Taking Driver’s Education During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Over the past weeks, we have seen how the Covid-19 pandemic changed the world, the way we live. All around the globe, governments have implemented measures to contain the spread of the virus which has already infected over 700,000 in the United States alone. One of the initial steps taken was the mandatory closure of learning institutions, from kindergartens to universities as well as driving schools. Even if the federal government eases the restrictions on social distancing measures in the coming weeks, statewide school closures are still expected to continue. As of the moment, 31 states are leaning towards keeping schools closed for the rest of the academic year. What does this mean for students? Despite the closures, learning is still on-going for a lot of students with institutions shifting to online classrooms. This is also true for driver’s education classes.

With the closure of schools, driver’s education has shifted online as well. In Minnesota, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) has allowed driving schools to hold virtual classes. But… This is not new at all in certain states. Internet-based drivers ed courses have been available for some years now in at least 15 states which include California, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania. The truth is that drivers ed online is the preferred option for new teen drivers nowadays mainly because of its many benefits.

This is an online course, meaning you need to be connected to the Internet to access the modules. Just like the in-person programs, drivers ed online courses adhere to the mandatory hours set by the state. For example, California requires 30 hours of driver’s education. Hence, when you take the Internet-based course, you have to log this number of learning hours (and pass the final test) to get your certificate of completion. Most online drivers ed courses, particularly the one offered here at DmvEdu, is learner-directed. Students like you determine the pace of the course. There are no fixed schedules – you can study anytime you want to.

In terms of design, drivers ed online courses are very different from the traditional or in-person programs which have shifted to online classrooms. For one, the latter still involves an instructor who teaches the class, only this time it’s via video conferencing. In addition, the traditional programs offered online still observe a fixed class schedule. You have to attend the 2-week virtual lectures - for example, Mondays to Fridays for three hours each day. If you miss a class or two, you might be asked to repeat the entire course. What’s more? The traditional “online” classes include other students. It is not a one-on-one tutorial. You would be in a video conference with an instructor and at least 20 other students. Simply put, while in-person drivers education programs are now utilizing virtual classrooms, they are still not as convenient as drivers ed online courses. They do not afford you the liberty to learn at your own pace or to study when you can or want to.

So, if you are planning to complete the mandatory driver’s education during the Covid-19 pandemic, the best choice is a legitimate drivers ed online program, especially if you do not want to be tied to a schedule or have instructor-led study sessions. Drivers ed online programs are designed to minimize the inconvenience of complying with state-mandated licensing requirements for teens like you who are already busy with schoolwork. Furthermore, these courses adhere to the standards set by the DMV or state to ensure that you pass your written test. Thinking of completing the mandatory driver’s education during this time? Choose our DMV-approved drivers ed online course.

Visit our website today or call us now at (510) 848-5508!