What States Have No Drivers Ed?

When it comes to drivers education, each state has its own set of rules. This can be overwhelming to new teen drivers, as they don't know what is needed in their state. So, what states have no Drivers Ed program requirements? We take a look at that for you today at Coastline Academy.

What Is Drivers Ed?

During the drivers education course, students learn different techniques for driving a vehicle, as well as traffic regulations and laws, basic vehicle maintenance and safety precautions. This is a great time for new drivers to learn the rules of the road from a licensed professional with the experience to show them the ropes.

While there are different rules for every state, there are currently 32 states that require teens to take drivers ed before they can sit for the written and driving exam to get their drivers license. It varies, but the requirements might be for teens age 14-18 or some have it for anyone under 21 years of age.

States With No Drivers Ed Requirement

There are 32 states that make Drivers Ed a requirement, but other states have different rules in place. They may not require completion of a drivers ed program, but they may require a certain number of hours of driving experience before being issued a license. While the state is not requiring driver's ed, it can still be completed or could be an option for new drivers to obtain their license. Here is a look at the 18 states with no drivers education requirement:

• Alabama - Teen drivers under age 18 must complete 30 hours of behind-the-wheel driving or take a state-approved driver education course in order to get their unrestricted license.
• Alaska - A parent, legal guardian or employer must provide proof that the driver under 18 years old has had at least 40 hours of driving experience. This must include at least 10 hours of driving in challenging circumstances, such as inclement weather and nighttime driving.
• Arizona - Teen drivers may forego formal classroom training and instead drive a minimum of 30 hours, at least 10 hours of which are at night.
• Arkansas - No driver's education requirement.
• Florida - Novice drivers of all ages must complete a 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course before they can receive their license. Intermediate license restrictions continue to age 18.
• Kentucky - No driver’s education requirement, but teens must complete 60 hours of driving practice with 10 hours of night driving to get their license.
• Mississippi - Driver’s education is not required to get a driver’s license. However, teens may obtain a learners permit at age 14 that exclusively allows them to drive with an instructor.
• Missouri - There is no formal driver’s education requirement, but the teen must have received 40 hours of driving instruction, including a minimum of 10 hours of nighttime driving instruction between sunset and sunrise, with a parent, legal guardian, grandparent, or qualified driving instructor.
• Montana - Teens may get a Traffic Education Learner's License (an instruction permit allowing practice driving with a parent/legal guardian) under 16 if they are enrolled in a state-approved traffic education program (60 hour class, of which 6 must be behind-the-wheel hours). If not, they have to wait until they are 16.
• Nebraska - To receive a Provisional Operator's permit at age 16, drivers may either complete a DMV approved driver safety course OR present to the Driver Licensing Staff a 50 Hour Certification form signed by a parent, guardian or licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
• New Jersey - Teens must show proof of enrollment in a driver training course (6 hours BTW) to get a learner’s license at age 16, otherwise they must wait until 17.
• New York - Before a driver may take a road test to get their license, they must complete a 5-hour pre-licensing class OR a driver education course.
• Oklahoma - Requires driver’s ed to get a Learner Permit at 15 1/2. Otherwise may not get learner's permit until 16. Oklahoma accepts Parent Taught Driver Education.
• Oregon - Teens under age 18 in Oregon must either complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice and driver education course consisting of 30 hours classroom and 12 hours in the car with an instructor, OR 100 hours of supervised driving practice.
• South Dakota - Beginning at age 14, a teen may hold a learner’s permit. With successful completion of a driver education program may hold the learner's permit for 90 days instead of 180 days before upgrading to GDL or unrestricted license. Driver education courses consist of 30 hours classroom and 6 hours BTW.
• Tennessee - Does not require driver’s education, but teens must have 50 hours behind-the-wheel before graduating from a learner’s permit.
• West Virginia - To be eligible for a graduated driver's permit/license, 15 - 17 year olds must prove general school enrollment and certify 50 hours of supervised practice.
• Wyoming - No driver’s education requirements, but teens must drive for 50 hours with their parents or guardian, 10 of which must be at night.
• District of Columbia - No driver’s education requirements. Teens under 18 must show that they have 40 hours behind the wheel, with 10 of those hours at night.

Whether or not your state requires drivers ed, the knowledge and experience you can gain is well worth considering it. As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to our friendly support staff and make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed or book your driving lesson today.