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

Trying to figure out if you actually need drivers ed can feel more confusing than the driving test itself. Here's the thing: it depends entirely on your state and your age, and the rules can look completely different one state over. This guide breaks down exactly which states require drivers ed, who has to take it, and what your options are if your state says it's optional.

How Many States Require Drivers Ed?

At least 41 states require teens to complete some form of drivers ed before they can sit for their written or driving exam. Requirements range from a 4-hour drug and alcohol awareness course in Florida to a full 56-hour program combining classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training in Connecticut. All 50 states and Washington, D.C. use a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)Teenagers Topics system that phases in driving privileges as you gain experience, and drivers ed is usually built right into that system.

What Does Each State Require?

Chose your state below and you'll get the requirement, the age it applies to, and the exact hours you'll need, classroom and behind-the-wheel.

If your state shows up as "not required," that doesn't mean skip it. Requirements shift more often than you'd expect, so always confirm the current rules with your state's DMV, DPS, or BMV before you enroll.

Prefer to scan the full list at once? Here's every state's requirement in one table.

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
Rhode Island	Yes	Under 18	33	50 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	24 (teens) / 6 (adults 18 to 24)	14 in-car + 30 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, like Texas's parent-taught program, that adjust the split between classroom and behind-the-wheel hours. Supervised practice hours are separate from professional instruction and are completed with a licensed adult, usually a parent.

What About States That Do Not Require Drivers Ed?

A handful of states and jurisdictions don't mandate a formal drivers ed course for any age group, including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. But "not required" doesn't mean "skip it." In most of these places you still need to log a set number of supervised practice hours, and taking a course is often the fastest way to shorten those hours or qualify for an earlier permit. The NHTSA recommends formal driver education for every new driver, regardless of what your state technically requires.

Which States Require Drivers Ed for Adults?

Most states drop the requirement at 18 or 21, but a few notable exceptions stick around longer. 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 courseTrending How Does 4 Hour Drug And Alcohol Course Work Florida Driversed.com 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 courseTrending Classroom Instruction Vs Online Drivers Education What You Need To Know Driversed.com helps you prepare for the knowledge test, feel more confident behind the wheel, and often qualify for an insurance discount.

Is Drivers Ed Required if You Transfer from Another State?

Generally, no. Most states waive drivers ed when you transfer a valid licenseTrending How Transfer Drivers License California Driversed.com 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 always has to happen in person, no matter which state you're in. Check your state's specific rules before you enroll.

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. That's especially valuable for teen driversTrending Teen Driving Laws Ohio Driversed.com, who tend to face the highest premiums on the road.

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 timelineTrending How Pass Your Driving Test First Time Avoiding Common Mistakes Driversed.com
Not completing the behind-the-wheel hours, which are often harder to schedule than classroom time
Failing the permit examTrending Commonly Missed Questions Teen Driving Permit Exams Driversed.com after the course and needing extra study before retaking

Find Your State's Approved Course

Every state has its own timeline, hour requirements, and format. The fastest way to get moving is to find a state-approved course that fits your schedule. DriversEd.com offers approved courses in multiple states with online and in-car options built around your life, not the other way around. Find your state's course and get started today.Drivers Ed Driversed.com