The Senate Transportation Committee this week heard a new bill authored by Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault) that would allow driver’s education students to take some of their courses online.

“One thing we have learned from Covid is that the old way of doing things is not the only way,” said Sen. Jasinski. “During the initial months of Covid, we saw several cities prove that online driver training can be implemented and executed successfully. Right now, I’m exploring getting my pilot’s license, and all of those classes are available online. Making online driver’s ed a permanent, regular option for students is a no-brainer.”

Senator Jasinski’s bill would apply only to the classroom portion of driver’s education classes. The traditional behind-the-wheel component would not be affected. 

Online driver education programs are currently allowed only for those over the age of 18. Instruction programs for minors must be conducted in person. A number of communities adapted to the governor’s stay-home order at the start of the coronavirus outbreak by allowing all students to take driver’s ed courses online. Classes were held via zoom, and conducted by a certified driving instructor.

Under Senator Jasinski’s bill, the Department of Public Safety would not be allowed to make additional requirements of online driver ed programs that would not be made for in-person driver ed programs.