In my state, my kids were required to have basic knowledge of controlling the car before drivers Ed, not be allowed with the instructor until passing a written test, keep a log tracking sufficient experience, and satisfy the instructor (little bit of conflict of interest paying more hours). Road test with the state was not allowed until they were endorsed by a driving school.

(Then they ruin all that by saying 18 year olds are adults who are responsible for themselves and can just show up for the road test)