2. This course will provide you with a knowledge of traffic
laws that will give you the foundation to make the best
legal, responsible, and risk-reducing decisions.
Ready? Let’s go.
3. Parent Taught Packet
Not so fast. Before you can get your permit, you need a Parent Taught Guide from the
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). If your parents already
requested the guide, then awesome - You’re one step ahead and ready to move on. If
you do not have it then you need to STOP and do this as soon as possible!
1) Determine Your Eligibility. This form will assist you in determining your eligibility so read it carefully.
We will discuss this further in a moment but for now, just click on this link to get started:
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/driver/forms/DPS001.pdf
2) When you are sure of your eligibility, request the Parent Taught Driver Education Program Guide by
clicking on the following link: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/ParentTaught/PTSelect.aspx The state fee
to purchase the guide is $20 (non-refundable). You can also check your status right here if you
already applied.
TIP: Technology is your friend - order the guide ONLINE then print it out yourself so you can go to the DPS much sooner and
get your permit!
4. The Parent: Your role in the young driver’s licensing
process
● A parent or legal guardian, are vital to the success of each student
enrolled in a driver education course.
● You will be required by rule to provide 44 hours of driving to your
student; 10 hours of which must be at night.
● You must continue to monitor your teen’s driving after receipt of their
learner license and reinforce safety belt use, passenger restrictions, and
no cell phone use while driving.
● You should also serve as a positive role model by demonstrating safe
driving habits and behaviors when you are driving.
5. The Parent: Your role in the young driver’s licensing
process
● A parent or legal guardian, plays a vital role in the success of each student
enrolled in a driver education course.
● You will be required by rule to provide 32 hours of classroom and 44 hours
of in-car driving to your student; 10 hours of which must be at night.
Drive Along will assist you with meeting the 32-hour classroom
requirement.
● You must continue to monitor your teen’s driving after receipt of their
learner license and reinforce safety belt use, passenger restrictions, and
no cell phone use while driving.
● Remember to: Demonstrate safe driving habits and behaviors while you
are driving your vehicle; students learn a lot by watching us.
6. The Parent: Your role in the young driver’s licensing process- (In-
car practice sessions)
Parental reinforcement of basic driving skills and good decision-making will lead
to safe driving habits that will last a lifetime.
● Enjoy your time together. Have fun! This is a great “bonding” opportunity. Focus on
the driving task and leave family issues at home.
● When you drive, set a good example to model. Always wear your safety belt. Try to
correct any unsafe driving habits that you may have acquired; such as rolling
through stop signs, accelerating through yellow lights, exceeding the speed limit,
driving distracted, etc.
● If possible, initial instruction should begin in a car with an automatic transmission
so that your teen can focus on mastering basic vehicle control maneuvers.
7. The Parent: Your role in the young driver’s licensing process (In-
car practice sessions)
• Select driving environments that complement the lesson objectives and the novice
driver’s ability. Start in parking lots and progress to quiet neighborhoods. Stay in a
safe, low-risk environment as long as needed; and, in the beginning, practice using
driving routes familiar to your teen.
• Check to make sure your teen has their Instructional Permit and insurance
information with him or her when operating a vehicle.
• Explain the objectives of each lesson and review what was learned in the last
lesson.
• Feedback should be precise and immediate. If a mistake is made, repeat the
maneuver, taking the driver step by step through the process, and then allow
practice without assistance.
• Be patient, stay calm, and alert at all times. Make positive remarks
8. The Parent: Your role in the young driver’s licensing process- (In-
car practice sessions)
● Have short, well-planned practice sessions. Thirty minutes is the optimum learning
period for beginning drivers.
● When you progress to hour lessons: The first 30 minutes of each one-hour session
should be used to introduce and practice new skills. Assess the teen’s
understanding of the lesson objective(s) during the second half of the session. Set
high standards and evaluate each driving session together.
● In a parking lot, practice steering the car with your left hand from the passenger
seat.
● If you have a car with a parking brake between the seats, practice stopping the car
by depressing the release button and raising the parking brake.
● If possible, integrate night driving into each area of instruction.
9. What you need to know as a potential novice
(new) driver.
Receiving a license is defined as a privilege; not just by your parents- but by the law.
You will UNDERESTIMATE the dangers of driving and OVERESTIMATE your ability
behind the wheel. It’s normal - just know you’re doing it!
REAL FACTS: Nearly half of
all new drivers will end up with
a traffic offense or in a
collision within the first twelve
months of driving.
Each year almost 40,000 people die in
car accidents. Traffic fatalities are the
leading cause of death for people ages
4 - 34. 16 year old drivers have the
highest fatality rates.
The facts we just mentioned do not
have to include you. This course
gives you an opportunity to learn to
drive the right way so pay close
attention to each lesson in this
course.The more you know the less
likely your risk on the road.
