With the approval from the students’ parents, host parents and PREP, students will be allowed to learn how to drive and secure a driver license. Their application will be reviewed on case by case basis.
There are many driving schools/online driving courses that you can choose. For sake of convenience, I am using Austin Driving School as an example as they have many locations. Another excellent option especially for families in Cedar Park and Round Rock area is Wilco Driving School. The owner teaches and does the testing, so students can be less intimidated by the actual road test.
For online course, we recommend www.aceable.com and www.driversed.com, both offer $75 for teenager and $36 for adults.
Notice: many companies offer a complete package that includes the in-classroom/online driver ed as well as the in-car instruction. The package price is usually less expensive.
The following step by step guide is for your reference. Please let me know and contribute ideas and tips how we can make this process easier for everybody.
Step by Step guide to apply for a driver license for students (Under 18)
Refer to this page for an overview
Step 1: Students secure approval from their parents, host families and PREP
-They have to be at least 15 years old
-They have to demonstrate maturity and responsibility to take care of their own study and life (keep room clean etc.) “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10)
Step 2: Complete in classroom or online training and receive a certificate upon completion
In classroom option:
Take a four week class of total 32 hours, two hours a day 5-7pm, Monday to Thursday. Austin Driving School offer this for $230
Online option:
Go to www.aceable.comand www.driversed.com, both offer $75 for under 18
Students will complete the online course at their own pace and get certificate upon completion
Step 3: Apply for a driving permit
- Visit your local Texas licensing office, you can make an appointment online
- Complete an Application for Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-14A)
- Provide proof of your identity, SSN, residency, and school enrollment/completion.
- Bring the Texas Driver Education Certificate (Form DE-964)
- Pay the $16 learner’s permit fee.
Step 4: Complete a 14 hours behind the wheel practice with instructor from the driver school (7 hours driving and 7 hours observation)
- Austin Driving School offer the in-car instruction for $305, will need make 7 appointments with 2 hours each – They don’t offer pick-up
- Drivers Edoffers the in-car instruction for $399 – They do offer pick-up from a convenient location- local McDonald restaurant. Please call for details.
Step 5: Complete a 30 hours behind the wheel driving with another adult driver 21 years old or older in the front seat next to you at all times
Step 6: apply for driver license
- Held a valid learner license or hardship license for a minimum of six months
- Reached the age of 16
- Completed both the classroom and behind-the-wheel portions of driver education
- Completed Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) course
- Taken and passed a driving test
Step by Step guide to apply for a driver license for students (Above 18)
Step 1: Students secure approval from their parents, host families and PREP (same as Under 18)
Step 2: Complete in classroom or online training and receive a certificate upon completion (6 hours required for adults)
In classroom option:
Take a Saturday class and get it done in one day. Austin Driving School offer this for $75.
Online option:
Go to www.aceable.com and www.driversed.com, both offer $36 for adults
Students will complete the online course at their own pace and get certificate upon completion
Step 3: Apply for a driving permit (same as Under 18)
Step 4: Complete a behind the wheel training with a driving school
- Austin Driving School offers six hours training for beginners at $420 or intermediate drivers for $125
- Drivers Ed offers 2 hours training for $134, 6 hours for $379 and 10 hours for $599
Step 5: apply for driver license
Refer to this page for documentation and requirements
Footnote:
*All the expenses for the driving ed courses are eligible for reimbursement with PREP. Vehicle, insurance, gas and maintenance are student’s and their parent’s responsibility