Should You Take Drivers Ed Online?
What do the following activities have in common: ordering pizza, renting movies, checking your bank account, taking drivers ed..? They can all be done online! Taking drivers education on the internet can be a great option for the classroom-phobic or the super busy, but is it right for you? Read this article before you sign up – we’ve got lesson one for you right here.
What it’s great for:
If you live in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania or Texas: lucky you! Your state’s laws give you the option of taking an online drivers ed course – instead of a classroom one – to fulfill the 30 hours of required drivers education classes for teens. Internet classes can be a great alternative to an actual driving school, especially since they’re very interactive and let you work at your own pace and schedule. They are generally cheaper than classroom-taught driving courses, and your parents save gas, money, and time by not having to drive you back and forth from class.
Those of you in the rest of the states may still have to do the actual driving school thing (it’s really not too bad!), but online drivers ed courses can still offer you a few advantages: you can complete one to get an auto insurance discount, or to take practice permit tests.. some companies will even reimburse your money if you don’t pass on your first try!
If you are interested in lowering your auto insurance rates (and who isn’t..!?), completing an online drivers ed class can qualify you for a discount of up to 10% – and it doesn’t matter where you live or how long you’ve been driving. But first, check with your insurance company to make sure they have a policy of rewarding drivers who take “safe driving” courses.
The Cons:
Even if you live in a state that lets you take drivers ed online, keep in mind that an internet-based course won’t take care of all the driving requirements you need to fulfill before you get your permit – you will still more than likely have to take several hours of actual, on-the-road drivers training as well. Depending on where you live, you can either sign up for driving instruction at a school, or have your parents teach you. Check your state’s driving manual for specifics.
Since you set the pace for virtual drivers ed class, you’ll definitely need some self-discipline to make sure you set aside time for the material. Everyone learns a bit differently, so this may not be the best option if you need a little push to stay consistently focused on your work. Even just 20 minutes a day might be enough, but if you find yourself too distracted by instant messages, online games, and MySpace, you won’t get through the course. Ask yourself whether you might have an easier time learning in a more traditional classroom setting.
So, to wrap up: if you do decide that online drivers ed is for you, make sure to choose a company that’s solid and reputable, just like you would in non-virtual life. Search the web for other people’s reviews, and check their reputation with the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org. Ready to get started? Best of luck, and don’t be late to class!
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