Driver’s education has become a crucial part of preparing new drivers for the road. While many students choose training on their own, several states actually require it before a person can obtain a driver’s license. These requirements, often referred to as State Mandated Driver Training, help ensure that new drivers especially teens, gain the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to drive safely and responsibly.
State-mandated driver Training refers to the driver education programs required by law for teen drivers before they can apply for a license. These programs are designed to teach essential driving skills, road rules, and safe driving habits through both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
States adopt these mandates to reduce crashes involving inexperienced drivers, improve overall road safety, and ensure that new drivers understand their responsibilities on the road.
Most states that require driver’s education apply this rule to teenagers, typically those between 15 and 18 years old. The idea is that younger drivers benefit more from structured learning, supervised practice, and safety-focused instruction than older beginners.
State-mandated driver Training usually includes:
Classroom or online instruction
Behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor
Supervised practice hours with a parent or guardian
Some states allow online coursework, while others require students to attend state-approved in-person classes.
The following states require both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training for teen drivers before they can obtain a license:
California
Colorado
Georgia
Iowa
Florida
Nevada
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
These states require teens to complete a set number of classroom hours—usually 20 to 30—and behind-the-wheel lessons ranging from 6 to 50 hours, depending on the state.
Some states do not mandate a full driver’s education program, but may offer advantages for those who complete one, such as fewer required supervised driving hours or faster eligibility for the road test.
Examples include:
South Carolina
North Carolina
Michigan
Ohio
New York
In these states, teens can choose to take a driver’s education course, but the requirements vary depending on age and license stage.
To enroll in a state-approved course, students usually must:
Be at least 14–15 years old (depending on state rules)
Have parent or guardian permission
Hold a learner’s permit or be eligible to apply for one
In some states, completing the classroom portion is required before the permit test.
Most states issue a certificate of completion that teens must present before scheduling a road test. Requirements typically include:
Completing all classroom/online hours
Finishing behind-the-wheel sessions
Passing course exams or assessments
This certificate proves that the student received the mandated training needed to proceed to the next licensing step.
Studies consistently show that teens who complete State Mandated Driver Training are:
Less likely to be involved in crashes
More aware of traffic laws
Better at defensive driving
More confident behind the wheel
The structured learning helps reduce the risk associated with inexperience.
Many states make the licensing process easier for certified students. Benefits may include:
Shorter waiting periods before the road test
Reduced supervised driving hour requirements
Eligibility for the license at a younger age
These incentives encourage more families to enroll in official programs.
Most state DMVs provide a list of approved schools and programs. These include classroom schools, online courses, and behind-the-wheel providers authorized to deliver State Mandated Driver Training.
When selecting a driving school, look for:
Certified and experienced instructors
State approval and up-to-date curriculum
Positive student reviews
Flexible scheduling
Clear pricing and course structure
A reputable program ensures high-quality instruction and better long-term driving habits.
State-mandated driver training plays an important role in helping new drivers—especially teens—learn the rules of the road, develop essential driving skills, and become safe, responsible motorists. While not every state requires it, completing a driver’s education program can significantly improve safety and confidence for any new driver.
Whether mandatory or optional in your state, choosing a certified training program is a smart investment in safe driving for life.