Being able to drive your own vehicle is one of those big steps you will take in your teenage life.
Before that, however, the state law of Maine requires that teens (aged 15-17) take a driver's ed course before getting behind the wheel.
Unfortunately, most high schools in Maine have done away with driver’s ed programs. This means you’ll have to attend an actual driving school on top of all your schoolwork. And, unfortunately, Maine does not yet authorize online driver’s ed.
So why take an online driver’s ed?
For educational purposes or insurance discounts.
But hey, online driver’s ed is so easy and convenient, you won’t feel the burden of it at all, which is why it is totally worth giving it a go.
In this article, we’ll review the best online driver’s ed in Maine for YOU. We’ll tell you what you can expect from these online schools and more.
So let’s go!
Best Online Driver’s Ed in Maine
These are the 5 best online driving schools in Maine:
Let’s now take a look into the details of these online schools.
1. DriversEd.com
The great thing about taking an online driver's ed is that you can study it at your most convenient time. This is exactly what DriversEd.com aims to provide.
With their online courses available 24/7, you will be able to study them at your own pace.
And, all you’ll need is a computer and an internet connection to get access to your lessons!
Afraid that the courses will be boring?
Don’t worry, DriversEd.com includes 3D animated videos that detail driving maneuvers that will surely get you interested and engaged.
Aside from providing fun and effective lessons, DriversEd.com also offers great insurance discounts to students who can complete their online driver’s ed courses.
So even if the BMV doesn’t accept their Certificate of Completion, you can still put it to good use if you have your own car.
Providing almost the same features as DriversEd.com, DriversEdToGo has one special offer that is hard to resist - their “Pay Only if You Stay” policy.
This policy guarantees that you only need to pay if you enjoy and finish their course - which I’m sure you will!
The entire course is available online and you can take it in multiple settings or devices.
You’ll also have access to an audio narration of the course through their read-along feature. This way, you can follow along without even viewing your screen.
Just like DriversEd, you can qualify for lower and affordable insurance rates upon completion of the course.
Yes, you will receive a Certificate of Completion once you finish the course. However, keep in mind that it won’t satisfy your state’s permit or licensing requirements.
Even so, you can take this online course for insurance discounts and/or road safety awareness.
SafeMotorist driver’s education course is also made to be fun and engaging.
You can follow the course curriculum easily even if it takes up to 30 hours to complete.
Yeah, it’s a bit too long, right?
But don’t worry because all the courses will be available online.
You can save your progress if you want to take a quick break. When you come back, you can start from where you left off. And you can return anytime you like.
Their course will be given in 9 driver training units to cover various topics about your responsibility as a licensed driver.
You’ll be given a comprehensive exam at the end of each unit.
But again, you don’t need to worry in case you fail the exam - you can take them as many times as you need to.
With SafeMotorist.com, you can take your time in learning the basic tools needed to react in common driving situations.
Another online driver’s ed provider that you can look into is NM Online Education. North Metro is known to be in partnership with the best teen driving schools in different states in the US.
They provide easy online classes that are powered by DriversEd.com at an affordable price. And, they offer a money-back guarantee for all their online classes.
They also provide content that is accessible to students through their multimedia learning tools, which are made up of video lessons with cool animations and easy to follow course outline to keep their students engaged from start to end.
5. Dmvedu.org
DMVEdu is another online driver's ed course that provides engaging lessons about safe driving at your own convenience.
Their internet-based program aims to make it easier for you to comply with your teen driver’s education requirements. Plus, they offer a lot of benefits.
Similar to other online driver’s ed providers, they allow self-paced learning and less strict timetables for finishing your lessons. You will have the freedom to decide how much time you need to spend to complete each topic.
Also, they have an extra permit exam that you can take along with some short quizzes within the course. What’s great is that you can take the quizzes and final exam several times – until you are ready to ace your permit test.
Maine’s Online Driver’s Ed FAQS
Can I take Online Driver’s Ed in Maine?
Once again, the State of Maine does not approve online driver’s ed courses yet.
But there are online driver's ed courses for Maine available for you to take, such as those offered by DriversEd.com, DriversEdToGo.com, and the other schools we mentioned here.
How do I register for a learner’s permit in Maine?
Similar to other states, Maine law requires a 3-step graduated drivers licensing system for new drivers who are under 18. They also have some restrictions for drivers under 21.
This law is created to allow teenagers and young adult drivers in Maine to gain valuable driving experience as they work on obtaining their driver’s license.
For applicants under the age of 18, you need to complete a driver’s ed (Again, online driver’s ed will not satisfy state requirements).
Once you’ve completed the course, you may then apply for a learner’s permit.
You can submit your completion certificate personally, by mail, or email (original copies to be provided during the exam) at your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch along with other requirements below:
- Application form
- Application fee
- Two forms of identification (See required identification documents )
- Proof of residency
- A birth certificate (for applicants under the age of 23).
How Long Does Online Driver’s Ed in Maine Take?
Your pace will play an important factor in determining how long will it take for you to finish the online driver’s ed.
Because it is self-paced, it may take longer if you are unable to complete the course within the actual course duration.
Meanwhile, the designed course duration will also vary depending on your course provider. DriversEd.com, for example, has a course duration of around 15 hours. But some providers have a longer duration ranging from 15-30 hours.
How Long Will It Take For Me to Receive the Completion Certificate After I’m Done With the Online Driver’s Ed in Maine?
Again, the number of days for your certificate to arrive depends on your course provider.
DriversEd.com will mail your Certificate of Completion free of charge within 24 business hours after you complete the course.
Conclusion
So even if an online driver’s ed is not yet authorized in Maine, taking these online courses isn’t a complete waste of time.
For one, you can use it to get big auto insurance discounts. And you'll find that those are great in the long run.
Not only that, but you'll also be fully equipped when it comes time to drive on the roads of Maine.
With these online driving schools, you are sure to experience convenience, flexibility, and affordability. That, in exchange for what it can offer you, is something you should really consider.