Online Driver’s Ed Pros and Cons
Almost everyone owns a smartphone with an internet connection these days. These portable devices can be used not only for making calls but also for learning lessons online. Online education has become quite popular over the years. Many lessons that were previously taught by a teacher in a classroom can now be learned online using a smartphone or computer. Driver’s education is no different. Gone are the days when you had to attend a driving school in person to get ready for your driving test. Now you can complete the course online, get the course completion certificate, print it out, and take it to DPS on the day of your test. Online driver’s education is the number one choice of tech-savvy teens and young adults. So, what are the advantages of online driver’s ed? Is it better than in-person training? Well, it depends.
In this article, we will give you the pros and cons of online driver’s education courses so that you can decide which one you should take.
Keep in mind that online driver’s education is not perfect. It has certain flaws, but it is certainly a lot more convenient and affordable than regular driving courses.
So, what are the pros and cons of online driver’s education courses?
While it is true that online courses are more convenient and popular, in-person classes help students learn more quickly. The presence of a teacher and other students in the classroom certainly makes learning easier. However, online classes do have an important advantage over regular classroom lessons. They allow students to take the class at a time that is convenient to them. Better still, they can learn at their own pace. This makes it a very useful tool for students who are busy with classes and part-time jobs. Attending a regular driving school in person, on the other hand, requires you to make some major changes to your usual schedule for a couple of weeks. If you do not mind this, in-person learning is probably a better choice for you. For those who do not have that luxury, online learning may be better.
Pros of online driver’s ed
Convenience:
This is what makes online driver’s ed more popular than regular classes. You can take the courses at any time and from anywhere. As a result, you can complete the lessons faster or slower. This is not the case with in-person classes, where you cannot determine the pace of learning.
Affordability
Online courses are much more affordable than regular courses. This is because when it comes to online driver’s education, there is no formal instructor. Furthermore, online course providers do not have to invest in physical capital like classrooms. Hence, they can offer their course at a much more affordable price. So, if you do not have much money to spend on driver’s ed, online courses are definitely the best choice you have.
Growing acceptance
Several states in the US, including Texas, allow driving students to take the online driver’s education course. Just make sure that you are taking a course approved by your state. The course should cover everything you need to know to meet the requirements and teach you enough to pass your driving test. This will save you a lot of time and trouble.
Pros of In-Person Driver’s Ed
When you opt for an in-person course, you have the opportunity to interact with your teachers and fellow students. This is helpful if you have doubts regarding the course content. In most cases, your doubts will be cleared then and there by the teacher or a fellow student. This is not exactly the case with online driver’s ed. It can take considerably longer to get your doubts cleared.
Cons of Online Driver’s Ed
Just like in-person courses, online courses are also highly regulated. The course contains a lot of information, and if it is not presented intuitively, learning can become difficult. Not having access to a human instructor can also be a source of concern. But you can avoid this problem to a large extent if you choose a well-known course that has good reviews from past students.
Also, fast learners can finish these courses in less time, but if you aren’t interested in what you’re learning, it may take you longer than usual to finish your online driver’s ed. Some online courses also restrict the amount of time a student can spend on their coursework each day.
Too many options to choose from
There are lots and lots of online driving schools. While it is good to have choices, sometimes having too many choices can make it difficult to find the best course for you or your child. Before you pick an online course, you should check to see if it is okay with your state. You should also check their references to ensure that they are not scammers. The Better Business Bureau is a great place to find quality online driving schools.
In-Person Driver’s Ed
Timing:
Regardless of whether you are a teen or an adult, chances are you have a busy schedule that makes it difficult for you to sit in a physical classroom for a few hours a week. You could be busy with your classes or work. Online driver’s education classes are a big help in this situation because you can take them when it works best for you. Even if you don’t have a lot going on, you might still like the freedom that online driving schools give you.
Our Recommendation
Online driver’s education courses are lifesavers if you are smart enough to choose one that suits your budget and needs. Before selecting a course, read their reviews online or ask for recommendations from friends and relatives. If they have already done online driver’s ed, they can point you in the right direction. Carefully review the credentials of the course provider before signing up. Trusted online driving schools are the best way to prepare for your driving test and get your license as quickly, safely, and easily as possible.