Authorizes driver education schools to offer the driver training curriculum in a classroom setting or an instructor-led virtual format.

Rhode Island Driver Education Flexibility Bill

This bill would update Rhode Island law to allow driver education schools to teach their classroom portion of driver training either in person or through a live, instructor-led online format. Currently, the rules around how driver education can be delivered may not clearly allow for virtual instruction. This bill would officially authorize schools to offer that option while still requiring a real instructor to lead the sessions — meaning students couldn't simply watch pre-recorded videos on their own.

The bill would affect teenagers and others seeking a driver's license in Rhode Island, as well as the driver education schools that serve them. Students would have more flexibility in how they complete the required classroom portion of their driver training, which could make it easier to fit coursework around school schedules, work, or other commitments. Driver education schools would also gain more options for how they deliver their programs.

It's worth noting that this bill applies only to the classroom instruction portion of driver education — not the hands-on, behind-the-wheel training, which would still need to be completed in person. The bill has been introduced in the House and referred to the House State Government & Elections Committee, where it has been scheduled for a hearing but has not yet moved forward, as the committee recommended holding it for further study.