Supervised practice and Phase Two limits

Key points

1. The supervising driver must be at least 21, have at least one year of experience and sit beside the learner.

   Source: Handbook p. 1

   “The licensed driver must be at least 21 years of age with at least one year of driving experience, must occupy the seat beside the driver”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 1

2. The supervisor cannot be intoxicated, asleep or doing anything that stops them watching and responding to the learner.

   Source: Handbook p. 1

   “cannot be intoxicated, asleep, or engaging in any activity that prevents observation and response to the actions of the driver.”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 1

3. Phase Two restricts a provisional driver's privileges until their 18th birthday.

   Source: Handbook p. 2

   “Phase Two: Phase Two restricts the driving privileges of individuals until their 18th birthday following the issuance of a provisional license.”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 2

4. In Phase Two you may not carry more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member.

   Source: Handbook p. 3

   “With more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not a family member”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 3

5. In Phase Two you may not drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless it is for work, a school activity or a medical emergency.

   Source: Handbook p. 3

   “Between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the driver to work, to attend or participate in a school-related activity, or due to a medical emergency”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 3

6. All drivers under 18 are barred from using a wireless device, even hands-free, except in an emergency.

   Source: Handbook p. 3

   “All drivers who are under 18 years of age are restricted from using a wireless communication device, including a hands-free device, except in case of an emergency.”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 3

7. All licenses issued to people under 21 are marked UNDER 21.

   Source: Handbook p. 3

   “All licenses issued to persons less than 21 years of age will be marked “UNDER 21”.”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 3

8. A minor's application must be signed under oath by the parent or guardian with custody.

   Source: Handbook p. 7

   “If you are younger than 18 years of age, your application must be signed, under oath, by the parent or guardian with custody.”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 7

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Texas practice test

1. 1. Who must accompany a Texas learner-license driver during practice driving?

   1. Any passenger who is at least 18 years old, seated in the back seat
   2. A licensed driver at least 16 years old seated anywhere in the vehicle
   3. A licensed driver at least 21 years old with at least one year of driving experience, seated beside the driver
   4. No accompanying driver is needed after the permit is issued
   Show answer

   A licensed driver at least 21 years old with at least one year of driving experience, seated beside the driver. A learner license permits practice only when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience. That person must occupy the seat beside the student and must remain able to observe and respond. An 18-year-old, a 16-year-old, or a back-seat passenger does not meet those conditions. The accompanying driver also cannot be intoxicated, asleep, or occupied with an activity that prevents supervision. Before moving, confirm both the person's qualifications and the front-seat position.

2. 2. A 16-year-old Texas driver holds a provisional license. How many passengers under 21 who are not family members may ride along?

   1. None at all
   2. No more than one
   3. Up to two
   4. Up to three, if all wear seat belts
   Show answer

   No more than one. During Phase Two of the Texas Graduated Driver License program, a provisional driver may not drive with more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member. That means one such passenger is allowed and a second is not. Saying none at all is stricter than the rule, and two or three passengers exceed it; seat belts do not change the count. Family members are not counted toward the limit. The restriction lasts until the driver's 18th birthday.

3. 3. Until what event does Phase Two restrict a provisional license holder’s driving privileges?

   1. The holder’s 16th birthday
   2. The holder’s 18th birthday
   3. The holder’s 21st birthday
   4. Six months after the provisional license is issued
   Show answer

   The holder’s 18th birthday. Phase Two restricts driving privileges until the holder’s 18th birthday after a provisional license is issued. The restriction is tied to reaching 18, not turning 16, completing a six-month period, or reaching 21. Passenger and nighttime limits should be read as teen restrictions that last through the stated birthday. In a duration question, identify the ending event first, then apply the specific condition governing what the driver may do during the phase.

Source: the Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 1: Your License to Drive. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.