Taking Driver’s Education (Driver’s Ed) is a big deal for all first-time drivers. However, Driver’s Ed is not required in all states, and in some states, completing Driver’s Ed online is not an option. Passing Driver’s Ed allows you to legally operate a motor vehicle in some states. Currently, 20 out of 50 US states allow online Driver’s Education courses. Let’s talk about Driver’s Ed in your state!
What Is Driver’s Education?
Driver’s Education, also referred to as Driver’s Ed, is a program that prepares new drivers to be safe while traveling on the road. In most states, you are required to obtain a learner’s permit before you can obtain an official state driver’s license. Driver’s Ed teaches different driving techniques in addition to standard vehicle maintenance, safety precautions, traffic regulations, and laws.
The curriculum for Driver’s Education was established in 1934 by Amos Neyhart, who was a professor at Pennsylvania State University. However, as early as 1929, school Michigan and Pennsylvania school districts adopted driving training programs to help beginner drivers.
What Are the Benefits of Taking Driver’s Ed?
As a new or experienced driver, you may wonder why Driver’s Ed is required in your state. Driver’s Ed courses are state-approved and often required to obtain an official driver’s license.
Some states have adopted Driver’s Ed courses to help drivers understand traffic laws and signs and teach them fundamental safety tips that help make them responsible drivers.
Teaching the Importance of Road Safety
Driver’s Ed also teaches the importance of road safety. In addition to learning the laws of the road, you will also learn good driving etiquette by providing experience instruction.
As a driver, you have many responsibilities, and one of them is to keep yourself and others safe while traveling by car. In Driver’s Ed, you will learn different techniques that help you drive on the highway, in inclement weather, and how to navigate busy streets.
To help you prepare for your in-car DMV Driver’s Ed exam, you can find online practice tests and review your state’s driver’s handbook.
Why Is Driver’s Ed Required In Some States and Not Others?
Good question! You may notice that some states require Driver’s Ed to obtain a driver’s license while others do not, and some states also require Driver’s Ed to transfer a permit from a different state, while other states do not.
Reasons Driver’s Ed requirements vary by state can include the following:
- The availability and overall cost of Driver’s Ed programs in each state
- The supply and demand of drivers in each state
- The performance of drivers and safety records in each state
- The maturity level and age of the drivers in each state
- The current objectives and goals in each state regarding traffic safety and education
What Are the Components of Driver’s Education?
The Driver’s Education program is usually comprised of two parts – written and in-car. In most states, you’re required to pass both parts of Driver’s Ed to receive your official state driver’s license. During this time, your state may require you to complete a driving log that states you have driven at least 50 hours. At least 10 of your driving hours must be completed at night. If you are obtaining your permit, your parent must sign this form.
Written Exam
For the DMV written exam, you’ll need to answer a series of questions, and you’ll need to answer a specific number of questions correctly to pass the exam. The written exam must be passed before you will be eligible to take the in-car part of your driving exam.
In-Car
The DMV in-car exam is performed in a standard vehicle, such as a car. If you would like to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must pass this part of the DMV driver’s exam before proceeding with any other CDL requirements.
During in-car, you will be graded on how well you are able to safely and correctly perform standard vehicle maneuvers, such as parking, reversing, switching lanes, adhering to the posted speed limit, and other maneuvers.
Which States Allow Online Driver’s Education Courses?
The 20 states that allow online Driver’s Ed courses include the following:
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
What Are the Requirements for Completing Drivers Ed Online?
That’s another good question! If you noticed your state allows online driving courses, you’ll need to know what you need, so you can be prepared. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
California
In California, the written DMV driver’s exam has a total of 46 questions, 38 of which you must answer correctly to pass the exam with a minimum passing score of 83%. The minimum age to apply to complete this exam is 15 ½. California driver’s handbook.
Colorado
The Colorado written driving exam has a total of 25 questions, 20 of which you need to answer correctly to pass with a minimum passing score of 80%. You must be at least 15 years of age to apply to complete this driving exam. Colorado driver’s handbook.
Florida
The Florida written driving exam has a total of 50 questions, 40 of which you must answer correctly to pass this exam. You must be at least 15 years of age to complete this driving exam and your parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form. Florida driver’s handbook.
Georgia
In Georgia, the written driver’s exam is comprised of 40 questions. You must answer 30 of these questions correctly to pass with a minimum passing score of 75%. The minimum age to apply to complete the GA driving exam is 15. Georgia driver’s handbook.
Idaho
The written driving exam in Idaho has 40 questions, 34 of which you must answer correctly to pass with a minimum passing score of 85%. The minimum age to apply to complete this exam is 14 ½. Idaho driver’s handbook.
Illinois
In Illinois, you’re required to complete the DMV driver’s exam which has 35 questions. You must answer 28 of these questions correctly to pass with a minimum passing score of 80%. You must be at least 15 years of age to apply to complete this exam. Illinois driver’s handbook.
Indiana
The Indiana BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) requires its residents to complete the state’s driving exam which is a total of 35 questions. You need to answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass with a minimum passing score of 80%. You must be at least 15 years old to apply to complete this exam. Indiana driver’s handbook.
Iowa
As an Iowa resident, you need to pass the driver’s exam to receive your learner’s permit. The driving exam has a total of 25 questions, 20 of which you must answer correctly to achieve the minimum passing score of 80%. You need to be at least 14 years old to apply to take this exam. Iowa driver’s handbook.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, you’ll need to pass the driving exam by answering 40 questions. You must answer at least 32 of these questions correctly to obtain the minimum passing score of 80%. You need to be at least 16 years of age to apply to take this exam. Kentucky driver’s handbook.
Nebraska
Nebraska requires its drivers to pass its 25-question driving exam. You need to answer at least 20 of these questions correctly to receive the minimum passing score of 80%. You need to be at least 14 years of age to apply to complete this state’s driving exam. Nebraska driver’s handbook.
Nevada
In Nevada, you are required to complete a 25-question driving exam. You need to answer at least 20 of these questions correctly to ensure you obtain a minimum passing score of 80%. You need to be at least 15 ½ to complete this driving exam. Nevada driver’s handbook.
New Jersey
Before you can become an official New Jersey driver, you need to pass the 50-question driving exam. You’ll need to answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass this driving exam with a minimum passing score of 80%. You must be at least 16 to apply to complete this driving exam. New Jersey driver’s handbook.
New York
In the Empire State, you’ll need to complete the 20-question driver’s exam. You must answer at least 14 of these questions correctly to pass the exam with a minimum passing score of 70%. You need to be at least 16 years old to apply. New York driver’s handbook.
North Carolina
In the Tar Heel State, residents must complete a 25-question driver’s exam. 20 of these questions must be answered correctly to achieve a minimum passing score of 80%. You must be at least 15 years old to apply. North Carolina driver’s handbook.
Ohio
In Ohio, drivers must complete a 40-question driving exam. 30 of the 40 questions must be answered correctly to pass with a minimum passing score of 75%. You need to be at least 15 ½ years of age to apply for this driving exam. Ohio driver’s handbook.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma requires its residents to pass a 50-question driving exam. You must answer 40 of the 50 questions correctly to pass with a minimum passing score of 80%. You must be at least 15 ½ years old to apply. Oklahoma driver’s handbook.
Texas
In the Lonestar State, you’ll need to pass a 30-question driving exam, 21 of which you must answer correctly to pass with a minimum passing score of 70%. You need to be at least 15 years old to apply to complete this driving exam. Texas driver’s handbook.
Utah
In Utah, you’ll be required to complete a 50-question driver’s exam. You must answer at least 40 of these questions correctly to achieve a minimum passing score of 80%. You need to be at least 15 years old to be eligible to apply to complete this driving exam. Utah driver’s handbook.
Virginia
The state of Virginia requires its residents to pass a 35-question driving exam to obtain their driver’s license. You need to answer at least 30 of these questions correctly to pass the exam with a minimum passing score of 86%. You are only eligible to complete this driving exam if you are at least 15 ½ years of age. Virginia driver’s handbook.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin DOT requires residents of Wisconsin to complete a 50-question driving exam, 40 of which you need to answer correctly to pass the exam with a minimum passing score of 80%. You must be at least 15 ½ years of age to be eligible to apply to complete this driving exam. Wisconsin driver’s handbook.
What Do I Do If My State Doesn’t Offer Driver’s Ed Online?
If your residing state doesn’t offer online Driver’s Education courses, you’ll have to visit your local DMV branch and apply to take the test. Each state has its requirements for completing Driver’s Ed, so make sure you meet all of the requirements and any applicable documents and payment for any necessary fees.
You may also have to schedule an appointment to take the driver’s exam, so check with your local DMV branch before heading to the branch in person.
How Do I Take the Driver’s Education Course Online?
To complete your state’s Driver’s Education course online, you’ll need to visit your state’s official branch site. This site will have a .gov site that lets you know it’s an official government site.
You can also search “Driver’s Ed online course (your state)” to find the exact link to take you to the homepage of the courses. Be advised that you may be required to register to take the driving exam by completing an online form to create an account.
You will use this account to access your state’s site and review the information your state’s DMV has on file for you, such as the cars you own, fees, and taxes you need to pay.
You have everything you need to get started with Driver’s Ed courses online. Don’t forget to study! Happy testing!