What Is a Driver's Ed Course?
Young drivers may already know this, but there is no basic set of rules when it comes to Driver's Ed. Each state is different, so you may wonder what you need to do to complete driver's education and get your permit. Let's take a look at what a driver's ed course consists of and what options you may have.
What Is Driver's Ed?
In driver's education, students are taught the techniques of driving a vehicle, as well as basic vehicle maintenance, safety precautions, traffic regulations and laws. Driver's Ed is a great and crucial way for new drivers to learn the rules of the road before getting behind the wheel.
Online vs. Classroom Instruction
One of the big debates when it comes to Driver's Ed is whether to take an online course or attend classroom instruction. While both have their own pros and cons, that final decision comes down to you and your preferences for a learning environment. Online driver's ed is convenient, but students who require more external motivation may find a classroom course easier to complete.
The Actual Course
The number of hours needed to complete a driver's ed course depends on your state, although most states average around 30 hours. Many states also allow for online instruction, and Coastline Academy offers online driver's ed where state law permits. While the small details may differ, almost all driver's ed courses will follow a similar outline to the Coastline online course:
- Driving Is Your Responsibility
- Human Factors Affecting the Driver
- Natural Forces Affecting the Vehicle
- Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings
- Vehicle Systems
- Defensive Driving, Speed, Lanes, Intersections and More
- Sharing the Road, Causes of Accidents and Accident Prevention
- Alcohol, Drugs and Driving
- Licensing, Registration and Laws for Your Specific State
- Earning a Driver's License in Your State
In an online course, you are often free to move at your own pace (although some states only allow you to complete a certain number of hours a day). This means you could work 15 minutes a day on your course, or make your way through four chapters in one day.
Throughout any online course, you will be tested on the material covered, including chapter quizzes and a final test. Once you pass the final test, you will receive a certificate of completion to take with you to the DMV office!
Coastline is on a mission to eradicate car crashes by training safe and confident drivers for life. Learn why Coastline instructors have over 100,000 5-star reviews by signing up for behind-the-wheel lessons via our website or phone/text at 1-800-489-1896.
About the Author
Nigel Tunnacliffe is the co-Founder and CEO of Coastline Academy, the largest driving school in the country, on a mission to eradicate car crashes. An experienced founder and technology executive, Nigel and his team are shaking up the automotive industry by taking a technology-centric approach to learning and driver safety. Having served over 100,000 driving students across 500+ cities, Coastline was recently named the 6th fastest-growing education company in America by Inc. Magazine. Nigel is a frequent podcast guest and quoted driving education expert for major publications such as Yahoo!, GOBankingRates, and MSN.