Is Driving School Mandatory to Get a Driver's License?

Not all states require driver's ed, but it's a good idea to take a course anyway.

Ronan Glon | 

Jul 17, 2024 | 2 min read

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The process of obtaining a driver's license varies from state to state. Some states require new drivers to complete a driver's education course, while others accept a certain number of supervised driving hours as evidence of readiness to drive independently. Here's what you need to know about driving school requirements across the United States.

What Is Driver's Education?

Commonly referred to as driver's ed, a driver's education class is a course that covers the basics of driving. It typically consists of two main sections: one focusing on federal and state driving laws and the other on practical driving skills.

States That Don't Require Driver's Education

While driver's education classes are available nationwide, they are not always required for obtaining a license. For instance, Nebraska doesn't mandate driver's education. Instead, aspiring drivers can complete 50 hours of supervised driving with a parent, guardian, or licensed adult older than 21.

In Oregon, people ages 16 or 17 can either perform 100 hours of supervised driving or get 50 hours of supervised driving plus take and pass an approved driver's ed course.

Nevada requires driver's ed for most students, with exceptions for those in rural areas. Teens who don't have internet access and live outside a 30-mile radius of a classroom course can replace driver's ed with 100 hours of supervised driving.

As of 2024, Tennessee and West Virginia are among the states that don't mandate driver's education — though often there are still requirements to log driving hours with a licensed passenger, and in Tennessee this only applies for first-time applications.

States That Require Driver's Education

Instruction is mandatory in more than half of the states, with requirements varying widely.

Connecticut requires up to 30 hours of classroom training, while for a Level 1 Learner's License, Michigan expects 24 hours of classroom training and six hours of behind-the-wheel training over a minimum of three weeks. Ohio's probationary requirement mandates 24 hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of behind-the-wheel training.

Do New Drivers Need to Take Driver's Education Even If It's Not Mandatory?

Drivers ages 16 to 19 are nearly three times more likely to die in car crashes than those older than 20, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Given this statistic, taking driver's ed is a wise choice regardless of your state's requirements.

In addition to covering basics such as traffic signs and lane markings, driver's ed teaches safe driving practices, including how to interact with pedestrians. Even in states where driver's ed isn't mandatory, it's often recommended.

Ronan Glon

Ronan Glon is an American journalist and automotive historian based in France. He enjoys working on old cars and spending time outdoors seeking out his next project car.