Texas Changes Licensing Requirements for Younger Drivers

Today’s post is brief, but important: Texas, which until recently did not require proof of driver education for license applicants over 18 years old, has put into effect a law actually passed by the 2009 legislature.

Effective this month, the Texas Department of Public Safety will now require proof that an approved driver education course has been completed, whenever an applicant between the age of 18 and 24 applies for a drivers license in the Lone Star State. In addition, such applicants must pass a driving skills test.

DPS says the proof must be in the form of a certificate showing successful completion of a driver education course approved by the Texas Education Agency. After providing this proof, applicants will still need to pass the driving skills part of the licensing exam, but the written highway signs and traffic laws test will be waived.

The Texas DPS adds that driver safety courses, defensive driving courses, and drug and alcohol driving awareness programs do not meet the “approved course” criteria.

A list of approved courses can be found here: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/drive/activede.html