Driver Education Funding Program

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Driver's Education Program: FY26 Funding Application Now Open!

Apply now for Driver's Education program funding for Fiscal Year 2026!
 

Important Dates:

• Application Period: October 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025. Please note: Applications from Fiscal Year 2025 will not be accepted.
• Application Closed (for Reconciliation): December 1, 2025–December 31, 2025.

Key Information for Applicants:

New Applicants:

The application process has two steps:

1. Online Application: Complete the application form at [https://forms.office.com/g/dEjvXf7btB] to begin.
2. Eligibility Forms: After completing the online application, you will receive an email containing your unique DEFY Identification Number. You will then have 10 calendar days to submit your eligibility forms to drivereducationprogram@twc.texas.gov. Make sure to include your DEFY number in the subject line of your email.

• Enrollment Deadline: Once you receive an approval email from TWC, you have 60 calendar days to enroll in your selected driving school.
• Application Void (Loss of Funding): If you do not enroll within the 60-day timeframe, your application will be voided. Both you and the driving school (if identified) will receive an email notification. To receive funding, you will need to reapply using the new FY26 application process. This policy ensures funds are used efficiently and allows us to assist applicants on the waitlist.
   

FY25 Waitlist Applicants:

• If you were approved for FY25 funding but placed on a waitlist, you will receive an email with instructions on how to enroll in your driver's education program. Your chosen driving school will also be notified. You do not need to submit a new application.
• If you were on the FY25 waitlist and your application requires corrections to be approved, you will receive an email detailing the necessary changes. You will have 10 calendar days to send the corrected documents to the driver education program mailbox. If corrected documents are not received within 10 days, your application will be voided (see "Application Void" above), and you will need to reapply using the new FY26 application process.

We encourage all interested applicants to apply promptly during the open application period. Good luck!
 

Information for Driving Schools Participating in the TWC Driver's Education Program:

Please note the following important guidelines for the FY26 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): 32 hours
  • Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Instruction: 14 hours
  • Practice Driving Hours: 30 hours
• Required Course for Adult Drivers (Ages 18-25):
  • Classroom Instruction (Online or In-Person): 6 hours
     

Additional Reimbursement:

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.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) helps young people who were in foster care transition to adulthood. They work with local groups that help homeless people too. 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 Teen:
Class - Online/In-Person - 32 hours
Behind the Wheel (BTW) - 14 hours’ class instruction
Practice Hours - 30 hours

Required Course for Adult, Aged 18–25:
Class - Online/In-Person - 6 hours