Third Party Skills Testing Program

The Third Party Skills Testing (TPST) program authorizes Driver Education schools that have been certified by the Department to administer the driving test for Class C non-commercial driver license applicants. This program is intended to ensure you have the knowledge and skills needed to safely operate a motor vehicle, and also reduces the time you must wait to take your driving test.

Approved Driver Education schools have undergone a certification process by the Department which includes:

• Testing of the Driver Education school instructors
• Audit and approval of the drive route used for the drive test

(For information on becoming a TPST authorized organization or examiner, visit How to Become a TPST Provider.)

You may be able to complete the drive test at an approved Driver Education school for the issuance of your Texas driver license, provided you meet the following criteria:

If you are 16 years of age or older:

• Possess a valid DE-964 showing you have completed a Minors Driver Education Course
• Have held a valid learner license for a minimum of six months
• Complete the ITD requirements by viewing the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) video. The certificate of completion must be dated within 90 days prior to taking the drive test.

If you are 18-24 years of age:

• Possess a valid DE-964 or ADE-1317 showing completion of a Driver Education Course
• Have a valid restricted driver license
• Complete the ITD requirements by viewing the Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) video. The certificate of completion must be dated within 90 days prior to taking the drive test.

If you are 25 years of age or older:

• Have a valid restricted driver license
• Complete the ITD requirements by viewing the Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) video. The certificate of completion must be dated within 90 days prior to taking the drive test.

If you are older than 25 and are applying for a Texas driver license for the first time, you are not required to have completed driver education, however it is highly recommended.

To schedule a drive test at an authorized Driver Education school, follow the link below:

NOTE: Fees assessed for a drive test administered by a Driver Education school are not regulated by the Department.

Authority
Information on the Third Party Skills Testing Program can be found here:

• 37 Texas Administrative Code, Section 15.61
• Texas Transportation Code, Section 521.165