What online driver's license classes teach and who needs them
Online driver's license classes are courses you take on a computer or phone that cover the rules of the road, safe driving practices, and what to expect on your written test. They are not the same as taking your test online — you still go to the DMV in person to pass your written exam and road test. What online classes do is prepare you for that written test by teaching you state traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving habits.
Most states require or strongly recommend a classroom course before you can take your written test, especially if you are under 18. Some states call this a driver education course or driver improvement course. The online version lets you complete it at your own pace instead of sitting in a classroom for hours.
You may also take an online class if you have received a traffic ticket or been suspended, and the court or DMV has ordered you to complete one as a condition of getting your license back. These are sometimes called defensive driving courses or traffic school, and they can also reduce points on your record or lower your insurance rates.
Key Takeaways
- Online driver's license classes teach state traffic laws and safe driving but do not replace the written test or road test you take at the DMV.
- Most states require a course before you can test if you are under 18, and some require one for all first-time drivers regardless of age.
- Courses typically take 4 to 8 hours to complete and can be done over several days or weeks, depending on the provider and your state's rules.
- You will receive a certificate of completion that you bring to the DMV when you take your written test; without it, the DMV may not let you test.
- Some online courses can reduce traffic ticket points or lower your car insurance rates if you complete them after a violation.
State requirements for online driver's license courses
Whether you must take an online course depends on your state and your age. Most states require a driver education course for anyone under 18 before they can take the written test. Some states require it for all first-time drivers, even adults. A few states make it optional but recommend it.
The length and content of the course vary by state. Most online courses take between 4 and 8 hours to complete. Some states allow you to finish in one sitting; others require you to spread it over multiple days or weeks. Your state's DMV website lists which online providers are approved in your state and what the exact requirements are.
If you are taking the course because of a traffic ticket or license suspension, your state or the court will tell you which type of course you need and whether it must be in person or can be online. A defensive driving course taken after a ticket may reduce the points added to your record or prevent the ticket from showing up on your driving record at all, depending on your state's rules.
How to find and enroll in an approved online course
Your state's DMV website lists approved online course providers. Do not use a provider that is not on that list, because the DMV will not accept the certificate. Search your state's name plus "approved driver education providers" or "online driver's license course" to find the official list.
Once you find a provider, you will create an account, pay the course fee (which varies but typically ranges from $15 to $100), and start the course when ready. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and driver's license number or state ID number. Some providers ask for your email and a password; others let you log in with your state ID.
Before you enroll, check whether the provider offers a money-back may provide if you do not pass the course or if you change your mind. Some do; many do not. Also confirm that the provider ships the certificate to you or lets you read it when ready after you finish, because you will need it to take your written test at the DMV.
What happens during an online course and how long it takes
An online driver's license course is usually a series of video lessons, reading sections, and quizzes. You watch videos about topics like right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and how to handle emergencies. After each section, you answer quiz questions to show you understood the material. Most courses require you to score at least 70 or 80 percent on the quizzes to pass.
You can pause and resume the course whenever you want. If your state requires you to spread the course over multiple days, the provider will lock you out after a certain number of hours per day. If your state allows it, you can finish in one or two sittings. Total time is usually 4 to 8 hours of actual content, but you may spend more time if you review sections or retake quizzes.
Some courses include a final exam at the end. You must pass this exam to receive your certificate of completion. If you fail, most providers let you retake it for free or a small fee. The certificate is usually emailed to you or available to read when ready after you pass.
What to do with your certificate after you finish
After you complete the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. This is a PDF or printed document that shows you finished the course and passed the final exam. You must bring this certificate with you when you go to the DMV to take your written test.
Print the certificate or save it on your phone so you have it when you test. Some DMVs will not let you take the written test without it. If you lose the certificate, contact the course provider and ask them to send you another copy or provide proof of completion that you can show the DMV.
The certificate does not replace your written test or road test. It only shows that you completed the required classroom instruction. You still have to pass the written test at the DMV to get your permit, and then pass the road test to get your full license.
Online courses for traffic tickets and license suspension
If you received a traffic ticket or your license was suspended, you may be ordered to take a defensive driving course or traffic school course online. This is different from a basic driver's license course. It focuses on safe driving habits and the consequences of traffic violations.
Completing a defensive driving course can reduce the number of points added to your driving record or prevent the ticket from appearing on your record at all. Some insurance companies also offer discounts if you complete a defensive driving course, even if you were not ordered to. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer a discount and which courses they recognize.
If you are ordered to take a course by the court or DMV, make sure you enroll in one that is approved in your state. The court or DMV will tell you the important date by which you must complete it. If you miss the important date, your license may be suspended or the ticket may result in higher fines or points.
Cost and what affects the price of online courses
Online driver's license courses typically cost between $15 and $100, depending on your state and the provider. Basic driver education courses for first-time drivers are usually on the lower end. Defensive driving courses for traffic tickets or suspensions are often in the middle range. Courses that offer insurance discounts or expedited certificates may cost more.
Some providers offer payment plans if the full cost is too much to pay at once. Others offer discounts if you sign up with a friend or family member. Check the provider's website for current pricing and any promotions they are running.
The price does not include the DMV fees for your written test, road test, or license itself. Those fees are paid separately at the DMV and vary by state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take an online driver's license course if I am over 18?
It depends on your state. Some states require a course for all first-time drivers regardless of age. Others only require it for drivers under 18. Check your state's DMV website to see if a course is required for you. Even if it is not required, taking one can help you pass the written test and may lower your insurance rates.
What if I fail the final exam in the online course?
Most providers let you retake the exam for free or a small fee. You can usually retake it when ready or after a waiting period of a few hours or days. You do not have to pay the full course fee again, only the retake fee if there is one. Keep retaking it until you pass.
Do I have to take the course all at once or can I do it over several days?
It depends on your state's rules and the provider. Some states require you to spread the course over multiple days for safety reasons. Others let you finish in one sitting. The provider will tell you the rules when you enroll. You can always pause and resume, but some providers lock you out after a certain number of hours per day.
Will an online course lower my car insurance rates?
A basic driver's license course usually does not lower your rates. However, a defensive driving course taken after a traffic ticket may may have access to you for a discount with some insurance companies. Contact your insurer to ask which courses they recognize and what discount you may receive. The discount is typically 5 to 10 percent for three to five years.
What if the DMV does not accept my certificate?
This usually happens if you took a course from a provider that is not approved in your state. Before you enroll, check your state's DMV website to make sure the provider is on the approved list. If the DMV rejects your certificate, contact the provider and ask for a refund, then enroll in an approved provider instead.