PHASE I - Classroom
• 32 hours of classroom instruction (16 days, 2 hours each)
• Pass the written skills & signs test (administered on 17th day of class)
• All Teens must be 14 yrs old to begin course, must be 15 yrs old to complete course and test
• After successfully completing Phase I, Student will make appointment with DPS to apply for Learners Permit

PHASE II - In-Car Training (aka Behind-the-Wheel) *Learner Permit Required
• 14 hours of behind-the-wheel training (7 days, 1 hour of driving and 1 hour of observation per day)
• Student must also complete an additional 30 hours of drive time with a parent or qualifying driver AND complete 30 hr Log Sheet
• After successfully completing Phase II, student must hold Learner Permit for minimum of 6 months before proceeding to next phase.

PHASE III - DPS Skills Testing (aka Road Test)
• Student is at least 16 years of age AND held Learner Permit for min of 6 months
• Complete the ITD requirements by viewing the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) video. The certificate of completion must be dated within 90 days prior to taking the drive test.
• Upon successfully passing the DPS Road Test, student may apply for Provisional Drivers License
• IMPORTANT: Students in the Teen Program must complete all three Phases before their 18th birthday when teen Learner Permit expires

During school year classes are generally Monday – Thursdays 4-6pm OR 6-8pm to accommodate students involved in after-school sports and programs. Summer sessions have varied start times, usually from 8am to 8pm.

Registration and payments must be done online or at the Carlton Driving School office. Instructors at your high school are NOT able to register students for courses.

The DPS Road Test may be scheduled with Carlton Driving School, available Mon-Sat and we offer after hours appointments by request. When testing with Carlton Driving School you will not need to provide your own car, gas or insurance…. Your test will be administered using our car free of charge! Once you pass the road test all forms will be provided in a sealed envelope, which you'll take to DPS office for finger printing and have your photo taken.

To test at your local DPS office, you'll need to book an appointment on the DPS website. DPS appointments are generally booked out a month in advance. You also will need to provide your own vehicle (registered and insured) for the test.

Occasionally teens that completed a parent taught or online program wants to perfect their parking skills or practice driving on a busy highway with a licensed instructor. In some cases parents feel their teen has not yet mastered the rules of the road. We offer 1-on-1 Teen Private Lessons in one-hour increments or a Driving Assessment for those who are ready to take DPS Road Test. Students must have completed 32 hours classroom course, and have their "Learners Permit" in order to schedule.