The Next Street’s 8-Hour Safe Driving Course (also known as the Drug and Alcohol Safety Program) meets Connecticut’s state-required minimum for driver education. It’s a great first step for teens beginning their Driver’s Ed journey or adults looking for the simplest path to a license.
This classroom-only course fulfills Connecticut’s 8-hour classroom requirement. Driving hours can be added at any time.
Course Length
Between one day and four days to complete classroom sessions, depending on schedule
What’s Included
Our 8-Hour Safe Driving Course includes 8 hours of classroom instruction.
Taught live via Zoom by state-certified instructors, classes combine interactive discussions, real-world safety lessons, and a focus on confident, responsible driving.
Closed Captioning Available
Live closed captioning is offered for all virtual classes.
Zoom Requirements
Students must use a device with a working camera and microphone to verify participation. Our full virtual learning policies can be found at thenextstreet.com/about/zoom.
CT State Rules
Teens (16–17): May take up to 2 hours of class on school days; up to 4 hours on non-school days
Adults (18+): No daily limit
Students can enroll anytime—even before turning 16—but must be at least 16 to begin classes. No learner’s permit is required—this course helps new drivers prepare for the written permit test and start their Driver’s Ed journey with confidence.
All scheduling and progress tracking are managed online through your Student Portal.
Classroom Sessions
Classes are available in weekday, weekend, and accelerated summer formats, with new sessions starting daily. You can take classes in any order and build a schedule that works for you.
Weekday Courses
Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday
- 3:00 PM–5:00 PM
- 5:30 PM–7:30 PM
- 8:00 PM–10:00 PM
Weekend Courses
Sundays
- 9:00 AM–1:30 PM
- 3:00 PM–7:30 PM
Summer Break (Accelerated Courses)
2-week programs, Monday–Thursday
- 9:00 AM–1:30 PM
- 5:00 PM–9:30 pm
Driving Lessons
Available 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. We recommend at least 2 weeks and 10 hours of practice at home between lessons.
CT State Rules
Teens (16–17): May take up to 2 hours of class on school days; up to 4 hours on non-school days
Adults (18+): No daily limit
Students can enroll anytime—even before turning 16—but must be at least 16 to begin classes.
Classroom Sessions
No learner’s permit is required to start the classroom portion. This course helps new drivers prepare for the written permit test and start their Driver’s Ed journey with confidence.
Driving Lessons
All students must have a valid learner’s permit to schedule behind-the-wheel lessons. If your permit has a “B” restriction, you must wear your glasses or contacts during lessons.
Once you have your learner’s permit, Connecticut requires a waiting period before you can take the Road Test:
- Adults (18+): 90 days
- Teens (16–17): 120 days (reduced from 180 days with this course)
Wait times are based on your permit issue date, not when you begin class.
Connecticut requires an electronic Driver Education Certificate (e-DEC) for all driver education programs.
We’ll issue your e-DEC once you have:
- Completed all classes and driving lessons
- Passed all quizzes
- Signed all attendance forms
All requirements must be finished at least 5 days before your Road Test.
If you take your Road Test through The Next Street, we’ll automatically upload your e-DEC the night before your test date.
- Single-lesson purchases: Refundable within 6 months, minus a 10% processing fee
- Bundle purchases: Non-refundable once any service in the bundle has been started
Our Safety Promise
Safety is at the center of everything we teach.
Each lesson is led by state-certified instructors who emphasize defensive driving, hazard awareness, and responsible decision-making. Whether in the classroom or behind the wheel, we create a calm, supportive environment at every turn.
