Whether you can skip driver's ed depends on your state

Most states allow you to get your license at 16 without taking a formal driver's education course, but the rules vary significantly. Some states require driver's ed no matter what. Others let you skip it if you meet certain conditions — usually passing a written test and a road test, and sometimes waiting longer between getting your permit and taking your driving test. A few states have no driver's ed requirement at all.

The catch is that even when driver's ed is not required by law, many insurance companies offer discounts if you complete it anyway. That discount can save you hundreds of dollars a year on your premium, which often makes the course worth taking even when it is optional.

Key Takeaways

  • About half of U.S. states do not require driver's education to get your license at 16, but the other half do.
  • States that do not require driver's ed typically require you to pass both a written test and a road test, and some impose a waiting period between your permit and your license test.
  • Even when driver's ed is optional, your insurance company may offer a discount of 5 to 10 percent if you complete an approved course.
  • Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website lists the exact requirements for your age and state.

States with no driver's ed requirement

States that do not mandate driver's education include Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. This list changes occasionally as states update their laws, so check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to confirm.

In these states, you typically need to pass a written knowledge test covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices, then pass a road test with an examiner. Some states also require you to hold your permit for a set number of days or months before you can take the road test — this waiting period ranges from a few weeks to several months depending on the state.

States that require driver's education

States that do require driver's education at 16 include Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. In these states, you cannot get your license without completing an approved driver's education course, which typically includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor.

The length and format of required courses vary. Some states accept online classroom instruction combined with in-person driving lessons. Others require a set number of classroom hours, a set number of behind-the-wheel hours, or both. A few states allow you to complete driver's ed through your high school if your school offers it, which is usually free or low-cost.

What you need to do if driver's ed is not required in your state

Start by getting your learner's permit, which requires passing a written test at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Study your state's driver's manual — you can read it free from the DMV website — and take practice tests online. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices.

After you pass the written test and receive your permit, you must practice driving with a licensed adult (usually a parent or guardian) for the number of days or months your state requires. Some states have no waiting period; others require 30 days, 90 days, or six months. During this time, you will learn the skills you need to pass the road test.

When you are ready, schedule your road test through your state's DMV. The examiner will watch you perform basic driving tasks — parking, turning, stopping, merging — and assess whether you drive safely. If you pass, you receive your license.

How driver's ed affects your insurance costs

Insurance companies in most states offer a discount — typically 5 to 10 percent — if you complete an approved driver's education course before you turn 18. This discount applies whether driver's ed is required by your state or not. For a 16-year-old new driver, this can mean saving $100 to $300 per year on car insurance.

To get the discount, you usually need to provide your insurance company with a certificate of completion from an approved course. Ask your insurer which courses they accept before you enroll. Some insurers accept online courses; others require in-person instruction. A few states have specific course requirements that may have access to for insurance discounts.

Online driver's ed as an alternative

If your state does not require driver's ed but you want the insurance discount, online courses are available in most states. These courses let you complete the classroom portion on your own schedule, usually taking 4 to 8 hours total. You still need to complete behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor or a parent, depending on your state's rules.

Online courses cost between $20 and $100, depending on the provider and your state. Some are accredited by your state's DMV; others are accredited by insurance companies. Before you enroll, confirm that your state and your insurance company will accept the course for discount purposes.

What happens if you fail the road test

If you do not pass the road test on your first attempt, you can retake it after a waiting period. Most states allow you to retake the test within a few days or weeks, though some require you to wait 7 to 14 days. You pay a retest fee each time, usually $10 to $50.

Between attempts, practice the skills the examiner said you need to improve. Many people fail because of parallel parking, merging on highways, or not checking mirrors frequently enough. A few more hours of practice with a parent or instructor usually makes the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license at 16 without a permit first?

No. Every state requires you to hold a learner's permit before you can take the road test for your license. The permit proves you passed the written knowledge test and are learning to drive under supervision.

Do I need driver's ed if my parent teaches me to drive?

It depends on your state. If your state does not require driver's ed, a parent can teach you. If your state does require it, you must complete an approved course even if a parent provides additional practice. Check your state's DMV website to be sure.

Will skipping driver's ed cost me more in insurance?

Possibly. Many insurers offer a 5 to 10 percent discount for completing an approved course. Over several years, that discount often adds up to more than the cost of the course itself, so it may be worth taking even if it is not required.

What if I turn 18 before I get my license?

In most states, you can still get your license after 18, but the rules change. Many states no longer require driver's ed for people 18 and older, and some remove the waiting period between your permit and your road test. Check your state's DMV website for the adult licensing requirements.