Driver Education Funding Program

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR APPLICANTS: Driver Education Funding Program application window is currently closed.

Although the Driver Education Funding Program application window had been planned to remain open until March 2026, current funds for this fiscal year have now been allocated. The application window for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 2026) applications will be closed effective January 30, 2026.

TWC will continue to reconcile applications submitted prior to January 31, 2026. 

Should additional funding become available during FY 2026, TWC will reopen a short window for applications to be accepted, and details will be posted on the website.

Information for Driving Schools Participating in the Texas Workforce Commission Driver’s Education Program

Please note the following important guidelines for the FY 2026 program.

Allowable Costs

Due to funding limitations, TWC is unable to reimburse for bundled packages. 

TWC funding will cover the following individual components:

• Required Courses for Teen Drivers:
  • Classroom Instruction (Online or In-Person)—24 hours
  • Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Instruction—14 hours
  • Practice Driving Hours—30 hours. Must have completed proof of classroom instruction and BTW training to be eligible for practice hours.
• Required Course for Adult Drivers (Ages 18–25):
  • Classroom Instruction (Online or In Person)—6 hours

Additional Driver Education Services Paid For

Compensation for expenses beyond those listed above will be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to TWC approval and the availability of funds.

Invoice Submission

Driving schools enrolled with TWC are *required* to obtain written approval from TWC *before* submitting reimbursement requests. 

Invoices must include the following information for each participant:

• Participant Name
• Course Name
• DEFY Identification Number

Tracking Requirements

TWC will require schools to provide start and completion dates for each participant in the program. Please ensure this information is accurately tracked.

PLEASE NOTE THIS PROGRAM IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR CDL TRAINING.

TWC helps young people who were in foster care transition to adulthood. They work with local groups that also help homeless people. These groups may not have a way to get around (by car or bus), which makes it hard for people to find jobs, so the government has decided to create a program to help. 

Important Notice Regarding Driver Education Cost

As of March 5, 2025, TWC will cover the cost of required driver education for eligible applicants. All other expenses related to training may be covered, depending on available funding. This policy applies to all applications received on or after March 5, 2025. 

Required Courses for Teens:
Class (Online/In Person)—24 hours
Behind the Wheel (BTW)—14 hours’ class instruction
Practice Hours—30 hours. Must have completed proof of classroom instruction and BTW training to be eligible for practice hours.

Required Course for Adults, Aged 18–25:
Class (Online/In Person)—6 hours