 365 days
• $2,000 fine ($10,000 if a child under 15 is in your vehicle)
• $1,000 DWI surcharge penalty ($2,000 if a child under 15 is in the vehicle) each year for 3 years

Further DUI convictions will result in even more severe penalties, including extended jail time, fines, community service, and the revocation of your driver's license.

Texas Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

Texas law prohibits teen-aged drivers from using cell phones or other electronic devices while they are driving.

Texas Drivers Education

For more information on approved drivers education courses available to teen-age drivers in Texas, please visit the TX DPS website.