Drivers Education

Over the last seven years or so, taking a drivers education course has slowly started transitioning online. A number of states now allow student teen drivers to take a drivers ed course online and complete the actual driver training with a parent/guardian or attend a half day driving course by an approved instructor.

Getting your Learners Permit

Every state has a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or similar title, like Department of Public Safety (DPS), where you will apply for your learners permit or driving permit. This special permit allows teen drivers to practice driving with restrictions, with a parent/guardian or qualified instructor. The age at which you can apply for your learners permit varies. One of the youngest ages, is 14 in Alaska, while typically the age is 15 or 15½. Of course, you’ll have to meet the states qualifications, such as taking an eye exam, six to eight hours of initial classroom instruction, a written drivers exam and other requirements. Laws vary from state to state, so be sure and check yours.

Drivers Ed Training

After receiving your learners permit, you will continue with your classroom driver education training (online training if taking at home) and will begin your actual driving lessons. In a traditional drivers ed course, this means approximately 3-4 weeks every day, learning new driving skills. With an online course, the parent/guardian will do this in the evening after work and on weekend. Typically those using parent taught drivers ed courses will have more driving time because the parent determines when their teen is ready for their license. Either way, it’s critical to pay special attention at this point, as it will formulate an intial basis of driving that will be used the rest of your life.

What You Need for the DMV

After completing your driver education training and meeting your state’s requirements, it’s time to visit your local DMV for your drivers license. Most states require that you have your learners permit for a certain amount of time. Usually you can receive a restricted drivers license at age 16.

Most DMV/DPS offices are pretty strict about the items you will need to bring with you. It’s not uncommon to go to your local DMV office, only to be turned away for not having a requirement when you arrive. Be sure and check first! Below is a general list you should expect to bring with you:

• Birth Certificate - Most states require the original birth certificate or a certified copy. A certified copy will have the state seal. In general, taking a photo-copy will not be sufficient. Prepare for this early on, or you will be ready for your drivers license but find yourself waiting up to 45 days to receive a state certified copy if you do not have one.
• Social Security Card - As a secondary form of idenfication, some states may require you to present your social security card. If your state requires this and you have lost your SS card, you can usually receive a new on the same day from your local social security office.
• Glasses or Contacts - You will be required to take an eye exam. If you wear contacts or glasses, be sure to bring them when applying for your drivers license, so that you can pass this test.
• Proof of Driver Education Training - If you’ve taken a traditional driver education course, they will present this to you upon course completion. If you’ve taken an online course, you’ll receive your certificate once the course is completed. In some states, parent certification of driving instruction will serve as completion.
• Proof of Insurance - Some states may require that you show proof of liability insurance before issuing your drivers license.
• Proof of School Enrollment - Most states require drivers under the age of 18 to obtain proof of enrollment in school. Most schools have a form that they will sign confirming your enrollment.

Driver Education Online

A number of states now allow teens to complete their driver education online. The classroom portion of your drivers ed is completed online and parents assist with behind the wheel driving. Texas, Georgia, Colorado, California, Oklahoma and Florida are just a few of these states. California and Colorado require an additional half day course with a certified drivers ed instructor.

What are the benefits? If you are a working parent, trying to take off every day for a month to get your teen to a traditional drivers education course can be quite challenging. Taking the course online allows your teen student to take the course in their own time at their own pace, with reinforcement learning througout the course. Additionally, you can spend time with your teen in the evenings, after work and on weekends. It gives much greater control over scheduling and you can determine when your teen is ready.