Driver training rules in Texas

✓ Checked against official sources · 2026-10-18

Driver training rules in Texas for teen and adult driver's education, CDL schools, carriers that train their own drivers and school bus drivers, each with a link to the official source. Federal ELDT rules (49 CFR Part 380) apply in every state on top of these.

Driver education (teens)	Required under 18: 24 hours classroom; behind-the-wheel is 7 hours observing and 7 hours driving with the instructor, plus 30 hours practice (10 at night) with a licensed driver 21+. ITTD within 90 days of the road test.source 1 · source 2
Supervised practice (teens)	30 hours practice (10 at night) with licensed driver 21+; hold learner license at least 6 months.source 2
New adult drivers	Ages 18-24: 6-hour adult driver education course required before testing. Age 25+: no course required.source 3 · source 1
Who licenses driving schools	Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) licenses driver education providers and instructors.source 4
CDL training: state rules beyond federal ELDT	DPS applies federal ELDT rules to specific categories of CDL applicants. No state hours found.source 5
CDL schools: state license	Yes. Texas Workforce Commission licenses truck-driving schools as career schools (Educ. Code ch. 132; 40 TAC 807 Subch. Q).source 6 · source 7
CDL schools: state hours or curriculum	No state hour minimum. Programs must follow 49 CFR 380, include human-trafficking training, and carry no more than 4 students per vehicle during behind-the-wheel.source 7
CDL schools: instructor rules	Yes. TWC approves each instructor (the school applies within 5 days of hire, 40 TAC 807.83). Truck instructors need a secondary education, a 40-hour instructor development course, and 3 years of full-time tractor-trailer driving in the last 10 years (807.81, 807.321).source 7
Carriers training their own drivers: license	Exempt only if TWC grants an exemption request: employer-sponsored training for its own employees, no tuition, and employees not made to repay it (Educ. Code 132.002(a)(4)).source 8
Carriers: hours or curriculum	TWC truck-program rules do not apply once a carrier is exempted; Texas sets no hours for anyone; federal ELDT only.source 8 · source 7
Carriers: instructor rules	TWC instructor qualifications do not apply to an exempted employer program; federal 380.605 applies.source 8
New school bus drivers	20-hour certification training required for all school bus drivers, per the Course Guide for School Bus Driver Training in Texas (given by Region 6 ESC).source 9 · source 10
School bus refresher	8-hour recertification every three years.source 9

Driving manuals and handbooks

Official publications from Texas, checked 2026-10-19. Read them here or download them; the state's own copy is always linked.

Driving jobs in Texas

Rules change. Always confirm with the state agency before you rely on a rule. Something out of date? Email terry@eldt.courses.

Federal rules in every state

CDL entry-level driver training must come from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry, for a first Class A or B CDL, an upgrade to Class A or B, or a first P, S or H endorsement (49 CFR 380.609). See ELDT record keeping under 49 CFR 380.

Sources

1. https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/driver/education/students/do-i-need-driver-ed/
2. https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/texas-provisional-license-teen
3. https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/choosing-driver-education-course
4. https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/driver/driver.htm
5. https://www.dps.texas.gov/node/5746
6. https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/wf/docs/csc-322-motor-vehicle-fleet-information-twc.pdf
7. https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/wf/docs/rules-chapter-807-career-schools-colleges-twc.pdf
8. https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/wf/docs/csc-017-request-for-exemption-twc.pdf
9. https://esc6.net/school-bus-driver-training-certific
10. https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/highway-patrol/school-bus-transportation

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