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Texas driver education schools can post a lesser surety bond following HB 912‘s passage. The new law took effect when HB 912 was passed on June 15, 2016.
Drivers under the age of 18 must complete a driver education course offered through a Texas driver education school, parent-taught, or through a public school. Driver education schools must obtain a license and previously, a $25,000 surety bond. HB 912 decreases the required surety bond to $10,000. Driver education schools must increase their bond amount by $5,000 for each additional branch location of the school. A Texas driver education school surety bond serves as proof of the school’s financial stability and guarantees that the school will comply with Texas Education Code Title 5 Chapter 1001.
To get a Texas driver education school license, applicants must apply through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Licensee applicants must include the following information on their application:
- DBA/assumed name of school
- Organization type
- School mailing �and physical address and contact information
- Owner information
- Signature of applicant, officer, or other authorized school representative
- Fee sheet and fees (including $1,000 license application fee)
- Original surety bond
- Copy of current insurance in the amount specified in the Transportation Code Chapter 601
- Staff roster
- Driver education course list
The full list of required documents is detailed on the Texas driver education school application, and all forms areavailable through the TDLR.
In addition to the decreased surety bond for Texas driver education schools, HB 912 allows driver education courses’ certificates of completion to be issued electronically. Under previous law, the certificate had to be printed. HB 912 also clarifies requirements for who can conduct parent-taught driver education, requiring that they are at least 25 years old with at least seven years’ driving experience, among other regulations.
Ready to get your Texas driver education school licensed and bonded? Contact Single Source Insurance for your Texas surety bond!