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Teen Drivers Ed:
Here's How it Works

Receiving a drivers license is a memorable and major milestone in someone's life. This license signifies freedom, responsibility and maturity. While getting your drivers license can be exciting, there is a lot to track along the way. We are here to make this as easy as possible for you! Continue scrolling down to find eligibility requirements and checklists to help guide you through this next exciting stepping stone in life.

Learn The Process

Texas law requires teens to complete a 32 hour theory course, 7 hours of driving & 7 hours of observation. An additional 30 hours of driving must be logged with a parent or instructor before you can get your license. 

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Enroll At SafeWay

You can enroll in a drivers ed program shortly before your 15th birthday. When selecting a program, be sure that includes both the theory and behind the wheel training. SafeWay's online course is fully integrated with our in-car training, making it the most comprehensive course in Texas!

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Apply For Your Permit

You will need to receive the permit portion of your DE-964 from us. You will take this certificate to DPS along with the other required identification documents. Unlike some online programs that make you wait until you’ve completed the course, SafeWay Driving will mail your permit paperwork after successfully completing your third session!

SafeWay Driving Drivers Ed Car

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Complete A SafeWay Program

You need to successfully complete 32 hours of theory work as well as a minimum of 7 hours of driving and 7 hours of observation with a certified driving school or registered parent-taught program. Remember that learning to drive is not a rite of passage, but a skill set. National Standards recommend at least 10 hours of behind the wheel professional instruction.

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Transfer to SafeWay

A lot of students transfer to us after starting with someone else. You can transfer to SafeWay Driving to complete your drivers ed program! Before you begin your in-car driving with us, we’ll induct you into the SafeWay Driving System so that you are fully prepared to get behind the wheel.

SafeWay Driving Driver Training Car

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Complete 30 Hour Parent Log

The 81st Texas legislature enacted the Less Tears More Years Act which requires young drivers to receive an additional 30 hours of behind-the-wheel instructions by a certified instructor, parent or guardian before you can receive your license. At least 10 of these hours must take place at nighttime. SafeWay Driving can provide some or all of these hours for you.

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Take Your Road Test

Avoid the hassle of taking your driving test at the DPS office. SafeWay Driving is now authorized to offer the official Road Test at our convenient SafeWay Drive Sites. Get your license in familiar surroundings! Whether you take your Road Test with SafeWay or choose to wait to take it with the DPS, you will first need to take the two-hour online IMPACT course.

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Apply for Your License

To get your license, you will need to receive the license portion of your DE-964 from your course provider. You will take this certificate to the DPS along with the other required identification documents. If you take your Road Test with SafeWay Driving, we will provide you with a sealed envelope to take to the DPS

Eligibility Requirements

Here are the eligibility requirements for a teen to get their driver's license.

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Course

  • Be at Least 14 Years and 10 Months old (SafeWay Requirement)

  • Enroll in 32 Hour Online/Classroom Course

  • Register for 7 Hrs. Driving/7 Hrs. Observation

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Permit

  • Be at least 15 Yrs. Old

  • Successfully Complete 6 Course Hours

  • Pass Road Rules Test

  • Pass Road Signs Test

  • Receive DE-964 Certificate (Permit)

  • Gather DPS Required Documentation

License

  • Be at Least 16 Yrs. Old

  • Hold Permit for 6 Months

  • Successfully Complete 32 Hour Course

  • Successfully Complete Driving Requirements

  • Complete 30 Hour Log

  • Receive DE-964 Certificate (License)

  • Complete IMPACT TX Teen Drivers Course

  • Gather DPS Required Documentation

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Teen Driving Checklists

What are the steps to get your permit? How do you schedule your drives? What do you need to take with you to get your license? We know you're bound to have a lot of questions for us, and we have the answers. Take a look at our checklists and learn more about what you need.

Teen Driver Checklist

Get on the road to safe driving

Learners Permit Checklist

Find DPS required documents for your permit

Scheduling Your Drives Checklist

Start scheduling your drives

The "What's Next" Checklist

Discover your next step after completing the course

Getting Your Driver's License Checklist

Find out the steps to get your driver's license

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