Do You Need Driver's Ed to Get a Permit? State-by-State Answer

Parents ask us this all the time, usually right after their teen announces they want to take the permit test next week: do you need drivers ed to get a permit? The honest answer is "it depends on your state and your age." Some states won't issue a teen permit without a driver education course. Others want the course finished before the license, not the permit. And in plenty of states it's optional for everyone. Here's how to tell which group you're in.

Do you need drivers ed to get a permit? Three answers

Nearly every state falls into one of three buckets for teen drivers:

1. Required before the permit. You must complete or enroll in an approved course (or at least part of one) before you can even take the knowledge test.
2. Required before the license. You can get your permit first, then complete driver's ed while you practice, before the road test or intermediate license.
3. Not required. Driver's ed is encouraged and may earn insurance discounts or let you test earlier, but the state doesn't make it mandatory.

Age matters a lot. Most requirements apply only to teens under 18. Adults usually skip them, though there are important exceptions, covered below.

States that require it before the permit

These states attach driver education to the permit itself for young applicants. The details below come from each state's official information, but programs change, so confirm with your DMV before you sign up.

Texas also allows parent-taught driver education, which many families use to save money. If you're in Texas, our Texas permit test page explains what the learner license test covers.

A special case: Florida

Florida doesn't require a full driver's ed course for a learner's license, but first-time applicants must complete a state-required drug and alcohol course before applying. In 2025 the state changed which course teens take, so check the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles site for the version that applies to your age.

States that require it before the license

In this group, you get your permit first and complete training during the permit phase.

• Ohio: Drivers under 18 must complete 24 hours of classroom (or online) instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training before the probationary license. Since September 30, 2025, Ohio also requires driver education for first-time applicants aged 18 to 20.
• New York: Everyone applying for a first license, at any age, must complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course before scheduling the road test. Completing a full high school or college driver education course instead can bring other benefits for teens.

Several other states follow a similar pattern, requiring a course before a teen can get a provisional or intermediate license. The Governors Highway Safety Association tracks graduated licensing laws on its teen and novice drivers page, which is a good starting point for checking your state.

States where it's optional

Many states don't require formal driver's ed at all. Teens in those states need to pass the knowledge test, hold the permit for the required time, log supervised practice hours and pass the road test.

Optional doesn't mean pointless. In states where it's optional, finishing an approved course may:

• Reduce the number of supervised practice hours required
• Let you take the road test or get a license earlier
• Earn a discount from your insurer
• Satisfy the requirement if you move to a state that does require it

Ask your state DMV whether any of those perks apply before deciding to skip it.

Online vs classroom

Online driver's ed has grown rapidly. In many states, the classroom portion can be completed online through a state-approved provider, while behind-the-wheel training must be done in a car with a licensed instructor (or, in some states, a qualified parent).

Before you pay for any course:

1. Confirm it's approved by your state, not just "accepted nationwide." A course that isn't on your state's list won't count.
2. Check what it covers. Some courses include only the classroom portion.
3. Find out how completion is reported. Some states receive it electronically; others need a certificate you bring to the DMV.

We compare the two formats in detail in online drivers ed vs in person.

Is it worth it if it's optional?

Speaking as people who run a driving school, we're biased, so here's the balanced answer. A good course gives a new driver structured instruction, a trained eye on bad habits before they set in, and practice in a dual-brake car that takes pressure off parents. It also covers the rules in an organized way, which helps on the knowledge test.

It's not the only path. A committed parent with lots of practice time can produce a safe driver too. The question is whether your family has the time and patience. For a sense of the costs involved, see how much driving lessons cost.

Whatever you decide, the knowledge test still comes first. If you're starting young, our guide on how to get your permit at 15 shows the timeline, and our free practice tests help you study for your state's exam while you wait for class to start.

Do adults need driver's ed?

Usually not. Most states drop the requirement at 18. The big exceptions are New York's 5-hour course, which applies at every age, and Ohio, which now requires driver's ed until 21. California lets applicants 17½ or older get a permit without it. Even when it isn't required, adults who are nervous or learning from scratch often benefit from a few professional lessons.

Frequently asked questions

Is driver's ed required in every state?

No. Some states require it before the permit, some before the license, and some not at all. Requirements usually apply only to drivers under 18.

Can you do driver's ed online?

In many states, the classroom portion can be taken online from a state-approved provider. Behind-the-wheel training usually still has to be done in person.

Do adults need driver's ed?

Most states don't require it after 18, but there are exceptions. New York requires a 5-hour pre-licensing course for all new drivers, and Ohio requires driver education for first-time applicants under 21.