Subd. 1. Authorization.

A licensed or approved driver education program that provides both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction may offer teleconference driver education as provided in this section. For purposes of this section, the driver education program must offer both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.

Subd. 2. Curriculum and instruction requirements.

1. (a) A teleconference driver education program must:

   1. (1) meet the requirements as provided in section 171.0701, subdivision 1, and Minnesota Rules, chapter 7411, or successor rules;
   2. (2) use teleconferencing, or another similar method, that provides live synchronous distance learning and ensures that student questions and comments can be addressed in real time;
   3. (3) link all locations together with picture and sound;
   4. (4) use classroom instruction curriculum identical to the curriculum used by the driver education program in an in-person setting;
   5. (5) offer teleconference instruction to any student enrolled in the approved driver education program; and
   6. (6) provide teleconference interactive supplemental parent curriculum consistent with section 171.0701, subdivision 1a.
2. (b) A student may receive teleconference instruction only if the driver education instructor verifies the student can interact with the instructor in real time with picture and sound.