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(281) 762-0958

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Don't Know Where to Start?

Links, FAQs, and how to get your license in TX

You’re just getting started with Driver’s Ed and we’re sure you have questions! We’ve collected some helpful information below to help you navigate the rules and regulations of becoming a newly licensed driver in Texas. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to us.

The licensing process for minors in Texas is complicated and is regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). We’ll make it as simple as possible for you!

Step 1: Take a 24-hour driver’s education course

  • You can start this course as early as 14, but you can’t get your permit (also known as a Learner’s License) until you’re 15.
  • There are several ways to complete this course:
    • Online or in-person at our Richmond, TX office (also known as Instructor-led)
    • With your parent or guardian, if they’re enrolled as a parent-instructor with TDLR (also known as Parent-taught)

Step 2: Take your written test

  • Students who take our in-person class can test with us after the first six hours of the course are complete
  • Online and parent-taught students will need to complete their full course and test at a DPS office
Step 3: Practice, practice, practice
  • Time to put what you learned to use and get some miles behind the wheel! As soon as you have your permit, you can start knocking out the following requirements:
    • 14 hours of structured lessons, including 7 hours of driving and 7 hours of observation of another licensed or student driver
      • Instructor-led students will need to complete these lessons with a licensed instructor
      • Parent-taught students can complete these hours with their parent-instructor
    • 30 hours of supervised practice with a parent or guardian, or other adult who is 21 or older and has been licensed for at least 1 year. You’ll need to keep track of your progress using the TDLR’s practice log (download here)
Step 4: Take your driving exam
  • As long as you’re at least 16 and have had your permit for at least 6 months, you’re ready to take the license exam. Put your new skills to the test. You have two options:
    • Test with Coastline – we’re an authorized third party license tester with DPS. Avoid long appointment wait times at DPS and test at Coastline, in your vehicle or ours. Test nerves? Schedule a pre-test prep lesson, where you can work with an instructor on common sticking points for the exam and test immediately after
      • Most testers are eligible to skip the DPS entirely after testing with us! Call to find out more about how we can submit your completion paperwork to DPS electronically, and you can request your license by mail.
    • Test at DPS – schedule an appointment with an examiner at a DPS field office. Be aware your local field office may have long wait times for appointments and its often much faster to test at Coastline

The licensing process for adults in Texas is different depending on your age and is regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). We’ll make it as simple as possible for you!

Between 18 and 24 years old

  1. Take a 6 hour adult driver’s ed course. You can take your course online, or in-person at our Richmond, TX office
  2. Take your written test for your permit
    1. Included in our in-person course
    2. Must take at DPS if using our online course
  3. Schedule an appointment at DPS to get your permit
  4. Practice with an instructor
    1. While optional, we highly recommend taking at least one lesson with a professional driving instructor
  5. Take your driving exam
    1. You’re ready to take the license exam. Put your new skills to the test. You have two options:
      • Test with Coastline – we’re an authorized third party license tester with DPS. Avoid long appointment wait times at DPS and test at Coastline, in your vehicle or ours. Test nerves? Schedule a pre-test prep lesson, where you can work with an instructor on common sticking points for the exam and test immediately after
        • Most testers are eligible to skip the DPS entirely after testing with us! Call to find out more about how we can submit your completion paperwork to DPS electronically, and you can request your license by mail.
      • Test at DPS – schedule an appointment with an examiner at a DPS field office. Be aware your local field office may have long wait times for appointments and its often much faster to test at Coastline

Age 25 or older

  1. Take a written test for your permit
    1. Driver’s ed is not required for you, but our courses can be helpful in setting the theoretical foundations you’ll need to be successful
  2. Practice with an instructor
    1. While optional, we highly recommend taking at least one lesson with a professional driving instructor
  3. Take your driving exam
    1. You’re ready to take the license exam. Put your new skills to the test. You have two options:
      1. Test with Coastline – we’re an authorized third party license tester with DPS. Avoid long appointment wait times at DPS and test at Coastline, in your vehicle or ours. Test nerves? Schedule a pre-test prep lesson, where you can work with an instructor on common sticking points for the exam and test immediately after
        1. Most testers are eligible to skip the DPS entirely after testing with us! Call to find out more about how we can submit your completion paperwork to DPS electronically, and you can request your license by mail.
      2. Test at DPS – schedule an appointment with an examiner at a DPS field office. Be aware your local field office may have long wait times for appointments and its often much faster to test at Coastline

If you still have questions about the process after reading the above, don’t worry, many people do. Get in touch with us and we can help guide you through what’s required and recommend the best program to suit your individual needs.

  1. 30-Hour Behind The Wheel Practice Log
  2. 30-Hour Behind-The-Wheel Instruction Guidelines
  3. Texas Driver Handbook
  4. How To Prepare For Your Drive Test
  5. Schedule An Appointment At DPS
  6. Impact Texas Teen Driver (ITTD) Video Course
  7. Impact Texas Adult Driver (ITAD) Video Course
  8. DL-14B – Minor Driver License Application
  9. DL-14A – Adult Driver License Application

Yes! If you’ve completed your classroom course with another provider, you can still do your in-car training with us. If you haven’t finished your course already, make sure to complete all remaining hours.

Then you’ll need to request a DE-964 form ‘FOR DRIVER LICENSE ONLY’ copy from your course provider. Ask them to make out the transfer section to:

  • Coastline Academy
  • License # C3317B
  • Address: 902 FM359, Richmond, TX 77406

We can start your lessons without the transfer certificate on file but be aware we will not be able to issue your final DE964 when you complete lessons if we don’t have your prior provider’s certificate made out for transfer to Coastline as above.

Road Test Options

  • Road Test Session
    A state-certified instructor will administer your road test in our car.
  • Road Skills Test Prep + Test
    Get the prep you need with a DPS-certified examiner, and then take your road skills test, all in one session.

Teen Road Test Requirements (16-17 years old)

Before scheduling your test, make sure you have:

  • A valid Learner’s License (held for at least 6 months) and be at least 16 years old.
  • A DE-964 Form marked “FOR DRIVER’S LICENSE ONLY” copy, showing completion of 32 hours of classroom completion and 14 hours of behind the wheel training.
  • An Impact Texas Teen Drivers certificate. Complete the free video course here.

Adult Road Test Requirements (18 years and older)

Before your test, ensure you meet the following requirements:

For adults aged 18-24:

  • An ADE-1317 certificate from a 6-hour adult driver’s education course.

For adults 25 and older:

  • No ADE-1317 certificate is required.

In both cases, you’ll need:

  • A valid Texas Learner’s Permit.
  • An Impact Texas Adult Drivers certificate. Complete the free video course here.

Testing in Your Own Vehicle?

Make sure to bring:

  • A physical copy of your insurance card.
  • Your vehicle must have front and rear license plates.

One of the ways we create a great experience for instructors is helping them manage an efficient schedule. At the same time, we get that life gets in the way sometimes, and it’s important to us that we are able to provide as much flexibility as possible for students. We believe that the best balance is achieved by providing total flexibility for you to cancel or rebook lessons 72 hours or more prior to your lesson, and charge a cancellation or change fee within 72 hours. The cancellation or change fees are as follows:

  • Changes or cancellations made at least 72 hours prior to the lesson start: free
  • Changes or cancellations made between 72 hours and 24 hours prior of the lesson start: 35% of the lesson value
  • Within 24 hours, no shows, or changes or cancellations made after the lesson start: full lesson price

View our full Terms of Service agreement at any time.

We do have female instructors available as well as weekend and evening lessons in some areas. You can preview our most up-to-date availability, as well as instructors serving your location by searching your address on our availability page.