Why driver’s ed matters for your insurance bill
Adding a newly licensed teen is usually the biggest single increase a household will see on its car insurance. Young drivers are statistically more likely to crash, and insurers price that in. Driver’s education helps in three ways:
- It’s often required for a license, so it has to be done anyway.
- Many insurers give a driver training discount to young drivers who complete an approved course. GEICO, for example, lists a driver training discount with the amount shown as “varies”.
- It can unlock better licensing terms, like a senior license at 17 in New York or a faster route to a full license in Pennsylvania, which can matter to some insurers.
Driver’s ed rules in the 10 largest states
| State | Is driver’s ed required? | What it involves | Online course (sponsored) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Required under 17½ | 30 hours classroom/online, then 6 hours with an instructor; 50 supervised hours (10 at night) | CA driver’s ed |
| Texas | Required for everyone under 25 | Full course for teens; shorter adult course for 18–24; parent-taught option exists | TX driver’s ed |
| Florida | Teens take a drug, alcohol and traffic safety course; adults 18+ take the 4-hour TLSAE | Learner’s permit from 15 | – |
| New York | Optional, but brings real benefits | Without it, a 5-hour pre-licensing course is required; with it, a senior license is possible at 17 | NY 5-hour course |
| Pennsylvania | Optional | Can help a junior license holder move to a full license sooner | PA driver’s ed |
| Illinois | Teen ed for under 18; 6-hour adult course for first-time 18–20s | Adult course approved by the Secretary of State, online allowed | IL adult driver’s ed |
| Ohio | Required for everyone under 21 (since Sept 30, 2025) | 24 hours classroom/online, 8 hours with an instructor, 50 supervised hours (10 at night) | OH driver’s ed |
| Georgia | Required for a Class D license at 16 or 17 (Joshua’s Law) | 30 hours classroom or online plus 6 hours with a school and 40 supervised hours, or a parent-taught route | – |
| North Carolina | Required for a learner permit under 18 | 30 hours classroom plus at least 6 hours behind the wheel | – |
| Michigan | Required under 18 (Segment 1 and 2) | Segment 1: 24 hours classroom, 6 driving, 4 observation; Segment 2: 6 hours classroom, 50 supervised hours | – |
Rules checked October 2026 with state agencies and course providers. Course links go to IMPROV and its sister brand Driverz; Insuretro may earn a commission, which doesn’t change the price. Check that any course is approved by your state before enrolling.
State highlights
Ohio made the biggest recent change: since September 30, 2025, anyone under 21 needs the full course, not only under-18s. Texas requires driver education for every new driver under 25. Georgia’s Joshua’s Law applies at both 16 and 17, with four approved combinations of classroom, online and parent-taught training. Michigan splits training into Segment 1 and Segment 2 around a supervised Level 1 license.
In New York and Pennsylvania driver’s ed is optional, but worth it: in New York, finishing it means you skip the 5-hour pre-licensing course and can hold a senior license at 17 rather than waiting until 18.
How to keep a teen’s insurance cost down
- Ask about every young-driver discount: driver training, good student (usually a B average), and distant student if they’re at college without a car.
- Keep them on your policy rather than a separate one; it is usually much cheaper.
- Choose the car carefully. Assigning the teen to an older, modest car is cheaper than a new or powerful one.
- Try a telematics program. Driving-tracking apps can reward safe young drivers.
- Compare quotes when you add them. Prices for young drivers vary widely between insurers; see our guide to the cheapest car insurance by driver type.
In many states the classroom hours can be done online at your teen’s own pace. See state-approved online driver’s ed with Driverz (sponsored link). Behind-the-wheel hours still need an instructor or approved parent-taught program.
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Sponsored listings. Insuretro may be paid if you click a listing; it doesn’t change your price.State guides
For each state’s courses and insurance rules in more detail: New York, California, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan. Older drivers can see defensive driving discounts by state.
Common questions
Does driver’s ed lower car insurance for teens?
Often. Many insurers give a driver training discount to young drivers who finish an approved course. Ask your insurer how much.
Can driver’s ed be done online?
In many states the classroom part can be done online through an approved provider. Behind-the-wheel training still needs an instructor or an approved parent-taught program.
Which states require driver’s ed for adults?
Among the largest states, Texas requires it for new drivers under 25, Ohio for under 21, and Illinois requires a 6-hour adult course for many first-time 18 to 20-year-olds.
Is driver’s ed required in New York?
No, but completing it lets you skip the 5-hour pre-licensing course and get a senior license at 17.
How many supervised hours do teens need?
It varies: 50 hours (10 at night) in California, Ohio and Michigan’s Segment 2, and 40 hours (6 at night) in Georgia.
Sources
- Georgia DDS: Joshua’s Law requirements
- NCDOT: Level 1 limited learner permit
- Michigan Legal Help: Getting a license as a teenager
- TDLR: Do I need driver education?
- News 5 Cleveland: New Ohio driver’s ed requirements
- Aceable: California teen license steps
- Orange County NY: Learner permit and license steps
- IDriveSafely: Florida TLSAE FAQ
- GEICO: Car insurance discounts
Prices, discounts and rules change often and vary by state and driver. Figures were checked in October 2026; confirm details with the insurer or your state insurance department.