Which States Require Driver's Education to Get a License?

Whether you need drivers ed before getting your license depends entirely on your state and your age. Every state sets its own rules, and those rules can vary dramatically from one border to the next. This guide breaks down which states require drivers ed, who has to take it, and what happens in states where it is technically optional.

How Many States Require Drivers Ed?

Currently, at least 37 states require teens to complete some form of drivers ed before they can sit for their written or driving exam. The requirements range from a 4-hour drug and alcohol awareness course (Florida) to a full 56-hour program combining classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training (Connecticut). All 50 states and Washington, D.C. use a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)Teenagers Topics system that phases in driving privileges, and drivers ed is often a core component of that system.

What Does Each State Require?

The table below covers every state that mandates drivers ed for at least some applicants. If your state is not listed, drivers ed may be optional but still recommended. Always verify current requirements with your state's DMV, DPS, or BMV.

State	Required?	Who Must Complete It	Classroom Hours	Behind-the-Wheel
Alabama	Yes	Under 18	30	6
California	Yes	Under 17.5	30	6 pro + 50 supervised
Colorado	Yes	15 to 21 (4-hr awareness for 18 to 20)	30	6
Connecticut	Yes	Under 18	30 + 8-hr safe driving	8
Delaware	Yes	Under 18	30	7 + 7 observation
Florida	Yes (TLSAE/DETS)	All first-time drivers	4 (adults) / 6 (teens)	50 supervised
Georgia	Yes (Joshua's Law)	Under 18	30	6 + 40 supervised
Hawaii	Yes	Under 18	30	6
Idaho	Yes	Under 17	30	6 + 6 observation
Illinois	Yes	Under 18	30	6
Indiana	Yes	Under 18	30	6 + 50 supervised
Iowa	Yes	Under 18	30	6
Kansas	Yes	Under 18	30	6
Kentucky	Yes	Under 18	4	4 + 60 supervised
Louisiana	Yes	Ages 15 to 17	30	8
Maine	Yes	Under 18	30	10
Maryland	Yes	All new drivers	30	6
Massachusetts	Yes	Under 18	30	6 + 40 supervised
Michigan	Yes	Under 18 (two segments)	24 + 6	6 + 50 supervised
Minnesota	Yes	Under 18	30	6
Nevada	Yes	Under 18	30	50 supervised
New Hampshire	Yes	Under 18	30	40 supervised
New Jersey	Yes	Age 16 (enrollment required)	30	6
New Mexico	Yes	Under 18 (DWI class for 18 to 24)	30	7
New York	Yes (5-hr pre-licensing)	All first-time drivers	5	50 supervised
North Carolina	Yes	Under 18 (starting at 14.5)	30	6
North Dakota	Yes	Ages 14 to 15	30	6
Ohio	Yes	All first-time drivers under 21	24	8 + 50 supervised
Oklahoma	Yes	Under 18 (permit at 15.5)	30	6
Oregon	Yes	Under 18	30	6 + 50 to 100 supervised
Pennsylvania	Yes	Under 18	30	6 + 65 supervised
South Carolina	Yes	Under 17	30	6
South Dakota	Yes	Under 18	30	6
Tennessee	Yes	Ages 15 to 17	30	6 + 50 supervised
Texas	Yes	All first-time drivers under 25	32 (teens) / 6 (adults 18 to 24)	7 in-car + 37 supervised
Utah	Yes	Ages 15 to 17	30	6 + 40 supervised
Vermont	Yes	Under 18	30	6 + 40 supervised
Virginia	Yes	Under 18	30	7 + 45 supervised
Washington	Yes	Under 18 (expanding to under 25)	30	6 + 50 supervised
Wisconsin	Yes	Under 18	30	6 + 30 supervised

Hours shown reflect the most common teen pathway. Some states offer alternative paths (such as parent-taught programs in Texas) that adjust the hour breakdown. Supervised practice hours are separate from professional instruction and are completed with a licensed adult.

What About States That Do Not Require Drivers Ed?

A handful of states do not mandate formal drivers ed for any age group, including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, and Wyoming. However, "not required" does not mean "not recommended." In most of these states, teens still need to log a minimum number of supervised practice hours, and many offer drivers ed as an option to reduce those requirements or qualify for an earlier permit age. The NHTSA recommends formal driver education for all new drivers regardless of state mandates.

Which States Require Drivers Ed for Adults?

Most states drop the requirement at 18 or 21, but notable exceptions exist. Texas requires a 6-hour adult course for first-time drivers ages 18 to 24. Ohio requires the full 24-hour course plus behind-the-wheel training for all first-time drivers under 21. Florida requires a 4-hour drug and alcohol courseHow Does 4 Hour Drug And Alcohol Course Work Florida Trending for all first-time drivers at any age. Maryland requires 30 hours for all new drivers regardless of age. New York requires a 5-hour pre-licensing course for all first-time applicants.

Even in states without a formal adult requirement, taking a drivers ed courseClassroom Instruction Vs Online Drivers Education What You Need To Know Trending helps adults prepare for the knowledge test, build confidence, and qualify for insurance discounts.

Is Drivers Ed Required if You Transfer from Another State?

Generally, no. Most states waive drivers ed when you transfer a valid licenseHow Transfer Drivers License California Trending from another state. You may still need to pass a written knowledge test covering your new state's traffic laws. Ohio is one exception: temporary residents must complete a 24-hour course regardless of prior licensing history.

Can You Take Drivers Ed Online?

Most states now accept online drivers ed from approved providers for the classroom portion. Texas, California, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, and Colorado all allow online completion. A few states, like Kansas, still require in-person classroom instruction. The behind-the-wheel component must always be completed in person. Check your state's rules before enrolling.

Does Drivers Ed Lower Insurance Rates?

In many states, completing an approved drivers ed or defensive driving course qualifies you for an insurance discount of 5% to 15% that can last several years. This is especially valuable for teen driversTeen Driving Laws Ohio Trending, who face the highest insurance premiums.

What Can Slow Down Completing Drivers Ed?

• Not verifying that your course provider is approved by your state's licensing authority
• Choosing an in-person course with limited scheduling that conflicts with school or work
• Waiting too long to enroll, which delays your permit application and road test timelineHow Pass Your Driving Test First Time Avoiding Common Mistakes Trending
• Not completing the behind-the-wheel hours, which are often harder to schedule than classroom time
• Failing the permit examCommonly Missed Questions Teen Driving Permit Exams Trending after the course and needing extra study before retaking

Find Your State's Approved Course

Every state has its own timeline, hour requirements, and formats. The fastest way to get started is to find a state-approved course that fits your needs. DriversEd.com offers approved courses in multiple states with online and in-car options designed to fit your schedule. Find your state's course and get started today.Drivers Ed Navigation Link