Impact Texas Drivers Program

Studies show that new drivers who completed a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program have a lower fatality rate regarding vehicle accidents than those who do not. This prompted states across America to introduce and implement new steps into their driving program.

Texas is no exception. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) introduced Impact Texas Drivers, a program all aspiring Texans teens must complete in order to become a licensed drivers.

About the Impact Texas Drivers Program

Texas requires new drivers to earn an Impact Texas Drivers certificate to qualify for a license. To earn your certificate, you need to watch a free video program online about the dangers of distracted driving. Applicants between the ages of 15 and 17 must take Impact Texas Teen Drivers, and adults 18 and up must take Impact Texas Adult Drivers.

Impact Texas Teen Drivers, or ITTD, is a two-hour program for teens taking a parent-taught or self-taught driver education course. The program will focus on the dangers of distracted driving with a strong emphasis on texting while driving. The program's aim is, of course, to reduce distracted driving accidents in teenage drivers.

Impact Texas Adult Drivers, or ITAD, is a one-hour program for new drivers ages 18 and up. Like the teen program, it aims to save lives by educating new drivers about distracted driving risks. Applicants ages 18 to 24 who have taken an adult driver education course must complete ITAD. If you are 18 to 24 but took teen driver education, you must complete the two-hour ITTD program.

While drivers 25 and up aren’t required to take driver education, they still need to complete the ITAD program.

When Aspiring Texas Drivers Should Take the Program

Teens ages 15 to 17 who have completed their 32-hour teen driver education course and their 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training should take the ITTD course. Drivers 18 and up should take the ITAD course.

The certificate earned for completing either program is only valid for 90 days. In order to take the skills test at a local TPST, a student must have a valid Impact Texas Drivers certificate. This means students should not take the program unless they plan to take the driver's skill exam within 90 days.

For more information on the Texas driver's test and the path to getting a Texas Driver's License, go here.

The Cost of Impact Texas Teen Driver

Lucky for aspiring Texas drivers, this course costs absolutely nothing and is provided for free. Once a student completes the course, the Texas Department of Public Safety will email a certificate to them. Students can take the course here.