Oklahoma Parent-Taught Driver Education: A Comprehensive Guide

For teenagers in Oklahoma eager to obtain their driver's license, navigating the requirements can seem daunting. The law mandates that individuals under 18 complete an approved driver education program, which includes parent-taught courses. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Oklahoma's parent-taught driver education (PTDE) requirements, offering a step-by-step guide for both teens and parents.

What is Parent-Taught Driver Education?

A parent-taught course is a driver education program where parents or legal guardians assume the responsibility of instructing their teenage children on how to drive. These programs, approved by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Public Safety (DPS), allow parents or guardians to serve as the primary instructors for their teen drivers.

Benefits of Parent-Taught Driver Education

Oklahoma Parent-Taught Driver Education is a driver education course geared towards parents who want to teach their teens to drive. With our Oklahoma Parent-Taught Driver Education course, you get to work WITH your teen on their driver education. You don't have to worry about whether or not a stranger is doing a good enough job teaching your teen everything there is to know about driving--you're their instructor!

Flexibility: Taking an Oklahoma parent-taught drivers ed course allows you to work when it’s convenient for you, so you never have to worry about rearranging your schedule to accommodate it.
Convenience: Our online Parent-Taught Driver Education course is straightforward and convenient without sacrificing quality. With our Parent-Taught Driver Education course, you can complete all of your "classroom" instruction online! Plus, you can work on your course at the pace that's best for you.
Personalized Learning: With our Oklahoma Parent-Taught Driver Education course, you get to work WITH your teen on their driver education. You don't have to worry about whether or not a stranger is doing a good enough job teaching your teen everything there is to know about driving--you're their instructor!
Engaging Content: We've packed each lesson with videos, games, slideshows, and more.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in PTDE in Oklahoma, the parent/guardian must first submit a Parent-Taught Driver Education Affidavit to their DPS. If you decide to take an Oklahoma parent-taught drivers ed course, both you and your parent must meet certain state-mandated requirements.

Requirements for Parents

A "parent" is defined as the biological parent, adoptive parent, parent by marriage, or legal guardian (court appointed) of the student. To be eligible to teach a parent-taught driver education course, a parent must:

Fill out the Parent-Taught Driver Education Affidavit Application. As the parent/legal guardian, you must first fill out the Parent-Taught Driver Education Affidavit Application online.
Must have no administrative action by Service Oklahoma pending pursuant to 47 O.S. 753, 754, or 754.1 relating to driving under the influence or pursuant to 47 O.S.

Requirements for Students

Each student must be at least 15 years of age to start a PTDE course. Students must be at least fifteen (15) years of age to begin the written portion of the curriculum. The student must be at least fifteen and a half (15 1/2) years of age and must apply for and have been issued a learner permit prior to the commencement of any behind-the-wheel training.

Step-by-Step Guide to Oklahoma Parent-Taught Driver Education

The Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE) Program allows a parent or legal guardian to teach their teen a driver education course. It also allows teens to earn their learner permit and qualify for a driver license.

Request a Parent-Taught Driver Education Packet: Prior to teaching a Service Oklahoma approved and certified parent-taught driver education course, a parent must first request a parent-taught driver education packet from Service Oklahoma. The request can be made:(1) in writing to: Service Oklahoma, P.O.
Fill out the Parent-Taught Driver Education Affidavit Application: The teen's parent or legal guardian must first fill out the Parent-Taught Driver Education Affidavit Application online.
Register and Pay for the Course: After you have registered for the course and made payment, your teen may apply for his or her Learner Permit at a Driver License Exam site if your teen is at least 15 years old.
Apply for a Learner Permit: At this point, if you are at least 15 years old, you may apply for your Learner Permit at a Driver License Exam site. You will need to bring your receipt of payment and your affidavit approval number as proof that you are enrolled in an approved driver education course. Check our Learner License Requirements page to make sure you have all of the required documents necessary to apply for your Learner Permit.
Complete the Driver Education Course: Complete the driver education course, which consists of 30 hours of online classroom instruction and 55 hours of behind-the-wheel practice (including 10 hours of driving at night). The course consists of 30 hours of classroom training and 55 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
Pass the Final Exam: After you have completed both the online classroom instruction and the behind-the-wheel practice, you must pass a final exam.
Apply for an Intermediate Driver License: Bring your Certificate of Completion and other required paperwork to the Driver License Exam site to apply for your intermediate driver license. Starting November 1, 2023, teens are required to complete the free Oklahoma Work Zone Safe course prior to applying for their intermediate license.

Documents Required for Learner Permit Application

Oklahoma Teens between the ages of 15 and 16 must be currently enrolled in an approved driver education course to qualify for a Learner Permit. To satisfy the proof of enrollment requirement, teens can register for our online driver education course and make payment. Teens must bring this receipt with them to the Driver License Exam site when applying for a Learner Permit. The Driver License Examiner will process their application and administer a written exam and a vision exam.

You will need to bring your receipt of payment and your affidavit approval number as proof that you are enrolled in an approved driver education course. Check our Learner License Requirements page to make sure you have all of the required documents necessary for your teen to apply for his or her Learner Permit.

Note: You have 2 weeks after passing your written exam to take your form to the tag office.

Documentation showing that they are enrolled in a driver education course (i.e. Any documents showing a legal name change if they’ve had a legal name change. These documents should connect all of the last names from the birth certificate to the current last name. Students have the option of waiting until they complete the classroom portion of driver education to apply for their Learner Permit, but again, this is not a requirement. Any documents showing a legal name change if they’ve had a legal name change. These documents should connect all of the last names from the birth certificate to the current last name. They can read more about this here.

Course Curriculum and Structure

The course consists of 30 hours of instruction and 55 hours of behind-the-wheel practice. Service Oklahoma regulates the topics that must be covered in both the instruction and behind-the-wheel training.

What can I expect from the course?

12 course modules. Each section has a time requirement that must be met. At the end of every module, there will be a quiz. You must pass the quiz before you can move on to the next module. You have unlimited attempts to pass each quiz.
11 behind-the-wheel modules. You must have a learner's permit before starting any behind-the-wheel training. Each module will include teaching techniques for parents to use while instructing students on the road. There are no quizzes for these modules. Parents must verify that their child has completed the 55 hours of behind-the-wheel training via electronic signature before the student can take the final exam.
Once all modules are finished, there will be a final exam. You have three attempts to pass the final in order to complete the course.

Passing Requirements

What score do I need to get to pass the course?

You must pass the module quizzes with a score of 70% or higher. You will have unlimited attempts to pass the end of module quizzes.
You must pass the final exam with a score of 70% or higher. You will have three attempts to pass the final exam.

Vehicle Requirements for Behind-the-Wheel Instruction

Requirements for the vehicle used in parent-taught driver education behind-the-wheel instruction and training. Behind-the wheel instruction and training of a parent-taught driver education course shall only be performed in a vehicle which:

is properly registered and display a valid license plate [see 47 O.S.
complies with vehicle equipment and safety standards [see 47 O.S.
complies with the vehicle liability insurance requirements of Oklahoma's Compulsory Insurance Law [See 47 O.S. § 7-600 et seq. regarding compulsory vehicle liability insurance].
may be equipped with a second rear-view mirror for use by the parent performing the instruction.

Additional Information and Resources

Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program

The Graduated Driver License (GDL) program gradually phases in driving privileges for new teen drivers as they gain experience behind the wheel.

Restrictions with an Intermediate License

With an intermediate license, teens can drive from 5 am to 10 pm without being accompanied by a licensed driver.

Importance of Parental Influence and Setting Ground Rules

When your teen enters his or her driving years, it can generate a mix of excitement and worry for both you and your child. Parent Influence and Setting Ground Rules: Get started on helping your teen become a safe and capable driver. Spell Out the Rules - no cell phones, no passengers, no speeding, no alcohol, no driving when tired, and always buckle up. These rules could help save your teen’s life.

SAFE (Seatbelts Are For Everyone) Program

SAFE (Seatbelts Are For Everyone) is a teen-run awareness program in Oklahoma dedicated to promoting seatbelt use through education, rewards and enforcement. By encouraging seatbelt usage, SAFE aims to decrease motor-related injuries and fatalities among young drivers. This program is a collaborative partnership between students, law enforcement and safety advocates, united in their mission to enhance road safety.

Oklahoma Work Zone Safe Course

Starting November 1, 2023, teens are required to complete the free Oklahoma Work Zone Safe course prior to applying for their intermediate license. The Oklahoma Work Zone Safe course is a free online course offered by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

Choosing the Right Driver Education Program

Are you a teenager on the exciting journey towards becoming a licensed driver? Or perhaps you’re a parent, eager to guide your child through this crucial phase of life? In either case, choosing the right driver education program is a monumental decision.

What to Look for in a Driver Education Program

Educational Heritage: We have a rich educational heritage, a proven track record with millions of graduates, the endorsement of high schools across the nation, unwavering support for our students, commitment to staying current, and a passion for engaging, real-life learning.
Proven Track Record: With over 6 million successful graduates, we have earned the trust of students and parents alike across the nation.
Endorsement of High Schools: Our courses have been integrated into the educational fabric of these institutions, underscoring our commitment to quality and effectiveness.
Unwavering Support: Our team provides live and online academic assistance, ensuring that your questions are answered promptly and your concerns are addressed comprehensively.
Commitment to Staying Current: Our commitment to excellence means that our programs are continually updated to reflect the latest laws, regulations, and best practices in road safety.
Engaging, Real-Life Learning: We believe that learning should be exciting, interactive, and relatable. Our program is designed to engage students with real-life scenarios and interactive games, making the learning process not just informative but fun too.

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