Texas to update driving classes with construction zone safety

Starting September 1, 2026, driving and road safety education courses in Texas will include mandatory instruction on navigating construction and maintenance zones. This change follows the passage of state law SB 1366 by the Texas Legislature.

According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the updated curriculum must cover how to safely traverse work zones, how to identify traffic controllers and workers, and how to recognize specific traffic signs and devices used in these areas. The courses will also detail the legal consequences of traffic violations in construction zones, including potential fines and the risks of injury, death, or property damage.

The measure aims to address high accident rates in work zones. Data from the TDLR indicates that in 2024, there were 27,900 accidents and 215 deaths in Texas construction zones, compared to approximately 26,300 accidents and 192 deaths in 2023. The new requirements apply to Driver Education Courses and Driving Safety Courses regulated by the TDLR.