Texas State Approved Driving Courses

When taking a driver's course in Texas, be sure that it is state approved.

In an effort to streamline the handling of traffic tickets and driver's license issuance, Texas updated the state's driving laws in September 2009. This law states that anyone who wants to have a Texas driver's license must pass the state-approved driving course and test. Drivers who received traffic tickets may also take courses to get the infractions voided.

Driver Education

This is a minimum 56-hour course mainly for new drivers. The Teen Driver Education course is offered in public schools, driving schools, and can be facilitated by a parent. The classroom portion must be at least 32 hours, with seven hours spent observing inside the car as a passenger, and the another seven behind the wheel. Twenty hours of driving time is also required, including 10 hours of night driving.

Driving Safety

This is a minimum six-hour course that is usually a requirement for those who have received traffic citations or want to have a traffic ticket dismissed. This course is also offered in Spanish, and for the hard of hearing (or hearing-impaired drivers).

Drug and Alcohol Driving Awareness Program (DADAP)

This is another six-hour minimum course that can be taken online or in state-approved schools. The online course must be given by a state-approved DADAP instructor for it to be valid.

It is a course required by law to be taken in the instance of drug- and alcohol-related vehicular citations. It is only part of a court requirement, and can take the place of an alcohol-awareness course. Completion of this course will not dismiss a traffic ticket.

Specialized Driving Safety (Seat Belt) Course

This is a four- hour course that is usually ordered by a judge to a traffic offender. Other courses may also be required. It focuses mainly on the use of the seat belts for adults, babies and children. It also educates drivers on the seat-belt law and the penalties one may incur for non-compliance.

References

• Driver Training and Education
• Texas Education Agency: Specialized Seat Belt Course