Texas uses a Graduated Driver License (GDL) system. Teen drivers under 18 must hold a learner permit for 6 months and log 30 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night.
Who can supervise in Texas?
A licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older must be in the front seat while you practice. This is typically a parent or legal guardian.
Texas driver education requirement
In addition to the supervised hours, Texas requires completion of a driver education course — either in-person or online — which includes classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. The 30 supervised hours are in addition to any behind-the-wheel time with a licensed instructor.
Tracking day vs. night hours
Texas doesn’t define a precise nighttime cutoff — it’s generally understood as driving after dark. Student Driver Hours uses your device’s GPS and local sunset data to automatically flag each drive as daytime or nighttime, so your log is always accurate.
Tips for Texas teen drivers
- 30 hours is the minimum — more practice leads to better skills and more confidence on test day
- Start night driving early; waiting until the last month makes it stressful
- Export your log from Student Driver Hours to keep a clean record in case your parents need to certify your hours
Track your Texas driving hours automatically
Student Driver Hours logs every drive with GPS, splits day and night time automatically, and exports a DMV-ready PDF — free on Android.
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