Impact Texas Young Drivers: ITTD vs ITAD Explained

Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by Billy Forte

Impact Texas Young Drivers is not a separate DPS program: the name shows up only as hidden image text on the Impact Texas Adult Drivers button of the DPS website. Texas DPS runs two Impact Texas Drivers programs, Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) and Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD). ITTD is a 2-hour video for ages 15 to 17, ITAD is a 1-hour video for adults, and anyone 18 or older may choose either one.

Key Facts

The name: “Impact Texas Young Drivers” is only alt text on the ITAD button image, not a course. See where the name comes from.
Two real programs: ITTD for teens and ITAD for adults, both run by DPS. See the two programs.
Length: ITTD runs 2 hours in eight modules, and ITAD runs 1 hour in three. See the comparison.
Choice at 18: DPS rule 37 TAC 15.62 lets applicants 18 or older complete either one. See which one to take.
Same certificate rules: both are free, printed on paper and valid for 90 days. See the comparison.

Where the Impact Texas Young Drivers Name Comes From

The Impact Texas Drivers portal has two picture buttons. Their visible labels read Impact Texas Teen Drivers and Impact Texas Adult Drivers.

Each button image also has alt text. Alt text is a hidden label in the page code, used by screen readers and search tools. On the adult button, that hidden label reads “Impact Texas Young Drivers.”

That is the only place the name appears on the DPS pages we read. No course, sign-up page or certificate uses it. So the name points to ITAD, the adult program.

What DPS Lists Instead

DPS names exactly two programs. The DPS Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) page lists ITTD and ITAD. DPS rule 37 TAC 15.62 names the same two.

Neither source mentions a third program for “young drivers.” If a website sells a “young drivers” version, it is not a DPS program.

The Two Programs DPS Runs

Both sit under the Impact Texas Drivers name. Both teach the dangers of distracted driving. The DPS ITD page says the program “features real-life stories highlighting the devastating impact of distracted driving.”

Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD). A 2-hour video for drivers 15 to 17 taking an approved parent-taught or minor driver education course.
Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD). A 1-hour video for drivers 18 to 24 who must take adult driver education, and for drivers 25 or older.

ITTD vs ITAD Side by Side

Here is how the two compare on DPS’s own pages:

Detail	Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD)	Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD)
Video length	2 hours	1 hour
Modules	Eight, each finished before the next	Three, each finished before the next
Built for	Ages 15 to 17 in a parent-taught or minor course	Ages 18 to 24 in adult driver education, and 25 and up
Can adults 18+ use it?	Yes, under 37 TAC 15.62	Yes
When to take it	After classroom and behind-the-wheel training	After the six-hour adult course
Fee	Free	Free
Certificate	Paper copy, valid 90 days	Paper copy, valid 90 days

The module counts come from each program’s FAQ. The ITTD FAQ says the teen video “is broken up into eight (8) modules.” The ITAD FAQ says the adult video has three.

How to read the DPS Impact Texas Drivers portal: two buttons, two visible labels and one hidden alt text that says Impact Texas Young Drivers

Which One Should You Take?

Your age sets the rule. Rule 37 TAC 15.62 splits applicants into two groups.

Under 18

Applicants younger than 18 in a parent-taught or minor driver education course must take ITTD. The rule says they take it after finishing the behind-the-wheel part of driver education and before the skills exam. ITAD is not listed as an option for them.

18 or Older

The rule says applicants 18 or older “can complete either” ITAD or ITTD. The ITAD FAQ repeats the same choice. It also says applicants who took the six-hour adult course and got an ADE-1317 must complete ITAD, so check with DPS if you plan to use the teen video after an adult course.

For adults, the clearest difference is time. ITAD is half as long. Both certificates follow the same 90-day and paper rules.

How the Teen Program Works

The ITTD FAQ fills in the teen side. It says ITTD is separate from the 24 classroom hours of teen driver education. Teens take it after classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, within 90 days of the skills exam.

The FAQ lists who must take it. That includes students who finished a teen driver education course and hold a DE-964. It also covers applicants under 18 in parent-taught or minor and adult courses.

The teen certificate is marked with its end date. The ITTD FAQ says it “displays an expiration date” and is valid for 90 days.

How the Adult Program Works

ITAD follows the same pattern for adults, with a shorter video. The ITAD FAQ calls it “a separate requirement” from the six hours of adult driver education. It should come after that course and no more than 90 days before the skills exam.

Adults 25 and older have no driver education requirement. They still need ITAD or ITTD before the driving test, because rule 15.62 applies to all applicants 18 or older.

A Quick Check for Adults Choosing Between Them

If you are 18 or older, these facts can help you pick:

Time. ITAD is 1 hour, and ITTD is 2 hours.
Modules. ITAD has three, and ITTD has eight.
Adult course. The ITAD FAQ says ADE-1317 holders must complete ITAD.
Cost. Both are free.
Paper. Both certificates must be printed.

The rule allows either one, so neither choice breaks it. The DPS ITD page also says ITD completion is required for third-party skills testing, based on your age.

Why “Young Driver” Rules Can Be Confusing

Texas uses several age lines, and each one belongs to a different rule. That may be why people search for a “young drivers” program.

Learner license. Transportation Code § 521.222 in Chapter 521 lets DPS issue one to people 15 or older but under 18.
Teen video. ITTD is built for ages 15 to 17.
Adult driver education. The DPS apply page requires a six-hour adult course for first-time applicants 18 through 24.
No course requirement. That same page says there are no driver education requirements at 25 and older.

So a 20-year-old is a “young driver” for the course rule but an adult for ITD. Our guide on getting a license at 18 without a permit explains the learner license age rule.

Names That Sound Alike

Three similar names are easy to mix up. Here is what each one means:

Impact Texas Drivers (ITD). The DPS umbrella name for both programs.
Impact Teen Drivers. A California non-profit. The ITAD course overview says ITAD “is modeled after an initiative developed by” it.
Impact Texas Young Drivers. Hidden image text on the ITAD button, not a program.

When a page uses a name outside this list, check it against the DPS ITD page before you act on it.

What Both Programs Ask of You

The steps look alike for teens and adults. You need a desktop or laptop, since the portal says the video does not work on a cell phone, tablet or iPad. You watch each module in full, then print your certificate.

DPS wants paper. Both FAQs say you must print the certificate and submit a paper copy to the driver license office or TPST school. For the adult steps in detail, see our ITAD how-to guide.

A name check for Impact Texas programs: which names are DPS programs, which is a California non-profit and which is only alt text

New Texans and the Age Question

Moving from another state can change the answer. The DPS Moving to Texas page says adults 18 and older with a valid out-of-state license, or one not expired over two years, are exempt from ITD. They also skip adult driver education and the knowledge and skills exams.

So a young adult who already holds such a license takes neither video. They still surrender the old license and apply at DPS.

Where to Ask About Your Situation

If your case does not fit the rules above, ask the program directly. The ITAD Contact Us page listed [email protected] and 512-424-5623 when we checked. It asks you to read the FAQ first.

For questions about the six-hour adult course, contact your TDLR-licensed course provider. For questions about your license application, contact Texas DPS driver license services.

What We Found on the Official Pages

On the DPS and Impact Texas Drivers pages we checked on October 26, 2026, the phrase “Impact Texas Young Drivers” appeared once. It was the alt text of the adult button image on the portal home page. The visible label on that same button read Impact Texas Adult Drivers.

We found no sign-up page, FAQ or certificate under that name. The ITTD FAQ tied the teen requirement to drive tests on or after September 1, 2015. The DPS ITD page and rule 37 TAC 15.62 listed only ITTD and ITAD.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Each item comes from a DPS page or rule:

Looking for a third program. DPS lists only ITTD and ITAD.
Assuming 18 to 24 means “teen.” DPS lists ITAD for that age group.
Thinking adults cannot use ITTD. Rule 15.62 lets applicants 18 or older choose either.
Mixing up the California non-profit. Impact Teen Drivers is the model, not a Texas course.
Bringing a digital copy. Both programs require a printed certificate.

How Requirements Can Vary

Texas driver license rules come from state law, Texas DPS rules and TDLR rules, and they apply statewide. What you need still depends on your age, whether you hold a license from another state, and which tests you have already passed.

Laws, fees and office procedures can change. Check the Texas DPS and TDLR websites for current rules before you book an appointment or enroll in a course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Impact Texas Young Drivers a real course?

No. It is hidden image text on the ITAD button of the DPS portal. DPS runs only two programs: Impact Texas Teen Drivers and Impact Texas Adult Drivers.

I am 19. Which Impact Texas program do I take?

ITAD is listed for drivers 18 to 24 in adult driver education. DPS rule 37 TAC 15.62 also lets anyone 18 or older complete ITTD instead.

How long is each program?

DPS lists ITTD as a 2-hour video and ITAD as a 1-hour video. ITTD has eight modules, and ITAD has three.

Do both programs cost money?

No. The ITTD and ITAD FAQs both say DPS offers the program free of charge.

Do the certificates work the same way?

Yes. Each is valid for 90 days and must be printed on paper for the DPS office or a third-party testing school.

Is Impact Teen Drivers the same as Impact Texas Teen Drivers?

No. Impact Teen Drivers is a California non-profit. DPS says ITAD was modeled after an initiative from that group, but Impact Texas Teen Drivers is the DPS program.

What does the DPS handbook say about which program to take?

The Texas Driver Handbook says applicants must complete the ITD course “appropriate for their age group” before the driving exam. It does not mention a young drivers program.

Can a 16-year-old take ITAD?

Rule 37 TAC 15.62 says applicants under 18 in a parent-taught or minor driver education course take ITTD. ITAD is listed for drivers 18 and older.

Conclusion

Impact Texas Young Drivers is a label hidden in the DPS portal, not a third course. DPS runs ITTD for ages 15 to 17 and ITAD for adults, and anyone 18 or older may pick either. If you are 18 to 24, finish the six-hour adult course before your ITD video, and you can take that course with Driving Logic’s online Texas adult driver education course.

Sources

Billy Forte is the owner of Driving Logic, a state-approved driver improvement course provider serving Texas and other U.S. states.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Texas driver license and driver education rules are set by Texas law, Texas DPS and TDLR, and they can change. Check the official DPS and TDLR websites for current requirements before you apply.