Is driving school mandatory to get a driver's license?

Quick insights

• Driver's education courses are designed to teach new drivers the fundamentals of driving safety, traffic laws and vehicle operation.
• Some states mandate driver's education for new drivers, while others offer more flexibility.
• Completing a driver's education course can lead to insurance discounts and better preparedness for the driving test.

Steering toward a driver’s license takes more than just mastering the gas and brakes; you also need to learn the rules of the road and safe driving habits. Buckle up—we're about to take a scenic detour through the important role of driver's education on your road trip to getting a license.

What is driver's education?

Driver's education, often referred to as driver's ed, is a formal class or program that prepares new drivers to obtain their driver's license. The curriculum typically includes a combination of:

• Classroom instruction on traffic laws, road signs and the responsibilities of being a driver.
• Driving lessons that provide hands-on experience behind the wheel.
• Safety courses that cover defensive driving techniques and how to handle emergencies on the road.

These courses can be offered through a variety of venues to accommodate different needs and preferences.

Where can you take a driver's education course?

Here are some of the most common places where you can typically find driver's ed courses:

• High schools or community colleges: Many high schools and community colleges offer driver's education as part of their curriculum or as an extracurricular program for their students. High school courses are often timed to coincide with the school day or immediately after school hours, while college courses can be a cost-effective option that might provide more extensive training or specialized classes.
• Private driving schools: Specialized driving schools provide comprehensive driver's education courses, including both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. These schools can offer flexible scheduling options, including weekend and evening classes. Driving instructors sometimes provide their own car with emergency brakes and other modifications, which could be beneficial for some learners.
• The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): In some regions, state government agencies or DMVs may provide driver's education courses or have a list of approved providers. This can ensure that the education meets specific state standards necessary for obtaining a license.
• Online courses: Some organizations offer online driver's education courses. These can be helpful for students who need flexible schedules or prefer to learn at their own pace. While a portion of these courses can be based on driving simulators and/or online reading, behind-the-wheel training still needs to be completed in person.

Each of these options has its own set of benefits, and the best choice depends on the individual's specific needs, such as schedule flexibility and learning preferences. Budget is also a consideration, as most of these options have costs associated with them.

Is driver's education mandatory?

The answer to this question varies depending on your state of residence. Below is list of driver's education requirements grouped by similar conditions across various states:

1. 30-hour classroom instruction plus additional requirements:
   • California, Colorado, Hawaii, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Washington, Wisconsin: 30-hour course plus varying hours of behind-the-wheel training.
   • Connecticut: 8-hour Safe Driving Course plus 30 hours of classroom instruction.
   • Delaware: 30 hours of classroom, 7 hours of lab and 7 hours of in-car observation.
   • Maryland: 30-hour course plus 6 hours behind-the-wheel training.
   • Vermont: 30 hours of classroom, 6 hours behind-the-wheel and 6 hours supervised driving.
2. Specific age requirements for driver's education:
   • Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia: Various age-specific requirements ranging from 14 to 18 years old, with different course lengths and additional training components.
3.  Comprehensive driver's education programs:
   • Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas: Programs include classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, and additional state-specific requirements such as driving while intoxicated awareness classes or specific hours of practice driving.
4. General requirements for all new drivers regardless of age:
   • Florida, Maine: Completion of specific courses like the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course in Florida to obtain a learner's license or a driver's education certificate in Maine for driver's license eligibility.disc-which-states-require-drivers-ed disc-ksrevenue-dovgdl disc-what-states-have-no-drivers-eddisc-what-states-have-no-drivers-ed

This information is not comprehensive and is subject to change. As such, it may be helpful to research the specific requirements for the state in which you will be getting a license. Your state’s DMV website should have up-to-date information about the specific conditions under which driver’s ed courses are required.

Benefits of driver's education

Enrolling in a driver's education course offers numerous advantages beyond meeting state requirements, including:

• Safety: Students who complete a course of driver's education may be less likely to be involved in traffic accidents.
• Insurance: Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have completed a driver's education course, recognizing the reduced risk they pose.
• Confidence: The comprehensive training involved in a driver’s education course can help some students feel more confident and competent on the road and more prepared for their driver’s test.

Additional considerations for new drivers

Here are some tips to help you choose the right driver’s ed program for you:

• Legitimacy: Consider looking for programs that are state-approved and have certified instructors.
• Format: Consider the format of the course—some drivers might prefer online learning, while others benefit more from in-person, hands-on training. If you’re a high school student, you might feel more comfortable with a teacher at your school, while other drivers might benefit from a private driving instructor.
• Cost: The cost of these courses can vary widely, with those offered at a school likely to be the least expensive or free, while those offered by a private agency or driving school might cost anywhere from $200 to $800 or more.
• Reviews: Check reviews and ask for recommendations from friends, family, classmates or colleagues. Personal recommendations can help you find a program that would be most useful to you.

The bottom line

Driver's education can play an important role in preparing new drivers for the road, emphasizing not just the mechanics of driving but also the importance of responsible and safe driving practices. Whether mandated by law or chosen voluntarily, these programs help shape skilled, aware and safe drivers.