Technology has opened up a whole new world for us. The internet, cell phones, apps, and social media have revolutionized the way we live. And also the way we learn.
While modern school classrooms have embraced technology and all it has to offer, some other instruction courses are behind the times.
Currently, not every state has an approved online drivers ed course. However, states like Texas, who do accept it, are changing the game.
In fact, online drivers ed in Texas is revolutionizing how Texans of all ages learn to drive. And we are here to tell you how and why that’s true.
What’s Special about Texas?
Texas is doing some interesting things in the field of drivers education. Law in Texas states that if you are 24 years old or younger, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to complete an online or in-person course to obtain your first driver's license. You can start coursework once you turn 14 years old, but you must be 15 years old in order to apply for a learner’s permit.
For most other states, the age requirement for needing to complete drivers ed for your first driver’s license is 18 and under. But, with the option of online drivers ed courses, classes are more readily available to everyone. Even an adult who is working a full-time job can find the time to fit in online courses in their busy schedule. And there are specific online drivers ed courses for adults in Texas, which are catered to how adults learn best. Texas is expanding the number of educated and informed drivers on the road with a higher age requirement for drivers ed.
Why Online Drivers Ed?
Why would online drivers ed be a good option with all the screen time we get today? Isn’t hands-on experience more effective for learning?
Yes, hands-on driving experience is definitely necessary. That is why the in-car lessons are still required by law. Only the “classroom” portion of drivers ed is available to students online.
Using technology to teach the theory of drivers ed is actually much more effective when taught online. Technology allows students to interact with the material and visualize what will happen on the street. This is a great contrast to the in-classroom lecture that traditional drivers ed is made up of.
Online drivers ed classes also allow the instructions to be taught in different formats, languages, and mediums that are designed for student retention. Students can also go at their own pace and go back and review the information that they might still have questions on.
These online courses feature text, videos, graphics, animations, quizzes, games, and other types of interactive learning that cater to students and their needs. These features, along with allowing students to learn at their own pace and on their own time, have revolutionized the way people learn to drive.
The best online drivers ed courses put an emphasis on user engagement and different types of information delivery platforms to accommodate different styles of learning. Good online drivers ed sites invest in providing modern technology that delivers the information in an effective, diligent way.
Join the Revolution
Texas knew what they were doing by opening up online drivers ed courses as an option for new drivers. This option also allowed them to up the age requirement while still staying realistic in their expectations.
Online drivers ed uses a platform that teens and young adults are already comfortable with to help educate them on driving laws and safe driving practices. With Texas leading the way, we will be sure to see all of the states following suit by offering online drivers ed classes for teens and adults.