Teenagers cannot wait to land that ultimate status symbol: a shiny new driver's license. But they will need to go through a multi-step process before they can do so. In Texas, young drivers need to study carefully and be fully prepared before they make their first move. If you are advising your 16-year-old teenager, what do you need to know about the driver's license process?
Teens Start Here
All teenagers living in Texas have to go through the Graduated Driver License program, and they will need to complete a driver's ed course before they can get their license. Regulators have specifically designed this course to give teenagers the right amount of coaching. Eventually, they will get their non-restricted license and their ultimate freedom.
Learner's Permit
The first step in the process is the coveted learner's permit. To apply for the learner's license, drivers will need to be at least 15 years of age. They will also need to have your consent as a parent or legal guardian. Then, they can take the following steps:
Complete at least six hours of a driver's ed course (the first two chapters in the IDriveSafely course).
Take the Texas driver knowledge exam and get a passing score. If they fail, they have to wait 24 hours before they can try once more.
In-Car Training
After getting a provisional license (learner's permit), the young driver will need to finish their driver's ed course and work on polishing their driving skills.
They will need to complete at least 14 hours of in-car training with a driving instructor approved by the state. This procedure will involve seven hours of direct instruction and seven hours of observation.
They will also need 30 hours of driving under the supervision of a licensed driver. This must include at least 10 hours of driving at night.
Finally, they'll need to take the Impact Texas Teen Drivers class — we'll go more into that below.
Impact Texas Teen Drivers
Texas recently introduced a training course designed through education and awareness to focus the attention of teen drivers when they're behind the wheel.
TheImpact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) course involves an eight-part video that will show how dangerous it is to drive while distracted. It will focus on real-life stories of those who have, unfortunately, learned the hard way.
The course consists of eight individual modules that a student can view independently. The teen must complete the course in its entirety before they can move on. Once finalized, they must print out the certificate and submit it.
The ITTD Course will primarily focus on the dangers of using a mobile phone or another device while behind the wheel and will show what can happen in the worst-case scenario. The teen must complete the course no more than 90 days before they take their skill examination for it to be valid.
If all is good, the teen can attempt their in-car road test at the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Enroll with the Best
As you can see, there's a lot involved, so it pays to enroll with a recognized and reputable facility like IDriveSafely.com. Your teen will be able to complete all the educational elements and do those in-car driving lessons, so long as they have the learner's permit at the outset.
Start the process by scheduling some lessons with IDriveSafely.com. We are nationally approved and accredited, and our professional instructors will help your teen at every stage of the process.