To be approved by IDOT, all drivers ed school programs must offer a minimum of 30 classroom-based instruction hours in addition to at least six laboratory hours, three of which must specifically be behind-the-wheel training. In addition to these topics, all Iowa drivers ed course programs are required to include discussion on substance abuse, railroad-crossing safety, dealing with pedestrians and more. New drivers will also learn about the laws governing roadways in Iowa and the consequences for breaking various laws, from parking citations to jail time for driving under the influence (DUI).
Student drivers can expect to learn about how to operate standard motor vehicles and troubleshoot common problems with their vehicles under a variety of conditions. While some online drivers ed course programs may cover all of the necessary material, they do not provide behind-the-wheel training, which is required in Iowa.
What will you learn in an Iowa drivers ed school?Īll state-approved driver education course options must cover the same basic topics so that every new driver receives the same information. To qualify for this option, the prospective teachers must possess a valid driver’s license and follow the state’s certification process to ensure that the new driver will cover all of the topics necessary to safely learn how to operate a motor vehicle. Parents who home-school their teens can become certified to provide parent-taught drivers ed to their children if they can demonstrate having taught the teen continuously over the last year. However, some public schools that offer approved courses may limit enrollment to students already attending the school. Most private educational centers offer adult drivers ed and programs specifically geared toward teen drivers getting behind the wheel for the first time. New drivers can choose between an Iowa teen driving school run by a third party or a course at a public or private school. Read on to learn more about driving courses for teens in Iowa.
After successfully completing the course, the student can take his or her certificate of completion to the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) to continue along the process of receiving a full driver’s license. Student drivers can expect to learn about safe driving techniques, basic motor vehicle operation and important laws that govern the roadways. Multiple types of licensing programs are available to young drivers, including courses taught in public schools and by private third-party providers or home-school teachers.Įnrolling in an approved drivers education program provides several benefits to new drivers. According to state law, Iowa residents who are minors cannot qualify for a drivers license without completing a state-approved education program. Unlike in some states, drivers ed online courses are not recognized as approved programs and will not meet the state’s requirements.
How to Take a Drivers Education Course in Iowaĭrivers ed in Iowa is required for new teen drivers as part of the graduated driver’s license (GDL) program.