What do the following activities have in common: ordering pizza, renting movies, checking your bank account, taking drivers ed..? They can all be done online! Taking drivers education on the internet can be a great option for the classroom-phobic or the super busy, but is it right for you? Read this article before you sign up - we’ve got lesson one for you right here.

Who it’s best for:

If you like interactive learning and do best when you can absorb information at your own pace and schedule, you might just want to consider taking drivers ed online. The advantages are that the fees are usually cheaper than at a regular driving school, and you and your parents won’t have to deal with the hassle of driving to and from class. One very important note: it’s only if you live in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania or Texas that you can fulfill the 30 hour drivers ed requirement (for teens) online.

For everyone in the other 41 states, you still have to fulfill your required class time in a classroom, but online drivers ed still has something to offer you: you can take a course to qualify for a car insurance discount, or to practice for your written test. Many companies will even give you a refund if you don’t pass the first time!

If you’d like to lower your car insurance payments, call your provider to see if they have a policy of rewarding drivers who take defensive or safe driving courses. It doesn’t matter where you live or whether you’ve already got your drivers license - completing one of these classes online can help you get up to 10% off your monthly rate.

The Cons:

Even if you live in a state that lets you take drivers ed online, keep in mind that an internet-based course won’t take care of all the driving requirements you need to fulfill before you get your permit - you will still more than likely have to take several hours of actual, on-the-road drivers training as well. Depending on where you live, you can either sign up for driving instruction at a school, or have your parents teach you. Check your state’s driving manual for specifics.

Since you set the pace for virtual drivers ed class, you’ll definitely need some self-discipline to make sure you set aside time for the material. Everyone learns a bit differently, so this may not be the best option if you need a little push to stay consistently focused on your work. Even just 20 minutes a day might be enough, but if you find yourself too distracted by instant messages, online games, and MySpace, you won’t get through the course. Ask yourself whether you might have an easier time learning in a more traditional classroom setting.

And finally.. once you do decide to take an online drivers ed course, research the company you choose to make sure they’re reputable: do a web search for reviews, or check their record with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org). Now you’re all set - good luck and safe virtual driving!