How to Find the Best Driving School in the Greater Houston Area

Written by Staff Writer

Looking for a driving school in Houston? Before hitting the road and getting a license, you'll need to learn basic skills, complete a course that meets Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requirements and pass your driver's test.

We'll walk you through the requirements and help you find a school that meets your needs.

Understanding Texas Driver Education Requirements

Texas residents under 25 years of age must complete driver's education to get a driver's license. The exact requirements vary depending on age:

14 to 17 years old: Complete a 32-hour classroom education plus 44 hours of hands-on practice with an instructor or other suitable licensed adult. The 32 hours of classroom instruction can be completed online.
18 to 24 years old: Complete a minimum of a 6-hour adult driver's education training with a commercial school. You can satisfy this requirement online.
Older than 25: There is no formal traffic school requirement, but it is still recommended that you take lessons to learn how to drive.

Finding the Best Driving Schools in Houston, TX

To provide the certificate required for a driver's license, a driving school must be approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. You can choose to attend classes in person or complete training online; both options provide the same certificate.

Online Drivers Ed Options

SafeMotorist allows learners to complete a Texas drivers ed course from home. Teenagers can choose a self-taught drivers ed course or get parents involved. A parent or guardian can lead lessons and supervise during the behind-the-wheel portion.

The virtual version does not require in-person sessions or a final exam. It will prepare participants for the road test. New learners can also take the Texas learner's permit exam online as part of the class.

Why Choose SafeMotorist?

We offer online training for teens and adults alike, covering everything from basic skills to advanced defensive maneuvering techniques. Of all the schools Houston has to offer, SafeMotorist is the most convenient way to complete classroom training. Log on at any time, work at your own pace and connect from almost any device.

Our lessons are developed by experienced instructors who put a premium on safety. Our course is state-approved to qualify learners for their licensing exam. Upon completion, the certificate of completion is available for download immediately.

Which Course Should I Choose?

Depending on your age, preferred learning style and family situation, you may choose between any of our three virtual driver's ed programs, including:

Driver's Ed for Teens

Choose from either self-taught instruction or parent-led instruction.

Our self-taught teen driver education course is perfect for new drivers aged 14 to 17. This 32-hour course, including the learner's permit exam, covers:

Traffic laws and road signs
Preparation and readiness
Alcohol and drugs
Vehicle movement
Risk reduction
Environmental factors
Distractions
Adverse conditions

Teens who opt for this program will have to find a professional instructor to lead the 44 mandatory hours of supervised practice.

The parent-taught drivers education course is also designed for teens ages 14 to 17 and includes both the 32 hours of instructional content and 44 hours of parent-led behind-the-wheel practice. A parent or guardian will need to act as both teacher and instructor. This includes the exam to get a learner's permit.

Adult Driver Education

For learners aged 18 to 24, we offer a six-hour course to meet state requirements and qualify for the exam. This work must be completed along with the free Impact Texas Adult Driver program to apply for a license.

The adult education course presents a condensed curriculum tailored for mature learners with a focus on:

Practical road skills
Traffic control devices
Alcohol and drug impact
Preparation for the DPS driver's test

Upon completion, you get a digital certificate that is valid for 90 days, so schedule your road test and license application within that time frame.

Defensive Driving

Already licensed? Consider enrolling in a defensive driving course to enhance your driving skills and potentially reduce insurance premiums. The six-hour training is state-approved for ticket dismissal and accepted by all county courts. This allows users to skip in-person traffic school and work at an individual pace.

Topics covered include:

Advanced defensive driving techniques
Crash avoidance strategies
Updates on traffic laws and safe practices
Moving violations and licensing actions

Start Today!

Our courses make it easy and affordable to prepare for the driver's license exam. Learn from expert instructors and build confidence before getting behind the wheel.