An ADE/DE control number is a unique tracking number assigned to you when you complete a driver education course in Texas. ADE stands for Adult Driver Education, and DE stands for Driver Education (for those under 25). This number serves as proof that you finished the course, and you’ll need it for later steps in the Texas licensing process, including registering for the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) safety course.
What ADE and DE Stand For
Texas separates driver education into two tracks. DE, or Driver Education, is the standard course for teenagers and young adults under 25 who are getting their first license. ADE, or Adult Driver Education, is the shorter course designed for adults 25 and older. Both courses end with the student receiving a control number that ties their completion record to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) system.
Where You Get This Number
Your driver education provider issues the control number once you finish the course. If you took an online course, the number is typically included in your completion certificate or confirmation email. If you attended an in-person driving school, the school provides it on your certificate of completion. The number is numeric only, with no letters included.
If you can’t find yours, your first step should be contacting the driving school or online provider where you completed the course. They maintain records of completions and can reissue the number.
When You Need It
The most common place you’ll be asked for your ADE/DE control number is when registering for the Impact Texas Drivers program. ITD is a required safety awareness course that Texas added to the licensing process, and the registration form specifically asks for your control number to verify that you’ve already completed the prerequisite driver education course. You’ll also need it when visiting a DPS office to apply for your learner permit or license, as it confirms your course completion in their system.
Tips for Keeping Track of It
Because the control number links your course completion to your DPS record, losing it can slow down your licensing timeline. Save a copy of your completion certificate digitally, whether that’s a screenshot, a photo, or a downloaded PDF. If your course provider has an online portal, your number is usually accessible there as well. Write it down separately from the certificate so you have a backup if the document becomes hard to find.
When entering the number on any DPS or ITD form, input only the digits. Even if your certificate displays letters alongside the number, the system expects a numbers-only format.