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Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) Explained: Who, When, How

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Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) is a free, two-hour online video course from Texas DPS about the dangers of distracted driving. Teens in Texas must complete it after their behind-the-wheel training and within 90 days before their driving test. This guide covers who needs ITTD, when to take it, how the certificate works and the mistakes that cause a wasted test trip.

ITTD key facts

  • Cost: free.
  • Length: about two hours, split into eight modules.
  • When: after your behind-the-wheel driver education, as the last step before the driving test.
  • Certificate: valid for 90 days, and you must bring a printed copy.
  • Run by: Texas Department of Public Safety.

Who has to take ITTD?

Every driving test applicant in Texas must complete the right Impact Texas Drivers program. ITTD is the teen version. DPS says it is required for:

  • applicants under 18 who took a parent-taught course or a minor and adult driver education course
  • anyone who took a teen driver education course (24 hours classroom, 44 hours behind the wheel) and received a DE-964 certificate

Drivers 18 and over may take either ITTD or the one-hour adult version, ITAD. See ITAD and the 6-hour adult course.

When should you take ITTD?

Timing is the part people get wrong.

  1. Finish your 24 classroom hours.
  2. Finish all behind-the-wheel instruction and your 30-hour practice log.
  3. Then do ITTD.
  4. Take the driving test within 90 days of the date on your certificate.

ITTD is separate from the 24 classroom hours. It does not count toward them.

How the course works

  • Register for an account on the Impact Texas Drivers website. When you log in, you will be asked for an authorization code sent by email. If it is not in your inbox, check spam. DPS says it comes from “CRIME RECORDS”.
  • You do not have to watch it all at once. Each of the eight modules must be finished in full before the next one opens.
  • The video covers distracted driving, real stories of Texas teens killed in crashes, and a “GDL Made Simple” segment on Texas passenger and novice driver restrictions.

Getting and using your certificate

  • The certificate is emailed to the address on your account. You can also log in later to retrieve and print it.
  • Print it. DPS and third-party testing schools do not accept the electronic copy. They need paper.
  • Hand it in before the driving test starts.
  • It expires 90 days after the date shown. If you have not passed the driving test by then, you must restart ITTD.

Test-day checklist

  • Printed ITTD certificate, dated within the last 90 days
  • DE-964 driver education certificate
  • Completed 30-hour behind-the-wheel log
  • VOE form or diploma or GED (under 18)
  • Vehicle registration and insurance for the test car
  • Parent-taught students: the parent instructor comes with you

Full document list: Texas road test guide.

Common questions

Is ITTD the same as driver ed?

No. It is a separate DPS requirement on top of your driver education course.

Can I take ITTD before I finish my driving hours?

DPS says ITTD should be taken after all behind-the-wheel instruction. Taking it early also risks the certificate expiring before your test.

My certificate expired. What now?

Restart the ITTD program and get a new certificate. It costs nothing.

Can I show the certificate on my phone?

No. Bring a printed paper copy.

Is there a Spanish version?

The Impact Texas Drivers website has an “En Español” option.

Why does Texas require it?

DPS built ITTD to cut deaths from distracted and reckless driving. Its focus is phone use and multitasking behind the wheel. Under 18s in Texas may not use a phone while driving, even hands-free. See Texas phone and texting laws.

Related Texas guides

Sources

  • Texas Department of Public Safety, “Impact Texas Teen Drivers: FAQs” (impacttexasdrivers.dps.texas.gov)
  • Texas Department of Public Safety, “Impact Texas Teen Drivers: Course Overview” (impacttexasdrivers.dps.texas.gov)
  • Texas Department of Public Safety, “Impact Texas Adult Drivers: FAQs” (impacttexasdrivers.dps.texas.gov)
  • Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, “Getting a Provisional Driver’s License” (tdlr.texas.gov)
  • Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, “Parent Taught Driver Education Program: Step-by-Step Guide” (tdlr.texas.gov)

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