NY May Offer Online Driver's Ed, Replacing Classrooms [POLL]

A new bill, passed by both the New York State Senate and Assembly, would make it easier to get a driver's license. The bill, which is waiting for Gov. Andrew Cuomo's signature, would change regulations that currently require student drivers to take a Department of Motor Vehicles-approved classroom course.

The legislation would set up a five-year pilot program that would allow prospective drivers to take a pre-licensing course online.

According to S3965, once someone applies for a driver's license, currently, they have to satisfactorily complete a four- to five-hour course consisting of driver training and highway safety instruction.

The difference between now and if and when the bill becomes law is that the DMV will be able to offer the "classroom" course via the internet.

"In todays' ever-evolving technological environment, there is a steady and consistent movement toward online offerings of goods and services," the bill states.

"Allowing these courses to be done online would provide flexibility and efficiency to this step of the licensing process," it said.

Convenience is the keyword, according to Assemblyman David Buchwald, a Democrat representing Bedford in Westchester County.

He told CBS2 that the change would present the same material in the same time period.

"But it's a much more convenient offering for users," Buchwald said.

Driving instructor Patrick Sardella in upstate Rochester feels the state should put the brakes on the law.

One reason he said is that no one knows who is taking the course if it's in the privacy of one's own home.

"In the classroom setting, we talk directly to people about driving," Sardella also said, according to NYC Streetsblog, adding that an online course cannot make better drivers out of people who have misconceptions about operating a car and are unwilling to learn.

Now it's your turn to weigh in. Vote in our unscientific poll and tell us what you think in the comments.