Is Drivers Ed Required?

When getting your driver's license for the very first time, many teen drivers feel overwhelmed and confused with all the different steps they need to take. We want to minimize that stress and feeling of being overwhelmed, as we help you through the process.

One of the most popular questions we get at Coastline Academy happens to be is Driver's Ed required? The driver education course is usually where most new drivers get started, so find out if it is required here.

What Is Drivers Ed?

For the driver education classes, students are taught the techniques of driving a vehicle, as well as basic vehicle maintenance, safety precautions, traffic regulations and laws. This course is a great way for new drivers to learn the rules of the road before getting behind the wheel themselves.

Are Drivers Ed Classes Required?

While the driver education course is very beneficial and helpful for students, not all states require new drivers to take it. As of today, 32 states require teens to take drivers ed before they are allowed to sit for the written and driving exam to get their drivers license. Some states have that requirement for teens age 14-18 only.

Each state is different, as some states that don't require a drivers ed program do require teens to gain driving experience before taking their exam. It all varies by state, so make sure to verify with your state's DMV office regarding the hour requirements for classroom education and driving training.

Is Drivers Ed Required In California?

Drivers under 17 and a half years old need to complete a DMV-approved 30-hour California drivers education course. California is the most populous state in the country, so a bunch of new drivers are hitting the road every year, which is why it is a requirement in California.

Is Drivers Ed Required In Georgia?

In Georgia, teens under 17 must complete a driver education course approved by the Department of Driver Services in order to receive a Provisional License. The course must include 30 hours of online or classroom instruction, as well as six hours of instructor-taught time behind the wheel, or 40 hours of parent-taught time driving. At least six of those hours must be at night.

Is Drivers Ed Required In Washington?

In the state of Washington, the answer is yes! If you are under 18 years old, you must complete a 30-hour drivers ed course to get your license.

Benefits of an Online Driver's Ed Course

Depending on your state requirements, you may be able to take the driver education course either in a classroom or online. With an online course, instead of spending hours in a classroom, you can take it right on your phone, laptop or tablet. It’s up to you, take the course how you want!

Plus, go at your own pace. You could work on it for a few hours one night and then come back and do another hour two days later. No set schedule, but log into your account and work at your pace! In the end, you will get a certificate of completion to take with you to the DMV office to get your learner's permit.

Whether or not your state requires drivers ed, the knowledge and experience you can gain is well worth considering it. If you can take it, we definitely recommend doing it!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.