Online driver’s ed courses have exploded in the past few years. The potential is exciting, but the execution, unfortunately, has left us wanting more. Simply put, most (but not all) online course are boring.

Generally, the courses are text-laden

In order to fulfill the requirements set forth by the state, most online driving training programs are forced to include a lot of text. Most try to supplement this with some pictures or flash animations. With the exception of one online program, these graphics and animations are low-grade and will not impress a 15 or 16 year old who is accustomed to the high-end visual style of Hollywood, MTV, and ESPN.

May fulfill a requirement in your state

The advantage to the online course is that it may fulfill a state requirement. However, you, as the parent, should NEVER allow your teen to hit the streets until they have gone through an extensive training program that you or a professional driving instructor has administered.

Convenient

Also, your student can take the course whenever they want. However, the same can be said for some of the “offline” training methods we’ve reviewed such as DVDs.

Bottom Line

Online driving training courses could be great for you and your teen’s schedule. However, in most cases, the instruction is fairly boring and stale. Unless you’re attempting to fulfill a requirement, you’ll probably get more learning value out of a driver’s ed DVD.

States with requirements

The following states’ allow online courses to fulfill part or all of their licensing requirements: California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia.

Florida New Drivers: Nearly every provider is offering the exact same course in Florida. The American Safety Council created a course that satisfied the requirements in Florida and they allow any company who is willing to pay them a commission the ability to resell this course. So, now matter what company you enroll with, you’re taking the exact same course. Read our review of the Florida DATA course.