MADISON, Wis. (Wheeler News Service) — A bill that’s up for a vote Tuesday would let more prospective Wisconsin drivers take their coursework for driver-ed online instead of in a classroom.
The full Assembly is scheduled to vote on the measure, after a committee endorsed it on a bi-partisan 13-to-nothing recently. A similar bill is going through the Senate. It would provide online resources for driving schools to use.
New drivers would still have to take their written and behind-the-wheel exams through approved driving school locations. Because of that, Assembly Republican Keith Ripp of Lodi says those who try to cut corners on an online course would get caught quickly.
A state motor vehicle official tells the Wisconsin State Journal that driver-ed programs offered in public schools and technical colleges already provide online options for classroom work. Ripp says more locations would most likely offer driver training if the bill passes.
Assembly Democrat Lisa Subeck of Madison calls it another option for those who want driver’s licenses — especially after many schools dropped their driver-ed programs due to budget cuts. Subeck also says it would let other family members join the students online, and get a refresher on their own driving skills.
