Driver Education & Licensing Resources by State

Driver Education & Licensing Requirements Vary by State

There is no single set of driver licensing rules in the United States. Every state sets its own graduated driver licensing (GDL) requirements — including the minimum age for a learner's permit, the number of supervised driving hours you must log, the length of the permit holding period, and the rules for a provisional or full driver's license. Some states require teens to complete a state-approved driver education course before a permit or license; others do not require driver education at all. Our state pages break down exactly what applies where you live.

Teen and adult requirements are often different. A teen may need a driver education course, a supervised driving log, and a months-long permit hold before a road test, while an adult first-time driver may only need to pass the knowledge and driving tests. Knowing which rules apply to your age and situation is the first step to getting licensed — and our state guides lay it out step by step.

Defensive driving and traffic school rules also vary. In some states an approved course can reduce points on your driving record or dismiss an eligible ticket; in others, a defensive driving course is taken only for an insurance discount or to satisfy a court order. Each course page clearly states whether it is state-approved, court-approved, insurance-oriented, or a recommended supplemental course — so you can choose the right option for your situation.

Browse the directory above to find driver education, defensive driving, and traffic school courses in your state, along with free permit practice tests, your state's driver licensing agency, and licensing step-by-step guides. Courses are 100% online and self-paced.

Not sure where to start? Use the search above to filter states, or explore the interactive map to select your state. You can also build behind-the-wheel confidence with our free online driver's license simulator, a nationwide practice tool for new drivers.