Online driving schools have been around for about 10 years now, but they haven’t been too popular until recently. These online classes seem to be the latest craze to save money or even protect driving records. While driver improvement schools have always been available, most of the time people had to dedicate an entire Saturday at a local community college. But now, these same classes are offered on the internet. You can take the courses from the comfort of your own home, in your PJ’s, and on your own free time. So why exactly would anyone want to attend one of these online driving schools?

First, they are an excellent way to clear your record if you get a traffic ticket. Many times, a court will allow minor traffic violations to be wiped away from a drivers’ record as long as the offender successfully completes a defensive driving class. And these days, most courts allow you to fulfill this requirement using online driving schools.

A lot of parents are finding benefits to these internet based drivers programs for their teens, too. In fact, quite a few teens are fulfilling all of their "classroom" requirements right on the web. By using an online driving school, the cost of tuition is a fraction of traditional classroom training. But that doesn’t mean they are of lesser quality. Unlike in a classroom setting, these online drivers education courses are interactive and filled with videos, animations, and interactive games. This hands on approach typically allows teens to pay more attention, and they learn much quicker than they do in a traditional classroom setting. They still must complete behind the wheel experience with a certified instructor. So usually, an online driver ed program will help students locate qualified instructors in their area to complete that requirement. The monetary savings by going this route are extraordinary, and the pass rate is better than traditional classroom based drivers ed programs.

Even experienced drivers are using driver improvement classes on the internet. Depending on age and state, some insurance companies are actually required by law to lower insurance rates for those who have successfully completed a certified drivers safety course. And guess what? You can’t fail the course! Everyone passes these insurance courses as there is no way to fail. The insurance reduction classes are typically very cheap if done on the web, around 15 or 20 bucks, but give car insurance discounts for 3 to 5 years, sometimes more.

Of course, with all things, there are advantages and disadvantages to online driving schools. The advantages are pretty obvious. Not only can you dismiss traffic tickets, obtain a drivers permit, or receive insurance discounts, but you can take these courses at your own pace. Most schools allow you to pause the program and come back to it whenever you’d like. No more wasting an entire day in a classroom setting. With the animations, videos, and interactive features, it’s much easier to stay awake and you might even learn a thing or two.

Unfortunately, there are some online driving schools to stay away from. Since the popularity of internet schools is exploding, so are the scammers. While these scam sites are normally found and shut down quickly, it’s still a concern to contend with. Other sites, while legitimate, may offer very poor quality instruction. The best way to combat this is to always check with the Better Business Bureau. Go to the BBB website and type in the company name you are planning on signing up with. If they aren’t listed, or have a poor rating, stay away. All legitimate schools should be listed on the BBB website.

While some people are still afraid to use online driving schools since they don’t think it’s as "hands on" as it should be, it’s worth looking into. Check with your insurance company to see if you are eligible for a discount by completing an online course. Consider it as an option for your teen to obtain a drivers permit (it’ll save a load of cash). And heck, if you get a traffic ticket, you have nothing to lose. It pays for itself!