Online Driver Education

Why Go Online?

In many areas, drivers' education is no longer part of the daily high school curriculum. Students must take district-sponsored classes after school or during the summer, or find a private driving school to attend at their own expense. Even if drivers' education is offered during the day, it can be difficult to fit in with graduation requirements and the academic classes colleges want to see on a transcript. With online options, teens can be on the way to driving freedom without missing out on a summer job or Spanish class.

While much of the promotional material on the websites seems aimed at teenagers, new drivers of all ages can take advantage of online driving courses. Some older students may feel self-conscious about learning to drive with a group of 15-year-olds, and online learning provides the perfect solution. Older first-time drivers may also find it more convenient to balance an online class with their work and family commitments.

Online driving courses cater mainly to those who are studying for their first license, but they can also provide a quick and easy review for current drivers concerned about renewing their licenses. For instance, Cheap Drivers Ed offers a $19 Generic Course of Instruction; it won't certify a driver for a learner's permit, but it offers a basic overview of the rules of the road.

Advantages of Online Driver Education

• Students can take the course whenever it's most convenient, and work around their busy schedules.
• Students can learn at their own pace.
• It's usually a less expensive option because the online companies don't have to pay site rental fees and other overhead costs.
• Parents can take charge of their child's driving experience.
• New drivers can learn at home, away from the social distractions of school.
• Drivers' education classes are typically very focused on reading, worksheets and quizzes, which is an easy experience to replicate at home.

Disadvantages of Online Driver Education

• Students may rush through the material rather than taking the time to make sure they really understand it.
• The computer is a haven of distractions. When a new driver sits down to their course, will IMs and MySpace take precedence over learning?
• Online courses can only offer written instruction, not hands-on driving time.
• Students may lack the ability to have questions answered immediately and to get prompt feedback.
• The responsibility is on the students to make sure they are signing up for courses recognized by their home state's department of motor vehicles.
• Completing the courses may be frustrating for students with older computers or slower Internet connections.
• Anyone can set up a website and claim to offer online driver education courses, so it's important to check out the provider's credentials, look for Better Business Bureau complaints, and ask for references if you're still concerned. This isn't a cautionary note unique to online schools, though. You should exercise the same diligence before enrolling in any private driving school.

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