According to the Texas Department of Safety website, the Third Party Skills Testing Program information can be found here: https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/tpstPrgm.htm
Some information from that page:
The Third Party Skills Testing (TPST) program authorizes Driver Education schools that have been certified by the Department to administer the driving test for Class C non-commercial driver license applicants. This program is intended to ensure you have the knowledge and skills needed to safely operate a motor vehicle, and also reduces the time you must wait to take your driving test.
Approved Driver Education schools have undergone a certification process by the Department which includes:
- Testing of the Driver Education school instructors
- Audit and approval of the drive route used for the drive test
You may be able to complete the drive test at an approved Driver Education school for the issuance of your Texas driver license, provided you meet the following criteria:
If you are 16 years of age or older:
- Possess a valid DE-964 showing you have completed a Minors Driver Education Course
- Have a valid learner license for a minimum of six months
- Complete the ITD requirements by viewing the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) video. The certificate of completion must be dated within 90 days prior to taking the drive test.
If you are 18-24 years of age:
- Possess a valid DE-964 or ADE-1317 showing completion of a Driver Education Course
- Have a valid restricted driver license
- Complete the ITD requirements by viewing the Impact Texas Young Drivers (ITYD) video. The certificate of completion must be dated within 90 days prior to taking the drive test.
If you are 25 years of age or older:
- Have a valid restricted driver license
- Complete the ITD requirements by viewing the Impact Texas Young Drivers (ITYD) video. The certificate of completion must be dated within 90 days prior to taking the drive test.
If you are older than 25 and are applying for a Texas driver license for the first time, you are not required to have completed driver education, however it is highly recommended.
If you want to take a third party skills test for your drivers license, and you want to take your test in the area of Dallas / Garland / Mesquite / Plano / Allen / Rockwall / Addison / Richardson / McKinney / Rowlett then you can do so through 1-2-3 Driving School (click here) as the school is an approved Texas DPS third party tester.
Here is a thorough video from the school on how to pass one’s third party test:
