Texas ADE-1317 Certificate: Requirements & Next Steps (2026)

If you're 18–24 and applying for your first Texas driver license, completing an approved driver education course is an important part of the licensing process.

After successfully completing a six-hour Texas Adult Driver Education course, you'll receive an ADE-1317 Certificate of Completion, which provides official proof of your training.

But what exactly does the certificate do? Does it expire? And what should you do after receiving it?

Here's what Texas drivers need to know in 2026.

What Is the ADE-1317 Certificate?

The ADE-1317 is an official Texas Adult Driver Education completion certificate issued by an approved course provider.

It confirms that you successfully completed a six-hour adult driver education program covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.

The certificate serves several purposes:

• Provides proof of completing an approved adult driver education course.
  
• Helps satisfy education requirements for first-time applicants aged 18–24.
  
• Documents successful completion of the applicable course assessment.
  
• May support satisfaction of the DPS knowledge examination requirements when issued through an eligible approved program.

Important: The ADE-1317 is not your driver license. You'll still need to complete the remaining DPS licensing requirements.

Who Needs an ADE-1317 Certificate in Texas?

Driver education requirements depend on your age and licensing circumstances.

Age	Driver Education Requirement
Under 18	Teen driver education rules apply
18–24	Approved driver education is generally required for first-time applicants
25 and older	Adult driver education is optional

Ages 18–24

If you're applying for your first Texas driver license, you generally must complete approved driver education.

A six-hour adult driver education course is one way to satisfy this requirement. The ADE-1317 provides proof that you completed that course.

DPS also recognizes other qualifying driver education certificates in certain situations.

Ages 25 and Older

Texas does not require applicants aged 25 or older to complete driver education.

However, you can voluntarily enroll in an approved six-hour adult course to learn Texas traffic laws and prepare for the knowledge examination.

If you complete an eligible program, your ADE-1317 documents that completion.

Does the ADE-1317 Certificate Expire?

The ADE-1317 is a record of your adult driver education completion.

Unlike the ITAD certificate, it is not governed by the same clearly stated 90-day validity rule.

However, you should not assume an older ADE-1317 automatically satisfies every licensing or testing requirement indefinitely.

If you completed your course a long time ago, contact your course provider or Texas DPS to confirm whether additional documentation or testing is necessary.

Remember: The 90-day expiration commonly discussed during the licensing process applies to the separate Impact Texas Drivers completion certificate.

ADE-1317 vs. ITAD: What's the Difference?

Many first-time Texas drivers confuse these two certificates.

	ADE-1317	ITAD
Purpose	Adult driver education completion	Distracted-driving awareness
Course length	6 hours	Approximately 1 hour
Provider	Approved driver education provider	Texas DPS
Cost	Varies by provider	Free
Validity	Confirm acceptance for your situation	90 days
When used	Driver education documentation	Before the driving skills test

The Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) program is separate from the six-hour adult driver education course.

Applicants subject to ITD requirements must present an appropriate completion certificate before taking the driving skills examination.

You should complete ITAD after your driver education course and within 90 days before your road test.

Complete ITAD on the Official Texas DPS Website

How to Get Your ADE-1317 Certificate Online

Getting your certificate starts with completing an approved adult driver education program.

Step 1: Choose an Approved Course

Select a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) approved adult driver education provider.

Time2Renew offers a six-hour Texas Adult Drivers Ed online course for $25, listed under TDLR approval #C3664.

Step 2: Complete the Six-Hour Course

Study Texas road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving principles.

Time2Renew provides self-paced online lessons that you can complete across multiple study sessions.

Step 3: Pass the Required Assessments

Complete the course assessments according to your provider's requirements.

Time2Renew lists a 70% minimum passing score and up to three final examination attempts.

Step 4: Receive Your Completion Certificate

After successfully completing the course, follow your provider's instructions to obtain your ADE-1317 certificate.

Check that your name and other identifying information are accurate before using the certificate for your license application.

Step 5: Prepare for Your DPS Appointment

Keep your completion certificate accessible and confirm the remaining DPS requirements for your situation.

You'll also need to meet the applicable identification, licensing, and driving skills testing requirements.

Start Time2Renew's $25 Texas Adult Drivers Ed Course

What to Do After Receiving Your ADE-1317

Finishing the six-hour course is an important milestone, but it does not automatically give you permission to drive.

Next, you should:

1. Gather the identity, residency, and other documents required by DPS.

2. Complete your initial application and obtain the appropriate restricted driving credential when required.

3. Practice driving legally while following any supervision restrictions.

4. Complete the free ITAD program within 90 days before your driving skills test.

5. Schedule and pass the road test through DPS or an authorized testing provider.

DPS generally requires first-time adult applicants taking the road test to have a valid restricted driver license.

Check the Texas DPS Third-Party Skills Testing Requirements before scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ADE-1317 the same as DE-964?

No. They are different Texas driver education certificate designations.

ADE-1317 is associated with the adult six-hour driver education course. DE-964 is used for other approved driver education programs.

Always confirm the certificate appropriate to your completed course.

Can ADE-1317 replace the DPS written test?

Successful completion of an eligible approved adult driver education program can satisfy the applicable highway-sign and traffic-law knowledge examination requirements.

However, this does not eliminate the vision screening, driving skills examination, or other applicable DPS requirements.

Do I need ADE-1317 if I'm over 25?

No. Driver education is optional for applicants aged 25 and older.

You may still choose to take the course for additional preparation.

What if I lose my ADE-1317 certificate?

Contact the driver education provider that issued it. Ask how to retrieve or obtain a replacement completion certificate.

Can I use ADE-1317 instead of ITAD?

No. They serve different purposes. If ITAD is required for your driving skills test, you must complete it separately.

Final Thoughts

The ADE-1317 certificate confirms that you have completed an approved Texas Adult Driver Education course.

For first-time drivers aged 18–24, it can be an essential part of satisfying the driver education requirement. For adults aged 25 and older, the course is optional but may provide useful preparation.

Remember that obtaining your certificate is only one step. You must still follow the applicable DPS licensing process and complete ITAD before your driving skills test when required.

Time2Renew offers a six-hour online Texas Adult Drivers Ed course for just $25, with flexible online lessons and a completion certificate after successfully meeting the course requirements.

Get Started With Time2Renew's $25 Texas Adult Drivers Ed Course

Last reviewed: October 2026. Texas licensing requirements may change. Confirm your individual requirements with Texas DPS and TDLR.