Driver's Education

• Completion of a driver's ed course is required for those under the age of 18.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of woodley wonderworks
  
  In most states, driver's ed consists of about 30 of classroom instruction, which can be achieved through various means, as explained in the sections below. It is possible to get a learner's permit without taking driver's ed; however, you will not be able to apply for a regular, non-restricted driver's license until the age of 18.
  
  

Public or Private School Instruction

• Students can take driver's ed through their private or public school.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Thomas Anderson
  
  A public or private school program is one way to meet the driver's ed classroom requirement. Although not all high schools offer an in-school driver's ed course, those that do usually make it available to sophomores who have reached the age of 15. Private schools that meet in the evenings, on weekends or during the summer are also available as an option in most areas.
  
  

Parent Taught

• Guardians can teach students driver's ed through the DMV.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of MIke Kline
  
  Some states will allow a parent or legal guardian to teach a driver's ed course, providing the person is accepted into the Department of Motor Vehicles' Parent Taught Driver Education Program. The parent/instructor must have a state valid driver's license, have no convictions of criminal conduct while driving, or not have had his license suspended or revoked within a certain number of years, depending on the state.
  
  

Internet Instruction

• Not all online drivers' ed courses are state approved.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of John Steven Fernandez
  
  Taking a driver's ed course through the internet is not only convenient, but it can improve teen drivers. According to the USA DMV, online driver education has "shown dramatic improvements in the accident rates of teen drivers when compared to the current national and state averages." There are numerous online drivers training courses--you can find a few in the "Resources" section--but not all are state approved. Check with the local DMV before choosing an online course.
  
  

Cost

• Driver's ed costs vary from state to state and depending on the method you choose.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Mike
  
  Registering for a parent to teach driver's education costs about $20 in most states. Public or private school instruction ranges anywhere from free to $425 or more, depending on the school district. Internet instruction prices can range from $60 to $100.