Insuring a teen driver in Texas

Phase 1: the learner license

A teen can get a learner license at 15 through 17 after finishing the classroom part of driver education and passing the knowledge exam. DPS says the teen must hold it for at least six months (unless they turn 18), and a suspension adds days to that period.

A learner must drive with a licensed adult in the front passenger seat. Under Transportation Code Section 521.222, that adult must be at least 21 with at least one year of driving experience. The supervisor commits an offense by sleeping, being intoxicated, or doing anything else that stops them from watching and responding to the driver.

DPS also bars all phone use by learners, including hands-free, except in an emergency.

Phase 2: the provisional license

DPS lists these requirements for a provisional license: hold a learner license for six months, be 16 or 17, finish the behind-the-wheel part of driver education (including 30 hours of practice driving, at least 10 at night, with a licensed driver 21 or older), complete the Impact Texas Teen Driver (ITTD) program within 90 days of taking the driving test, and pass the test.

Until 18, Transportation Code Section 545.424 limits drivers in three ways:

• No more than one passenger under 21 who isn't a family member.
• No driving from midnight to 5 a.m. unless it's for work, a school activity, or a medical emergency.
• No phone use while driving, including hands-free, except in an emergency. Fines run $25 to $99 for a first offense and $100 to $200 after that.

Insurance and the DPS road test

If your teen takes the driving test at a DPS office, DPS requires proof of current registration and insurance for the vehicle used in the test. Make sure the car is listed on a current policy, and keep the card or phone image ready.

When to tell your insurer

TDI says Texas law doesn't require you to carry insurance for a teen with a learner's permit, but you should always tell your insurer when a teen is learning in your vehicle. If you don't and there's a wreck, TDI warns the company could deny the claim, void the policy, or refuse to renew it.

TDI's auto guide also says to tell your company when someone in the household starts driving or turns 16. If the company finds out later, it will bill you for the premium you should have paid and may deny claims or nonrenew. Some companies require every driving-age member of the household to be on the policy.

Adding a teen to your policy

TDI says adding a teen to your policy is usually cheaper than buying a separate one. If the teen is the main driver of one car, the company bases the premium on that car; otherwise it uses the car in the household with the highest rate.

TDI lists discounts that may help, varying by company: good grades or test scores, completing driver education, a telematics app or device that tracks driving, and a car with a good safety rating. Raising your deductible can also lower the premium.

Excluding a teen is possible only in a narrow way. Under Insurance Code Section 1952.353, an exclusion must name each excluded driver specifically, and the named insured must accept it in writing. An excluded teen generally isn't covered when driving your car.

College and moving out

Some insurers require you to keep young drivers on your policy while they're away at school. Tell the company if your child lives in another city, because rates depend on where a car is kept. If your child doesn't have a car at school, TDI says you may qualify for a discount. For a school in another state, check that your liability limits meet that state's requirements.

A checklist for parents

• Call your insurer when your teen gets a learner license, not after the road test.
• Ask how the teen will be rated and which car they'll be assigned to.
• Ask about good-student, driver-ed, and telematics discounts, and what proof each needs.
• Confirm the test vehicle's insurance and registration before the DPS road test.
• Revisit your liability limits; a new driver raises the chance of a claim against you.