The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) helps young people who were in foster care transition to adulthood. They also work with local groups that 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.
The Driver’s Education Funding program will pay for driver’s education classes for people who qualify, helping them learn how to drive and get a driver’s license. The program will cover all the costs for training and related fees. It’s a way to help more people find jobs!
Find out if you can get help from TWC below.
You can apply for free driver's education if you meet at least one of these criteria:
- You are younger than 18 years old and residing in foster care now
- You are at least 18 years old, but younger than 21, in foster care being paid for by the Department of Family and Protective Services
- You experienced dating violence, or you are a child of someone who experienced dating violence[1]
- You experienced family violence, or you are a child of someone who experienced family violence[2]
- You are younger than 26 years old and aged out of the Texas Foster Care system or have experienced homelessness [3]
- You are younger than 26 years old and have experienced or are experiencing homelessness[4]
If you think you may be eligible for the program, complete the application and eligibility verification forms, even if you are not sure. The application will be reviewed within five (5) business days to determine if you are eligible.
[1] as defined by Section 71.0021, Family Code
[2] as defined by Section 51.002, Human Resources
[3] as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 11434a
[4] as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 11434a
To apply, you will need to choose an approved driving school. You can find a list of TWC vendors here. If the driving school you want to go to is not on the list, email us and we will reach out to them to join the program.
Once you select an approved driving school, follow the TWC Application Instructions to:
- complete the TWC application ; and
- submit proof of eligibility.
Email both documents to DriverEducationProgram@twc.texas.gov.
If you do not have a computer, you can go to your Local Workforce Solutions Office to get an application and/or use a computer. You can also go to your local library to use a computer.
TWC staff will review your application and notify you if you are approved within five (5) business days. If approved, TWC will send payment to the driving school within thirty (30) days. Check out our TWC Application Instructions for additional information.
Note: Keep in mind that this program cannot pay for fees that the driving school may charge for late arrivals, no-shows, and other fees for not finishing the program within a certain time frame.
DO NOT make any prepayments to the driver education school.
If you are not eligible, TWC staff will respond to your application to tell you why within five (5) business days. If you do not provide enough information, TWC will contact you for more information.