In order to safely meet the demand for driver training, DMV is issuing this guidance for the delivery of the Pre-Licensing Course using established and secure technology (e.g., Zoom, WebEx, Go To Meeting, Skype, etc.). 

Any DMV-licensed driving school that is currently authorized to teach Pre-Licensing and chooses to deliver Pre-Licensing via distance learning technology may do so beginning July 28, 2020, under the following conditions:

1. Schools must have a valid Pre-Licensing endorsement to deliver courses and employ one or more qualified instructors (schools are not required to seek approval from DMV prior to implementing the distance learning option allowed pursuant to this guidance).
2. Courses must be delivered live, in real time, by the school’s Pre-Licensing qualified instructors through video sessions. The school’s teleconferencing option must provide for interaction between instructors and students, face-to-face, just as they would in a traditional classroom, but in a virtual environment.  Software or computer programs to deliver the course without a qualified instructor are not allowed.
3. Students must pre-register and present their learners permit so the school can identify the student, ensure that the student is eligible to take the course, and record the student’s information as listed on the permit.
4. At the time of enrollment, the school must provide the student with instructions explaining the course participation and completion requirements, including any technical requirements of which the student must be aware.
5. The DMV-approved Pre-Licensing Course Curriculum and content must be delivered before the instructor issues the MV-278 course completion certificate. Driving Schools must ensure that course completion certificates are issued only to students who have completed the course, are eligible, and have been identified by the Driving School at the time of enrollment and throughout the course.  Upon course completion, the instructor-signed certificate may be mailed to the address on the client’s permit with instructions for the student to sign it before scheduling a DMV road test appointment.
6. Distance learning courses will be subject to classroom approval requirements and the location where the instructor is presenting from must be appropriate, free of distraction, and conducive to learning as determined by DMV.
7. The school must maintain records in accordance with regulations and, in the case of distance learning, must also keep and record the delivery method and instructor delivering the course.
8. The school and its instructors utilizing distance learning are responsible for preserving the safety and privacy of students and the integrity of the course within the above-listed parameters and in accordance with all laws, regulations, and policies governing driving schools, driving school instructors, and the Pre-Licensing Course.
9. Violations of law, regulation, or policy, including those listed in this notice, are subject to suspension or revocation of the driving school license and instructor’s certification.

Questions or concerns should be directed to the DMV Driving School Unit at [email protected] or by calling (518) 473-7174, Option #3.