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MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration

Distance Learning/Virtual Instruction

Bulletin | January 27, 2026

Updated:

Date: January 6, 2026
Bulletin: Driving School, Driver Education Program, and Remedial Program Owners and Operators
From: Business Licensing and Compliance Division

Purpose
Virtual instruction is approved for use by Maryland schools in compliance with the requirements outlined below. Failure to comply with the requirements outlined below may result in the withdrawal of approval to utilize virtual instruction.

Summary

  • “Virtual” classes must be conducted under the same standards of management and conduct as physical classes.
  • In regulation, the term “Online” program references asynchronous, non-instructor led programs. This type of program requires specific approval after meeting the regulatory requirements for remedial programs and is prohibited for driver education programs.
  • “Virtual” classes must be led by an instructor in real time.
  • Students must have the ability to interact with the instructor in real time.
  • Class size will be restricted to no more than 30 enrollees.
  • Instructors must have the ability to identify students participating through visual confirmation. Student computers must have cameras to allow the instructor to visually confirm the student’s participation and monitor behavior.
  • Students mut be visible on camera at all times during class sessions.
  • Students must be seated at an appropriate desk, table, or other writing surface. Students may not be lying in bed, moving around, or engaged in any other activity that would distract from instruction or be deemed inappropriate as classroom behavior.
  • Work is underway to create a version of the driver education curriculum that is more adaptable to the “Virtual” environment. Until that project is complete, instructors should attempt to adapt existing learning centered activities to the virtual environment whenever possible.
  • A schedule of all “Virtual” classes must be submitted to MVA in advance of each class offering.
  • Students must have the ability to view the MVA-approved curriculum Power Point presentation, including all embedded videos.
  • Schools and/or program providers must provide a secure method for completing all quizzes and tests. Recorded quizzes and test answers must be stored for each student. Students must not have the ability to download or copy the quizzes and tests.
  • Schools are prohibited from limiting offerings to classroom or behind-the-wheel instruction only and must offer the entire driver education program.
  • MVA must be provided a method for its officials to monitor/audit all classroom sessions unannounced.
  • Virtual instruction enables schools to reach a much larger audience while utilizing fewer resources. As a reminder, COMAR 11.23.02.08C(8) requires that schools ensure that the classroom and behind the wheel instruction of the driver education program is completed within 18 weeks unless a student requests an extension. Schools must appropriately document any requests for extensions.
  • All other regulatory requirements must be met without exception. Schools offering “virtual” instruction must submit to MVA, in advance, a letter certifying that the school will at all times comply with the requirements of this bulletin, as well as all other regulatory requirements for the programs being offered. The letter of certification of compliance must be on school letterhead and must be signed by the owner of the school or remedial program.
  • If you have any questions, please contact us at 410-787-2952 or [email protected].