Most high school students rank their driver's education classes high on the all-time favorite class lists. Unfortunately, many schools these days no longer offer driver's education or drivers training.
In Oklahoma, if your school does not offer driver's education or driver's training, don't worry. There are alternatives. You can enroll in one of many commercial driving schools, or, if that's not an option, your parents can purchase a curriculum for Parent-taught Driver's Education.
Top Learner's Permit
The first stop on your journey towards your first driver's license is the learner's permit. In Oklahoma, a learner's permit enables you to drive a motor vehicle as long as there is a licensed driver over the age of 21 seated in the passenger seat next to you.
You may apply for a learner's permit if you met the following criteria:
With Driver's Education
- You are 15 1/2 years old and are currently receiving or have passed a driver's education.
- You have passed the written driving exam.
- You have passed the vision exam.
Without Driver's Education
- You are at least 16 years old.
- You have passed the written driving exam.
- You have passed the vision exam.
Note that you do not have to have a learner's permit while you are receiving instruction from and are accompanied by a certified driver education instructor.
Top Driver's Education
The first class you'll take towards your Oklahoma driver's license is basic driver's education. In a driver's education course (or driver's ed, as its known) you'll learn the rules of the road, how to handle a vehicle, driving skills, and more. The Oklahoma Driver's Manual is a helpful supplement to any driver's education course you take.
But don't think of parent-taught driver's education as a way to speed up the process of getting your license. Even if you already know the basics of operating a motor vehicle, you'll still be required to complete 30 hours of classroom training which will include studying the rules, laws, and basics of driving. Then you'll be required to spend an additional 55 hours behind the wheel of a motor vehicle in actual hands-on driving lessons.
You'll spend the same time studying and behind the wheel in a home-taught course as you will in a commercial course.
Once you have completed the driver's training (whether home based or from a commercial school), you will be ready to apply for your Oklahoma driver's license. Find out how in our Teen Drivers section.