Choosing an Online Drivers Ed Course

Even before the world got turned upside down and we were all stuck in our homes, online drivers ed was prevalent. Now that online education has become a necessity for many, the number of driving schools offering online courses has exploded! 

With so many different drivers education courses available right at your fingertips, it can be hard to know which one to choose. Some prospective students may just go with the first link they see on Google, but there are a few things to consider to be sure you’re getting the most out of your drivers ed and learning the skills you need to get your license and be a safe driver.   

Check With Your DMV 

Your first step when searching for an online or in-person driving school should always be to check with your state Department of Transportation (DOT) or Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most have a list of the schools that are licensed and that offer state-approved curriculums for driver education.  

On your DOT / DMV website, you may be able to filter the list of schools by those offering online classes. If a filter option is not available, the list should still include information for what each school offers for courses and behind-the-wheel training. 

Research the School 

Whether you choose an online driving school from the DOT website or already have one in mind, it is important to do further research into the school. You can look through student reviews of the school and the course, check the BBB rating for the school, or simply ask around!  

You should always look through a school’s credentials to be sure they are properly licensed by the state, and that the course they are offering has been state-approved. The best way to find out this information, again, is to look through your state’s DOT website or contact them directly.  

Review the Curriculum 

Another way to be sure the course you’re considering is a good choice is by reviewing the course content. Different driving schools vary on whether they will provide their curriculum for review, but you can request an outline of the content they teach which will show you the subjects covered. This way you can compare the course with the content required by the state to be sure everything is included.  

Generally, if a course has been approved by your state, it’s safe to assume all of the content in the course meets the driver training requirements set by the state. 

Aside from the content that is taught, you can review the way it is taught. Are there videos included in the course, interactive activities, and quizzes, or are students simply expected to read through pages and pages of information? Generally speaking, the ideal drivers education course will include a variety of activities for students including videos, interactive components, and quizzes to test their knowledge. 

Does the School Offer Enrollment/Completion Certificates? 

It is important to know upfront whether or not you will receive an enrollment and/or a completion certificate for your online course.  

If you plan to take behind-the-wheel, many in-person driving schools will require proof that you are currently enrolled in or have completed the classroom portion of your driver training. Most will accept students who have completed their classroom training with another school or online, but it is required by the state that they file official documentation about the online course you took. 

Each drivers ed school should make it very clear on their website whether or not they provide enrollment and completion certificates, but if you’re not sure, contact the school directly to find out. 

Conclusion 

There are a lot of online drivers education courses out there for both teens and adults, so it’s important to do your research, and make sure the course is accredited and approved by YOUR state for official driver education. 

Online education is a great option for many people who can’t be physically in a classroom, or for those who simply want more flexibility with their drivers education. Whatever your reason, take your time, and enjoy your journey toward becoming a safe driver!