Author: Shelby Benavidez 

Contributing Professional: Maddison Rios, Owner, Patriot Driving Academy 

Understanding Your Options 

Parent Taught vs. Instructor-Taught Driver Education 

When your teenager is ready to get behind the wheel, the first major decision is choosing between Parent Taught Driver Education (PTDE) and instructor-led education. Both are legally recognized in many U.S. states, including Texas, but they differ in oversight, structure, and legal implications. 

To help break down these differences, we spoke with Maddison Rios, a certified instructor and owner of Patriot Driving Academy in Georgetown, Texas. 

“The biggest difference is in understanding the current road rules and laws,” Rios explains. “As instructors, we stay updated on legal changes, whereas many students who go through parent-taught programs often aren’t as familiar with newer traffic laws or regulations.” 

In PTDE, a parent or guardian uses a state-approved curriculum to teach their teen, usually at home and on the road. This option is often chosen for its flexibility and lower upfront costs, but it comes with increased personal responsibility and liability. 

In contrast, licensed driving schools employ certified professionals and use dual-control vehicles, meaning the instructor can physically intervene if needed. These programs are regulated by the state and carry commercial liability insurance, which can offer legal protection to families. 

Which Is Better? 

Legally speaking, instructor-led driver education is often the safer and more defensible option. If a teen causes an accident while being instructed by a parent, the parent may be held legally responsible civilly and, in rare cases, criminally, especially if it’s shown they weren’t qualified to teach or didn’t follow proper procedures. 

With a certified driving school, the responsibility is shared with a regulated business that follows strict training and safety protocols. These schools also provide documentation that could be vital in a legal proceeding. 

“I always recommend going with an instructor,” says Rios. “Our instructors are required to train for a minimum of 60-80 hours, and we are certified by the state. Our vehicles are equipped with dual controls – brakes and gas pedals – on our side, which makes for a much safer learning environment. Beyond that, we’re experienced professionals who know how to ease anxiety and create a calm, structured space for first-time drivers, something that can be harder to achieve in parent-taught situations.” 

What Are the Statistics? 

Data supports the safety and effectiveness of professional training. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teens who receive instructor-led training are 25% less likely to be involved in a crash during their first year of driving compared to those who were taught solely by parents. 

Insurance companies recognize this difference. Many offer significant discounts for teens who complete certified driver education programs, which can offset the initial investment of a driving school. 

Is Driving School Required to Get a License in the U.S.? 

While laws vary by state, most require teens under 18 to complete a driver education program before becoming licensed. In Texas, for example, anyone under 25 must complete a state-approved course, either through PTDE or a licensed driving school. 

The program must include classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel practice, and pass/fail testing. Failure to complete any required components can result in delays or denials in issuing a driver’s license. 

How Long Is Driving School in Texas? 

Texas law mandates a minimum of 24 hours of classroom instruction, 7 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, and 7 hours of in-car observation. In addition, teens must log 30 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night. 

“Whether the instruction is parent-taught or done through a driving school, the state requirements are the same,” said Rios. “The hours and content that need to be covered don’t change; it’s just a matter of who’s delivering the training.” 

Driving schools usually structure these hours over a fixed timeline to help families stay on track, which can be a huge benefit over the more flexible, but often delayed, PTDE path. 

How Much Does It Cost? 

The cost of driver education varies by provider. In Texas, driving schools typically charge between $300 and $800, depending on the number of lessons, services included, and whether defensive driving components are added. 

“The cost of instruction can vary depending on the school and the type of package chosen. Some include more behind-the-wheel hours or additional prep,” Rios explains. 

PTDE programs are generally cheaper, with the main costs being a $20 Parent Taught Driver Education packet from the TDLR and the cost of instructional materials. 

While the upfront cost of an instructor-led program may seem steep, it is often offset by reduced insurance premiums and fewer legal risks. Additionally, families must factor in the intangible cost of their time and liability when opting for PTDE. 

Driving School: The Legally Safer Option 

From a legal perspective, instructor-led education provides stronger documentation, better safety mechanisms, and a more favorable position in the event of an accident or traffic infraction. If your child is being trained by a certified professional in a dual-control vehicle, courts and insurance companies are more likely to view that as a responsible, proactive step. 

Should an accident occur, the liability often rests less heavily on the family when a licensed third party is involved. In contrast, parent-taught incidents could open the door to more direct claims of negligence or improper instruction. 

Think of It as an Investment in Safety 

The additional cost of instructor-led training may feel like a burden, but it’s ultimately an investment in legal protection, driver safety, and insurance savings. Teen drivers are statistically the most at-risk group on the road. Choosing a structured and supervised program provides the framework needed to help them succeed. 

“Parent taught is typically cheaper, but the cost is worth it because you’re paying for professional instruction,” Rios says. “I always equate it to hiring a professional coach for piano, basketball, or swimming. You’re hiring someone to provide your child with a specific set of skills – there’s added value and safety in that.” 

Moreover, many schools offer additional resources like defensive driving, hazard response training, and mock exams, all of which enhance a teen’s preparation and reduce legal exposure for families. 

Our Verdict: Choose Certified and Covered 

While PTDE offers flexibility and potential cost savings, the legal perspective favors instructor-taught programs. Certified schools are more defensible in court, offer documented training history, reduce parental liability, and are statistically safer. With professionals like Maddison Rios leading programs that prioritize both legal responsibility and student confidence, the choice becomes clear. 

Ultimately, the decision should be based on a combination of your family’s needs, the maturity of your teen, and your willingness to accept legal risk. But when it comes to the law, risk mitigation is everything.