Parent-Taught vs Instructor-Taught Driver's Ed: Which is Best For Your Texas Teen?

In Texas, parents are allowed to teach their teens to drive. For many parents, this can be a hair-raising experience they would rather avoid. Others are happy to take on the challenge. If you're trying to decide which is best, here's what you need to know when deciding on parent-taught vs instructor-taught driver's ed.

Parent-Taught Driver Education

Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE) allows parents to teach teens between the ages of 14 and 17. They'll go through theory in an online course and provide practical behind-the-wheel instruction.

"Parents should consider if they are qualified to teach their child to drive and if the child would be best served by having their parent teach them to drive," said Stephen Howsley of the Texas Home School Coalition.

What to Consider:

"Parent-taught driver education programs must be approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)," said Howsley. Therefore, choose a class that meets state regulations.
Parent-taught drivers ed usually costs less than instructor-taught lessons.
Are you an anxious person? If you're going scream "stop" and hit imaginary brakes, teaching your teen to drive may not be for you. Overreacting can startle the learner and cause them to have an accident.
If your teen has an accident, submitting an insurance claim may increase your insurance rate, plus having the car out for repairs is an inconvenience.

Successfully navigating the parent-taught approach requires preparation and patience. Our comprehensive guide to parent-taught drivers education in TexasTrending Navigating The Waters Of Parent Taught Drivers Education In Texas Driversed.com provides essential tips for keeping your cool, creating effective practice sessions, and building your teen's confidence behind the wheel.

How to Teach Your Child to Drive in Texas

If you decide to teach your teen to drive, this is how the PTDE process works in Texas.

If your criminal and driving record is clean, you can purchase the Parent-Taught Drivers Education course from the TDLR for $20. If not, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety to find out if you are eligible for the course. Alternatively, you can use an online driving school, like DriversEd.com.
Your teen will first complete 32-hours of theory before they can apply for the learner's permit. They must be 15 years old to get a permit.
When they pass their learner exam, they will receive a Texas Driver Education Certificate of Completion. This certificate must be presented to the DPS when applying for a learner license.
Your teen will then complete 44 hours behind-the-wheel instruction, of which 10 hours must be at night. Once completed, they can take the driver's exam.

Understanding the timeline is crucial for planning. Texas drivers education requirementsTrending How Long Tx Drivers Ed Teens And Adults Driversed.com specify that teens need 24 classroom hours plus 44 behind-the-wheel hours, spread over at least 16 days to ensure proper learning retention.

Building Effective Parent-Teen Communication

Teaching your teen to drive involves more than just vehicle operation—it requires effective communication and emotional management. Research shows that parent-teen driving relationshipsTrending 5 Tips Parents Teen Drivers Driversed.com benefit significantly from written agreements and clear expectations about responsibilities and consequences.

Remember that your teen is watching your behavior as a model. Even during instruction, maintaining calm, supportive communication helps build their confidence and creates a positive learning environment.

Instructor-Taught Drivers Ed

Sending your teen to a reputable driving school ensures their instruction is in line with the TDLR's requirements. You'll also avoid the stress that comes with trying to teach them yourself. Even the best parent-teen relationships can take strain during driving lessons. Each child is different. While one child will be easy to teach yourself, another may learn better with a driving school instructor.

Deciding between parent-taught and instructor-taught drivers ed is not always easy.

"Parents should make the choice that best meets the needs of their child," recommended Howsley. He advises parents to discuss it as a family. "Instructor-taught drivers education is a better option for students when the family feels comfortable that it is the right choice. When weighing options, families must decide together what is best for the student, but ultimately that final decision comes down to the parents."

Key Considerations for Both Approaches

Regardless of which path you choose, certain fundamentals remain important:

Supervised Practice: Texas requires extensive behind-the-wheel practice hours. Parents will be involved in supervised driving regardless of the initial instruction method.
Permit Restrictions: Understanding Texas learner's permit rulesTrending Driving School Permit Texas Driversed.com helps families plan appropriately. Teens cannot drive alone to school or activities with just a permit—they need a licensed adult 21 or older in the passenger seat.
Long-term Safety: The goal is developing safe, confident drivers who will make good decisions throughout their driving careers.

The Benefits of an Online Driver's Ed Course

Taking an online driver's ed course is the quickest and most convenient way for teens to get the learner's and driver's licenses. All DriversEd.com online courses are approved by the TDLR. Teens can take our Teen Drivers Ed CourseTexas Teen Drivers Ed Driversed.com or parents can sign up for the Parent-Taught Drivers Ed CourseTexas Parent Taught Drivers Ed Driversed.com. Our parent-taught course includes checklists and sections to help parents teach lessons more effectively.

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

The decision between parent-taught and instructor-taught drivers education ultimately depends on your family's unique circumstances, your teen's learning style, and your comfort level as an instructor. Both approaches can produce safe, confident drivers when implemented thoughtfully and with proper preparation.

Consider factors like:

Your availability and schedule flexibility
Your teen's response to parental instruction in other areas
Your comfort level with the responsibility of teaching critical safety skills
The quality and availability of local driving schools

For parents who choose the parent-taught route, comprehensive resources and structured curricula can make the difference between a stressful experience and a rewarding opportunity to bond with your teen while teaching them life-saving skills.