Starting Sept. 1, there’s a new requirement for getting a Texas drivers license

Texas first implemented the distracted driver education program in 2015, which required 16- and 17-year-old drivers to complete the course. The state is now extending the requirement to any driver getting a license in the Lone Star State and taking the driving test for the first time. less Texas first implemented the distracted driver education program in 2015, which required 16- and 17-year-old drivers to complete the course. The state is now extending the requirement to any driver getting a ... more Photo: Photo: Texas Department Of Public Safety Photo: Photo: Texas Department Of Public Safety Image 1 of / 41 Caption Close Starting Sept. 1, there’s a new requirement for getting a Texas drivers license 1 / 41 Back to Gallery

Texas is continuing to crack down on the state's distracted driving problem with a new requirement for drivers.

In effort to educate drivers on the dangers of distracted driving, the Texas Department of Public Safety will now require certain drivers to complete an educational course before acquiring a license.

Beginning September 1, individuals 18 and older will be required to take the Impact Texas Young Drivers (ITYD) course to attain a Texas driver's license. Drivers renewing their license are not required to take the test.

READ ALSO: Witnesses describe chaos surrounding pickup driver's rampage that left 12 hurt on SW Side

"This important program is designed to provide Texas drivers with critical information to help keep their focus on driving - and to ultimately save lives on Texas roadways," DPS Director Steven McCraw said in a press release.

All skills examination applicants 18 and over must complete the free ITYD course. Drivers 18 to 24 are also required to complete the 6-hour adult driver education course prior to the skills examination.

ITYD is an one-hour driving educational program that uses research and true stories to expose some of the dangers facing drivers.

RELATED: Gov. Abbott signs statewide ban on texting while driving into law

This is the second course offered through the Impact Texas Driver program developed in 2015. The first course, Impact Texas Teen Drivers, targeted ages 16 and 17.

An adult course specifically for drivers 35 and older will be announced in 2018. For now, these drivers must also take the ITYD course.

jthorpe@express-news.net

@jerilynnthorpe