Teen Driver Education – Benavides Driving School

The state requires, by law, any teenager between the ages of 15-17 years old to take a specific amount of hours when taking a driver education course. It’s broken up into two phases. Phase one is the classroom and phase two is the driving.

Phase one:

32 hours of classroom, 2 hours a day for 16 class meetings.

Phase two:

7 hours of behind the wheel training with one of our professionally trained and patient instructors.
7 hours of sitting in the back seat and observing another student getting driving instructions.

The driving phase is done concurrent with the classroom phase but at different times.

The driving phase usually begins after the first week of class in which the student has passed both a traffic laws and traffic signs test to obtain a learners permit at the D.P.S. The permit allows a student to drive with any adult 21 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license in the front seat.

The student usually completes the driving phase around a week to two weeks after completing the classroom phase.

During both phases of the course the instructor will introduce the student driver to the basic fundamentals to driving a car safely.

This includes mostly the classroom phase first then gradually the driving phase where the instructors will also teach the fundamentals and advance procedures and techniques of how to be a better driver and how to be a defensive driver.

During the course the students will participate in class discussions, daily work, projects, guest speakers, testing, watching videos, and hands on under the hood check and tire change procedure on a car.

Upon completing the entire course the student will receive two certificates… one for a 10 percent insurance discount that’s valid till the age of 21 and another certificate to upgrade their permit to a driver’s license.

This happens if the student driver has completed the 6 months probation period on their permit and they are at least 16 years of age.

Documents Required or What do I need to Bring?

Verification of enrollment form (VOE) from high school
Birth Certificate . Original document or certified copy
Social Security Card Original document or certified copy
DE-964 Certificate from Benavides Driving School
Parent must be a legal resident of the USA and must show a TX ID or TX DL
$16.00 for DPS for driving permit
The DPS application and supplement. Benavides Driving School will provide.
School ID or school transcript. Your school will provide.
2 Utility bills under parent’s name.

Forms You'll Need

VOE Form
Tx 20 Hour BTW Log
Tx 30 Hour BTW Log

FAQs

Teens and Parents

What if I can’t go to every classroom lesson?

As per the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Benavides Driving School has chosen to use a make-up policy, which allows students to attend a missed lesson at a later date during a regularly scheduled class.

Can a Student drive on their own with their Permit?

No, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver, at least 21 years of age with at least 1 year of driving experience, must occupy the seat besides the student driver with permit and cannot be intoxicated, asleep, or engaging in any activity that prevents him/her from observing and responding to the actions of the student driver with permit.

Do you offer driving lessons for Adults?

Yes, Benavides Driving School offers driving lessons at $40.00 per hour. You can schedule driving hours during the week or weekends, when convenient for you.

Do I need to study before coming to the Course?

No, Benavides Driving School has a complete curriculum for both Adults and Teenagers.

As an Adult, am I required to take Driver Education?

Yes, you are required by DPS to take a 6-Hour Adult Course between the ages of 18-24. If you are over 25 years of age, you can still take the 6-Hour course with Benavides Driving School.

As a Teen, what will I need to take to DPS to get my Permit?

You will need the following documents: Verification of Enrollment (VOE) form (only needed if under 18 years of age), Birth Certificate (long form or certified copy), Social Security (original), Parent or Legal Guardian must have Texas ID, or Texas Driver License, or Legal Residency (only needed if under 18 years of age); Check, Cash, or Money Order for $16; School ID, School Transcript, or Texas ID; DE964 (the green certificate) from Benavides Driving School; DPS Application and Supplement; and 2 Utility Bills.

Do I need to be in High School to take Driver Education?

Yes, only if you are under the age of 18, if you are in high school you must show a Verification of Enrollment (VOE) form obtained from your school, or in place of a VOE and only if you are under the age of 18, you need proof of Homeschooling, GED, or High School Diploma.

Do Teens still have to take a Road Test at the DPS or can they take it at Benavides Driving School?

Teens have the option of taking Road Test at DPS or Benavides Driving School.

How long must Teens have a permit before getting a license?

Applicants who are under 18 years of age must hold a learners license for a minimum of 6-months prior to the issuance of a provisional Class C driver license.

At what age can the teen start Teen Driver’s Ed class?

At the age 15, 16 or 17, Also a teen can start the Drive/s Ed course, under certain circumstances, at 14 yrs old can start the theory part only but cannot obtain a driving permit until he or she turns 15 years old.

What do I have to bring the first day of class?

The first day of class you are required to bring a pencil, no pens, and a 3-Ring Binder with paper.

How long is the Teen Driver Education Course?

The Teen Driver Education Course is 4 weeks long; sometimes we have 3 weeks long and weekends only.

Where can we download the 30 Hour Driving Log?

The 30 Hour Driving Log can be downloaded from our website at the bottom of our Teen page.

Where can we download the 20 Hour Driving Log?

The 20 Hour Driving Log can be downloaded from our website at the bottom of our Teen page.

What documents will I need to take to Benavides Driving School or the DPS for the driving test?

If you take the driving test at Benavides Driving School or DPS, you will need the following documents: DE-964 Certificate of Completion (the green certificate) for the Driver Education Course, Verification of Enrollment (VOE) form (if under 18 years of age), 30-Hour Log, ITTD 2-Hour Video and Learners Permit.

What else do I need to take with me to DPS for Permit?

The documents that you need to take are: VOE or TEA form from the High School you are currently attending, Original Birth Certificate or Certified Copy, Original Social Security Card of Verification of Social Security Number, DE-964 certificate from Benavides Driving School, $16.00, The DPS Application (we will provide one), School ID or School Transcript and 2 utility bills.

Does the student have to be present to get their learner’s permit?

Yes, you must be present to sign all documentation in front of the DPS official and take a picture for your Learners Permit.

When does a teen get their license to drive on their own?

Only after a teen has met the following state requirements: A. The student is at least 16 years old or granted a hardship license by DPS at the age of 15. B. The student has completed the entire Driver Education course required by Texas Law which is: Phase 1-32 hours of classroom instruction and Phase 2-14 hours of in-car instruction and has completed and logged the additional hours with a 21 year old or older. C. The student has had a learners permit for at least 6 months. D. The student has passed the driving test at Benavides Driving School or DPS.

2 Hour Impact Texas Teen Drivers Video (ITTD)

School Reference Numbers:
BDS McAllen: C0056
BDS Brownsville: C0056B
BDS Harlingen: C0056C

Testimonials

As a 30-year educator, I had the opportunity to recommend over 200 students to Benavides Driving school during my career. The school has a long history of excellence and integrity. As a parent, I had no doubt that my 2 kids were in for an awesome experience. Both are in college now, and are both excellent drivers. I am very grateful to the staff. In my opinion as an educator and a parent, Benavides Driving School has set the standard by which all driving schools should be evaluated...they are still the best around.

-Frank M. Trevino, M.Ed. Retired School Counselor and Parent

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