Choosing a driver's ed course for your teen is an important decision. The right course can set them up for success by teaching them driving theory so they know what to expect when they get behind the wheel for the first time. 

The first step in choosing a course is deciding between classroom instruction and online driver's ed.

Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between classroom instruction and online driver's ed. Then we can compare the pros and cons to help you make the right decision for your family.

What Is Classroom Instruction?

Classroom instruction is the traditional method of teaching driver's education. It requires students to attend driver's ed classes on campus, in person. 

What Is Online Driver's Ed?

Online driver's ed is the increasingly popular option in which students learn driving theory from digital content accessible via their device (which could be a computer, a tablet, or even a smartphone). Online driver's ed classes work similarly to in-person classes, but the learning can be done anytime from anywhere.  

What Classroom Instruction and Online Driver's Ed Have in Common

Classroom instruction and online driver's ed share multiple similarities.  

First, both methods cover the same topics and are held to the same educational standard by the state. Online learners are taught the same things as classroom learners. So, whether your teen takes driver's ed online or in person, they’ll learn how to be a safe, conscientious driver. 

Both methods can also provide a multi-media learning experience. Many online classes use a mix of content types, including audio, video, images, text, and interactive quizzes, just like students get in a well-rounded classroom session. 

Finally, for states that require in-car training with a licensed instructor, some courses (whether online or in person) will include behind-the-wheel lessons, while other courses won’t. 

The Pros and Cons of Classroom Instruction

The benefits of classroom instruction include:

• Socialization. Taking classes in person with other students can foster friendships.

• Real-time access to instructors. Classroom instruction is led by an in-person teacher who is available to answer questions as they come up during the lectures. 

The possible downsides of classroom instruction include:

• Cost. In-person driving schools can be substantially more expensive than online driver's ed.

• Schedule constraints. Class schedules are predetermined and the students have no control over when courses are offered. Worse, a missed class could prevent your teen from completing their required hours, which could mean re-taking the course. 

• Pacing issues. If your teen learns more quickly than the average student, they may get bored by the pace of the class. If they learn more slowly, they may feel overwhelmed as the instructor moves the class from one topic to the next.

• Transportation. Classroom instruction requires getting to and from class. For some families who live near the campus, this is no problem. But if your teen needs you to drive them to and from class each time, it can be a major hurdle.

Pros and Cons of Online Driver's Ed

There are many benefits of online driver's ed, including:

• Convenience. Since the course material can be accessed from any online device, your teen can learn from home with zero time or expense required to commute to a physical classroom.

• Schedule flexibility. There’s no need to arrange your life around the class schedule since your teen has 24/7 access to the course materials and can learn whenever it suits them. 

• Self-determined pacing. Your teen can fly through the lessons or take their time to let everything sink in. They can even repeat lessons if they didn’t quite understand something the first time through. 

• Affordability. The lower price point of online driver's ed is a major benefit for budget-conscious families.

There are a few potential downsized to consider as well, such as:

• Limited student interaction. Some online courses offer message boards for cohorts going through the class together, but many are focused on independent learning.

• Less access to instructors. Many online courses have instructors available so students can send any questions via messaging, email, or voice notes. However, students probably won’t get an immediate response like they would with classroom instruction.

How to Choose the Right Driver's Ed Program for Your Teen

If your teen struggles to learn independently and needs a classroom environment to focus, in-person classes are probably the better fit. A quick online search online will help you find local classroom instruction providers.

If your teen (and your family as a whole) would benefit from the convenience, flexibility, self-pacing, and affordability of online driver's education, check out DriversEd.com’s online program specifically for teens.

DriversEd.com develops the best online driver's ed courses by creating engaging course materials, designed to work with a wide range of learning styles. The interactive online course is full of graphics, short videos, and easy-to-understand content to help students retain the information. It teaches the basics of driving as well as defensive driving techniques to keep new drivers safe behind the wheel.

Enroll your teen in their online driver's ed course with DriversEd.com today!

Updated 7/11/24