Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) approved the emergency use of virtual driver’s education programs until the state of emergency is lifted in Maryland. According to the FAQs on the MVA website, certified driving schools have verified that their class system meets all the standards outlined by MVA.
Prior to the emergence of the COVID-19 virus, teenagers over the age of 15 could enroll in a MVA-certified Driver’s Education course. Enrollment in such a course is not required but is recommended to prepare for the MVA Learner’s Permit Test. However, prospective drivers must complete a driver’s education course at some point to obtain an official license.
Sherwood High School sophomore Aliya Whaley described her virtual driver’s education class as relaxed and enjoyable.
“Each day was a new subject. For example, one day we’d be learning about regulatory signs, and the next day we’d be learning about intersections,” Whaley said. “I took it during winter break, so I had [classes] every day of the week. Then, I had a couple of make-up classes because I missed some and you have to take all of [the classes].”
Her classes were each three hours long, with ten minute breaks per hour of class. After each lesson, Whaley said she was quizzed on the material and that the only requirement was that she had to pass those quizzes.
“It was pretty fun. I didn’t like how we had to turn on our cameras, but it was chill most of the time. We had different teachers everyday, so I liked it,” Whaley said.
Some students have appreciated the new driver’s education set-up, stating it allows them more logistical and scheduling freedom.
“I think it’s honestly better [than in-person driver’s education] because I get to plan out when I want to take the [permit] test and … I didn’t have to worry about talking to other people [during the class],” Whaley said.
After receiving their learner’s permit, teens must complete 60 hours of home driving practice, 10 of which must be at night. They must also keep their learner’s permit for at least 9 months without incurring any traffic violations.
After fulfilling the required practice driving hours, students must pass an in-person, in-car driving exam with basic maneuvers and parking skills to get their provisional license. To obtain a full driver’s license in the state of Maryland, students must keep their license free of traffic violations for 18 months and adhere to some other restrictions.
Article by Avery Wang of Richard Montgomery High School
Graphic by Nyomi Fox of Walter Johnson High School