The live Zoom class is a scheduled, instructor-led session in real time, open to learners 16 and up, with opportunities to interact with a certified teacher. The self-paced online course, reserved for students 18 and older, lets you progress independently through modules that include identity verification. Both formats carry DMV approval, teach the same mandated content, and qualify you to book a road test. The key distinction: live Zoom classes provide a physical MV-278 certificate, while the self-paced online route reports completion electronically without issuing a paper certificate.