An online course for taking your Texas drivers license test. Includes six hours of online drivers ed training to prepare student for the written drivers test, taken in the course.
$38.00
Yes, you can take your Texas driver’s license written test online from the comfort of your home. TDLR-approved driver education courses include the official DPS written exam, allowing you to complete this requirement without waiting in line at a DPS office.
Do you have to take the adult driver’s education course, or can you skip it? If you’re 18-24, Texas law requires the 6-hour course for first-time drivers—no exceptions. If you’re 25 or older, you can technically skip it and test at DPS instead. But here’s the reality: the online course is only six hours, completely self-paced, and gives you three chances to pass whenever you want. At the DPS, you must make an appointment, take the same test in person, get only one try, and wait days to retake it—up to 30 days if you fail three times. Save time, skip the hassle, and get it done from home.
Fun Fact: By the time you schedule and take your written test at the DPS, you could’ve already finished our online course—without ever leaving home!
Virtual Drive of Texas has offered online testing through our TDLR-approved courses since 2004. Our Adult Driver’s Education course (TDLR Course #C2636) includes the DPS written test as the final exam, with a 98% first-time pass rate. Upon completion, you receive your ADE-1317 certificate instantly—proof that you’ve passed the written test and can proceed directly to scheduling your road test.
This guide explains how online testing works, who qualifies, and how to get started.
The Texas driver’s license test online isn’t a shortcut or workaround—it’s a legitimate, state-approved method for completing your written exam requirement. Understanding how it works helps you take advantage of this convenient option.
Integration with Driver Education:
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) approves specific driver education courses that include the official DPS written test. Rather than being a separate exam you take elsewhere, the written test is integrated as the final exam of your driver education course.
When you complete Virtual Drive’s Adult Driver’s Education course, the final exam you pass is your DPS written test. The questions cover the same material tested at DPS offices: Texas traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices.
Immediate Certification:
Upon passing the final exam, you receive your ADE-1317 certificate through instant download. This certificate officially documents that you’ve completed TDLR-approved driver education and passed the DPS written exam.
When you visit DPS for your road test, present this certificate along with your other required documents. DPS recognizes certificates from approved providers, including Virtual Drive of Texas, and will not require you to retake the written test.
Study Materials Included:
Online courses don’t just test you—they prepare you. Virtual Drive’s six-hour curriculum covers everything on the written exam through engaging video content, interactive lessons, and practice quizzes. By the time you reach the final exam, you’ve already learned the material thoroughly.
Online testing through driver education courses is available to different groups of Texas drivers, though requirements vary by age.
Adults Ages 18-24 (Required):
Texas law requires adults aged 18-24 to complete a 6-hour TDLR-approved driver education course before obtaining their first driver’s license. Virtual Drive’s Adult Driver’s Education course fulfills this requirement while including the written test, giving you two requirements completed in one course.
If you’re in this age group and need your first Texas license, the online option isn’t just convenient—it’s the most efficient way to get it. You cannot skip this course—it’s mandatory for your age group.
Adults Ages 25 and Older (Optional but Recommended):
Adults 25 and older aren’t required to complete driver education, but taking an approved course still allows you to skip the written test at DPS. This option appeals to:
The six-hour course provides thorough preparation and eliminates the DPS written test requirement. Many adults find this more efficient than studying the handbook independently and visiting DPS to test.
Teens Ages 14-17:
Teen drivers also take the written test as part of their driver education course. Virtual Drive’s Parent-Taught Driver Education course includes the DPS written test, which teens can take online after completing initial coursework. This integrated approach is the standard path for teen licensing in Texas.
The Texas driver’s license written test evaluates your knowledge of state traffic laws and safe driving practices. Understanding the test content helps you prepare effectively.
Traffic Laws and Regulations:
Questions cover speed limits, right-of-way rules, passing regulations, parking restrictions, and other laws governing vehicle operation in Texas. You’ll need to know the legal requirements for various driving situations.
Road Signs and Signals:
The test includes identifying regulatory, warning, and guide signs. You must recognize sign shapes, colors, and meanings. Traffic signal rules and pavement markings are also covered.
Safe Driving Practices:
Questions address the following: distance, defensive driving techniques, handling adverse conditions, and avoiding common hazards. This section tests practical knowledge that keeps you safe on the road.
Texas-Specific Information:
The test includes content specific to Texas law, including GDL restrictions, seat belt requirements, cell phone laws, and state-specific regulations. Generic driving knowledge isn’t enough—you need Texas-specific preparation.
Virtual Drive’s course systematically covers all these topics, with practice tests that mirror the actual exam format. The Texas Driver’s Handbook serves as the primary source for test questions, and our course content aligns directly with handbook material.
Online testing offers significant advantages over visiting a DPS office for your written exam.
Convenience:
Test from home, work, or anywhere with internet access. No need to take time off work, arrange transportation, or sit in a crowded waiting room. Complete the test on your schedule, not DPS hours.
Reduced Stress:
Testing in a familiar environment helps you perform better. Without the pressure of strangers watching or time limits imposed by office closing times, you can focus on demonstrating your knowledge.
Better Preparation:
Online courses teach you the material before testing you. By the time you reach the final exam, you’ve studied all relevant content through interactive lessons. Walking into a DPS office cold, hoping you studied enough, creates unnecessary anxiety.
Multiple Attempts:
Virtual Drive’s course includes three attempts to pass the final exam. If you don’t pass the first time, review the material and try again at no additional cost or by scheduling new DPS appointments.
Instant Results:
Know immediately whether you passed and download your certificate right away. No waiting for results or return trips to pick up documentation.
Time Savings:
DPS office visits often require hours of waiting, even with appointments. The entire online course takes six hours spread across multiple sessions at your convenience. Most students complete it in less time than a single DPS visit would require.
Getting started with online testing through Virtual Drive is straightforward. Follow these steps to complete your written test from home.
Step 1: Enroll in Adult Driver’s Education
Visit our Adult Driver’s Education enrollment page and create your account. The course costs $38.00 (regularly $78.00) with no hidden fees for certificates or additional materials.
Step 2: Complete the Six-Hour Course
Work through nine interactive modules covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and state-specific regulations. The self-paced format lets you log in and out at your convenience—complete it in one day or over several weeks.
Videos, graphics, and interactive elements make the content engaging rather than tedious. Quizzes at the end of each module reinforce learning and prepare you for the final exam.
Step 3: Take Practice Tests
Before attempting the final exam, use unlimited practice tests to assess your readiness. These tests mirror the actual exam format and help identify areas needing additional review.
Step 4: Pass the Final Exam
The final exam covers all the course material. You need at least 70% to pass. You have three attempts included with your enrollment, so there’s no pressure to be perfect on the first try.
Step 5: Download Your ADE-1317 Certificate
Immediately upon passing, access your ADE-1317 certificate through instant download. Print this certificate to bring to your DPS appointment—no waiting for mail delivery or paying extra fees.
Step 6: Complete Next Steps
After passing the written test, complete the Impact Texas Adult Drivers program (required for ages 18-24), gather your documentation, and schedule your DPS appointment for the road test.
Passing the written test is a significant milestone, but you’re not licensed yet. Here’s what comes next.
For Ages 18-24:
Complete the free one-hour Impact Texas Adult Drivers program, which covers distracted driving awareness. This requirement must be fulfilled before your road test.
If you need driving practice, consider applying for a learner’s permit at DPS. This allows you to practice legally with a licensed adult in the passenger seat—alternatively, schedule lessons with a local driving school.
When you’re ready, gather all required documents and schedule your road test at DPS. Bring your ADE-1317 certificate, ITAD completion certificate, identification documents, and proof of residency.
For Ages 25 and Older:
With your ADE-1317 certificate, you’ve completed the written test requirement. Gather your identification and residency documents, then schedule your DPS appointment for the road test.
If you’re a new driver, consider practicing with a licensed friend or family member, or take professional lessons before your road test.
Road Test Preparation:
The road test evaluates practical driving skills: vehicle control, observation, and compliance with traffic laws. Practice the specific maneuvers tested, including parallel parking, backing, lane changes, and turns.
Use the exact vehicle for your test that you’ve practiced in. Ensure it’s properly registered, insured, and in safe operating condition. Arrive early, stay calm, and demonstrate the skills you’ve developed.
Do I have to take the adult driver’s ed course, or can I skip it?
It depends on your age. Adults 18-24 must complete the 6-hour course—Texas law requires it for first-time drivers in this age group, no exceptions. Adults 25 and older can technically skip the course and take the written test at DPS instead. But consider this: the online course is only six hours, self-paced, and gives you three attempts to pass. At DPS, you need an appointment, get one try, and must wait days (up to 30 days after three failures) to retest. Most adults find the online course faster and easier than dealing with DPS scheduling.
Is the online test the same as the DPS test?
Yes. The final exam in TDLR-approved driver education courses serves as the official DPS written test. Questions cover the same material and meet the same state standards. DPS accepts course completion certificates as proof of passing.
Do I still need to visit DPS?
Yes, but only for your road test, vision screening, photo, and license issuance. You won’t need to take the written test at DPS because you’ve already passed it through your online course.
What if I fail the online test?
Virtual Drive includes three attempts to pass the final exam. If you don’t pass on the first try, review the course material and retake the test at no additional cost. Most students pass on the first attempt thanks to thorough preparation for the course.
How long is the certificate valid?
Your ADE-1317 certificate doesn’t expire, but you should complete your licensing process promptly. If significant time has passed, contact DPS to confirm that your certificate remains acceptable.
Can I take the test on my phone?
Yes. Virtual Drive’s coursework works on any device with internet access—smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers. Complete coursework and testing wherever and whenever is convenient for you.
Is this really legal and approved?
Absolutely. Virtual Drive of Texas holds TDLR Course #C2636 approval for Adult Driver’s Education. DPS recognizes certificates from all TDLR-approved providers. This isn’t a loophole—it’s the state-approved system for driver education and testing.
Taking your Texas driver’s license test online saves time, reduces stress, and lets you test in a comfortable environment. Through TDLR-approved driver education courses, you complete both your education requirement and written test in one convenient package.
Virtual Drive of Texas has helped thousands of Texans pass their written test online with a 98% first-time success rate. Our six-hour course thoroughly prepares you, includes three test attempts, and provides an instant certificate download upon completion.
Skip the DPS line and take your written test from home. Enroll in Virtual Drive’s Adult Driver’s Education course and take the first step toward your Texas driver’s license today.
Adults Ages 18-24:
Enroll in Adult Driver’s Education – Complete your required 6-hour course with the DPS written test included. Pass the final exam and download your ADE-1317 certificate instantly. Available in English and Spanish. Just $38.00 (regularly $78.00).
Adults Ages 25+:
Take the Written Test Online – Skip the written test at DPS by completing our adult course. Not required for your age group, but saves time and provides comprehensive preparation.
Teens Ages 14-17:
Enroll in Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed – Complete your 24-hour course with an integrated DPS written test and an instant DE-964 certificate—just $59.95 (regularly $99.95).
Essential Resources:
Questions About Online Testing? Contact our Texas-based support team at (833) 3-VDRIVE. We’ve helped thousands of Texans pass their written test online, and we’re here to help you succeed.