Driver Education Funding Program

Texas Workforce Commission Driver’s Education Program: Fiscal Year 2026 Funding Application is currently closed for one month. 

Applications will reopen January 2, 2026!
 

Important Dates:

The application period from October 1, 2025–November 30, 2025, is now closed.

• Current Status: Application process temporarily closed for reconciliation purposes December 1, 2025–January 1, 2026. 
• Application period reopens: January 2, 2026.

Important Information Regarding Applications:

If your application was submitted to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) prior to December 1, your application will go through the review process, and you will be notified within five business days of your status. If you have already been approved, your ability to attend classes is unaffected. New applications, however, will not be accepted during the closure period.

New Applicants:

The application process has two steps:

1. Online Application: The application period is currently closed. Once the application period reopens on January 2, 2026, a new link will be provided on the program website for you to complete the application process.
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 will receive an email notification. To receive funding, you will need to reapply using the new Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 2026) application process. This policy ensures funds are used efficiently and allows us to assist applicants on the wait list.
   

Fiscal Year 2025 Wait List Applicants:

• If you were approved for FY 2025 funding but placed on a wait list, 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 FY 2025 wait list 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 FY 2026 application process.

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

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)—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.

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)—32 hours
Behind the Wheel (BTW)—14 hours’ class instruction
Practice Hours—30 hours

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