Bill > H5731

This bill modifies existing Rhode Island law to temporarily allow driver education schools to offer their training curriculum through either traditional classroom settings or instructor-led virtual formats. Specifically, the bill permits driver education schools to conduct virtual driver training courses from October 1, 2025, to October 1, 2027, during which time the state board of education will be required to analyze and compare test results between in-person and virtual instruction formats. By December 1, 2027, the board must provide a report to legislative leadership detailing the outcomes of the virtual instruction pilot program. The bill maintains existing requirements that driver education courses must include at least 33 instructional hours, cover specific topics like Rhode Island traffic laws and the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving, and be taught by certified instructors. The virtual format provision is time-limited, suggesting it is intended as a temporary experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of online driver education. The bill will take effect immediately upon its passage, allowing driver education schools to begin planning for potential virtual course offerings.

Government Affairs

https://status.rilegislature.gov/