Special to the NEWS
Driving For Success (DFS) is a state-approved online driver education program developed by DrivingQuest in partnership with Region One Education Service Center. Launched as a joint initiative, DFS remains a collaborative effort supporting school districts across Texas.
The program is offered at no cost to families and helps students earn their driver’s licenses while preparing for college and future careers. Districts statewide are using DFS to expand access, eliminate transportation barriers, and equip students with real-world skills that support long-term success.
DFS is available to any school district or charter school that partners with the Region One Educational Service Center (ESC). The program is mobile-friendly, flexible, and designed to work within existing education budgets and funding sources. Its goal is to eliminate common barriers—like cost and transportation—that often prevent students from completing driver education.
According to a Region One press release, DFS was developed in collaboration with the Region One ESC to support student readiness beyond the classroom. The State of Texas fully approves the program. It incorporates built-in accessibility features to serve a diverse range of learners, including English language learners and students with disabilities, according to officials from Region One.
“Transportation is one of the biggest barriers standing between students and opportunity,” said Ruben Cortez Jr., President of the Region One ESC Board. “By offering a no-cost path to driver education, DFS is helping students gain independence, pursue jobs, and get to college. It’s a practical step that makes a long-term impact.”
“This program helped me get my permit and feel ready for college life. I’m so thankful my school offered it,” said Emmanuel G., IDEA Public Schools student.
Transportation is a critical barrier for many students in the region. The Driving For Success program helps remove that barrier, giving them the confidence, mobility, and real-world readiness they need. Completing this task yields a tangible result: a driver’s license, which many students need to secure employment and take the next step in their lives, Cortez remarked.
Key Features:
• No cost to students and families
• Fully online and mobile accessible
• Meets all Texas licensing requirements
• Offered in English, Spanish, and ASL
• Inclusive of students with disabilities
IDEA Public Schools is one of the first districts to roll out the Driving For Success program region-wide. Starting in the summer of 2025, the program will be available to students at all 26 IDEA campuses across the Rio Grande Valley.
“At IDEA, our goal is not just to help students graduate high school, but to prepare them for everything that comes next,” said Joe Pedraza, Sr. Regional VP of Operations at IDEA Public Schools. “Driving For Success helps our students gain real-life skills they’ll need for college to start their career. Having a driver’s license opens doors and supports our mission of ensuring 100% college matriculation. We’re proud to offer this opportunity across all our RGV campuses.”
IDEA students can register now at: https://bit.ly/DFS-IDEA
IDEA families have shared heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity, calling it another example of IDEA’s commitment to real-world readiness and supporting students beyond the classroom.
DFS is available to all school districts in the Rio Grande Valley and across Texas through the Region One Education Service Center. It can be customized to fit the school calendar and integrated into career prep or summer learning programs. Implementation guidance is available.
Districts and charter schools must be active participants through Region One ESC to offer the program. Those interested in joining can contact Region One ESC for implementation support and details on partnership opportunities.
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