VT Drivers Ed offers a comprehensive driver education program designed to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to become safe and responsible drivers. Instruction is based on the Vermont DMV-approved AAA How to Drive curriculum, which provides a structured and nationally recognized foundation in driver education. This course meets Vermont DMV driver education requirements for teen drivers and includes classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, and in-car observation.
Teen Driver Education Course
The VT Drivers Ed program includes all required components of Vermont driver education:
• 30 hours of live online classroom instruction
• 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction
• 6 hours of in-car observation
• Parent information meeting
• Instruction based on the DMV-approved AAA How to Drive curriculum
Each component is designed to help students progress from learning foundational concepts to applying safe driving skills in real-world situations.
Course Overview
Classroom instruction is conducted live online in a structured and interactive environment. Lessons follow the AAA How to Drive curriculum and are designed to help students understand both the technical and decision-making aspects of driving.
Topics include:
• Traffic laws and rules of the road
• Situational awareness and hazard recognition
• Space management and following distance
• Defensive driving strategies
• Risk awareness and responsible decision making
• Vehicle systems and operation
• Sharing the road safely with other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classroom sessions and actively participate in the learning process.
Classroom Instruction (30 Hours - Live Online)
Students receive six hours of individual behind-the-wheel instruction in a dual-controlled instructor vehicle. Driving sessions provide students with practical experience and allow them to apply concepts learned in the classroom.
Lessons focus on developing safe driving skills, including:
• Vehicle control and positioning
• Turning, intersections, and lane changes
• Speed control and space management
• Parking and maneuvering
• Driving in residential, urban, and higher-speed environments
• Developing awareness and safe decision-making habits
Instruction is provided in a calm, supportive environment where students can build confidence progressively.
Behind-the-Wheel Instruction (6 Hours)
Students complete six hours of in-car observation, during which they observe other students during driving lessons. Observation allows students to learn by watching real driving situations and reinforces classroom instruction.
Observation helps students develop a deeper understanding of safe driving practices and prepares them for their own driving sessions.
In-Car Observation (6 Hours)
To enroll in the course, students must be at least 15 years old.
Students must hold a valid Vermont learner’s permit before participating in behind-the-wheel driving instruction.
To successfully complete the course and meet Vermont DMV driver education requirements, students must:
• Attend all required classroom sessions
• Complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
• Complete 6 hours of in-car observation
An in-person parent & student meeting is required at the beginning of the course. This meeting is held at Essex High School and provides an overview of the course structure, scheduling procedures, expectations, and responsibilities. Students and at least one parent or guardian must attend.
Parent Information Meeting
Student Requirements
A deposit is required to reserve a seat in the course. The remaining balance must be paid in full before the course start date. Students are not permitted to attend classroom sessions, observation sessions, or behind-the-wheel instruction until full payment has been received.
Deposits and payments are subject to the Cancellation and Refund Policy. Please see the Pricing page for full details.