Driver Education, Training, & Testing

This dataset examines state statutes and regulations related to driver education, training, and testing requirements for novice drivers and is one of two related datasets on the topic of novice driver licensing laws. Together comprising 93 variables, the datasets categorize and describe state laws for all 50 states and the District of Columbia related to driver education, training, and testing, and novice driver licensing.

The significant variation in driver licensing laws and how they are implemented and enforced across jurisdictions presents a challenge for understanding how laws affect crash outcomes and identifying effective policy interventions. This dataset provides a detailed snapshot of each state’s laws related to driver education, training, and testing, including classroom and behind-the-wheel driver education requirements (e.g., curricula, instructor, format, and driving environments); supervised practice driving; parental involvement, including laws that allow parents to serve as classroom and/or behind-the-wheel instructors; written and road-testing, including language access and disability accommodations; scholarships and subsidies for driver education; and vision testing requirements.

This dataset includes law from all 50 states and the District of Columbia in effect as of December 31, 2021.

This project was originally supported by Cooperative Agreement 693JJ922RQ000096—Identifying Opportunities to Enhance Uniformity of State Motor Vehicle Licensing Laws, Countermeasures, and Practices, awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The opinions contained herein are those of the authors or contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Transportation. References to specific individuals, agencies, companies, products, or services should not be considered an endorsement by the authors or the U.S. Department of Transportation. Rather, the references are illustrations to supplement discussion of the issues.