The two main ways to take driving classes are in-person or online. There are five major differences between in-person and online drivers ed courses. Make sure to look at each of the differences before making your decision between the two options.
1. Attendance
Depending on the delivery method you choose, there might be an attendance requirement. Missing a specific number of classes can delay your ability to take the written portion of your driver’s test.
Many in-person driving schools have a minimum attendance requirement. If you are unable to go to the required number of classes within a given timeframe, then you might have to make up classes. You will want to make sure that you arrive at class on time so that the instructor counts you present.
Online driving classes are different. While you still have to complete the coursework, you may not have to show up at a specific location at a given time. Attendance is typically based on the coursework that you complete and it is tracked electronically.
2. Delivery
With in-person driver’s education classes, a classroom instructor will deliver the course material. They will do this by talking, reading passages from study material, and playing video clips.
The information that you need to learn is prerecorded in many online courses. You may hear the information and see supporting slideshows or videos. You likely won’t have to wait on a teacher in an online course.
3. Class Schedule
Driving schools that offer in-person classes have to schedule classes that work for many people. These classes are pre-set and are not changeable by students. A set class schedule can be difficult to work around for your individual needs.
When you choose an online program, there may not be a set class schedule that you have to follow. You can log in and complete the lessons in the order they are given. If you need to adjust your personal schedule, it may have no effect on your class schedule for online driver’s education.
4. Classroom Setting
In-person driving school classes are usually set up in a room or facility that is chosen by the owners of the driving program. You might not have any control over the temperature of the room, what type of chairs you sit in, or the quality of technology used to teach with.
Online driving school classes do not have a designated classroom setting. You are able to choose where you take your classes. There are many ways that you are able to make adjustments to your specific surroundings like having access to food and water, or being able to control the thermostat.
5. Test Prep Availability
Preparing for the written portion of the driving test may be the most difficult portion of driver’s education classes. In-person and online programs prepare you for your written test in different ways. Take into consideration which test prep strategy works best for your study style.
With an in-person class, you might have limited test prep availability. In some cases, you are only able to ask questions about the test during designated class times. Additionally, you might only have access to one official practice test. The practice test you take might not provide quick feedback, which can prolong your learning.
Many online driver’s education programs offer several ways to prepare for your written driver’s test. With online programs, you may be able to go back and review lessons that you have already taken. You might be able to take an online practice exam that gives you instant results or take multiple practice exams.
Why Choose an Online Drivers Ed Course
The biggest differences between an in-person driver’s ed course and an online drivers ed course include convenience and comfort. Online courses can offer flexibility and resources that may be unavailable in in-person courses. These courses can help you prepare for the driving test with extra practice exams and instructor availability.