RMV transitions back to in-person driver’s education

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles announced Monday that all driving school classes will now transition back to an in-person format.

Effective Monday, a live instructor is now required to teach all classes, including the parent class. There’s also a maximum of 30 students per class with a student teacher ratio of 30 to one.

The Massachusetts RMV stated that the decision comes from research showing that in-person learning fosters better focus, higher engagement, and more effective preparation for safe driving.

Western Mass News spoke with Gerald Smith, the owner of Agawam Driving School. He explained why this decision may not be in the best interest of all students: “Out here is western Mass, we have kids traveling 30-40 minutes to and from class each day… I understand they want people live and in person and I get that, and I think that’s a wonderful thing but for some people it just doesn’t fit."

Smith also told us he doesn’t believe virtual driving classes affect a student’s overall learning and performance, or the skills their able to grasp.