Driver’s education is a vital part of learning how to drive and obtaining a driver’s license. In Oklahoma, there are several options for driver’s education, including parent-taught driver’s education.
Parent-taught driver’s education is an alternative method for teenagers to receive their driver’s license in the state of Oklahoma. This program is regulated by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) and is a popular option for families who want to save money on driver’s education.
Oklahoma is one of the few states in the United States that offers parent-taught driver’s education. This program gives the parents and guardians an opportunity to take an active role in their children’s driver education, save money, and spend more time with their children.
Requirements for Parent-Taught Driver’s Education in Oklahoma
To participate in the parent-taught driver’s education program in Oklahoma, both the parent/guardian and the teen must meet certain requirements.
- The parent/guardian must have a valid driver’s license and no record of a DUI or DWI within the last three years.
- The parent/guardian must complete an application with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS), pay a fee, and pass a written exam.
- Purchase and maintain liability insurance for the vehicle used for training
- The teenager must be at least 15 years old to participate in parent-taught driver’s education in Oklahoma.
- The teenager must also have a valid learner’s permit, which requires passing a written test at the DPS.
- The teen driver must complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training, with at least 10 hours completed at night. Of the 50 hours, 10 hours must be completed in “adverse weather conditions.”
- The teenager must also pass a driving test at the DPS to receive their driver’s license.
Finally, to participate in parent-taught driver’s education in Oklahoma, parents and guardians are expected to complete an approved course. The DPS has a list of approved courses on its website, and parents can choose the course that best fits their needs. The approved courses typically include classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, and a final exam. Parents must complete the course and pass the exam before they can begin teaching their child how to drive.
Benefits of Parent-Taught Driver’s Education
- Cost-Effective: The cost of driver’s education courses can be quite expensive, and many families cannot afford it. By taking on the responsibility of teaching their child how to drive, parents can save hundreds of dollars.The parent-taught program only requires a fee of $45 for the parent/guardian to enroll.
- Flexibility: With traditional driver’s education courses, students must attend classes at specific times and locations. With parent-taught driver’s education, parents and students can choose a schedule that suits their individual needs better.
- More Personalized Learning: In a traditional driver’s education course, the student is just one of many in a classroom. With parent-taught driver’s education, the student receives one-on-one attention from their parent/guardian, allowing for a more personalized and tailored learning experience.
- More Quality Time: Parent-taught driver’s education provides an excellent opportunity for parents/guardians to spend more quality time with their teenager. It allows for bonding time and gives parents/guardians the opportunity to teach their children important life skills.
- Safe Learning Environment: Parent-taught driver’s education provides a safer learning environment for teenagers. Parents/guardians can choose to teach their teenagers in a familiar and safe environment, such as their neighborhood or a less busy road. This allows the teenager to feel more comfortable and less anxious while learning to drive.
Disadvantages of Parent-Taught Driver’s Education in Oklahoma
- Lack of Professional Training: One of the main disadvantages of parent-taught driver’s education is the lack of professional training. Parents/guardians are not trained driving instructors, and there is a risk that they may not teach their children all the necessary skills or safety precautions.
- Inconsistent Quality of Education: The quality of driver education provided by parents/guardians may be inconsistent, depending on their level of experience and expertise.
- Time-Consuming: Parent-taught driver’s education can be time-consuming for both the parent/guardian and the teenager. It requires a significant commitment from both parties.