State lawmakers are making it easier for bad drivers to get licenses by allowing student drivers to take a questionable online safety course rather than the previously mandated classroom session.

Certified driving school instructors say that the bill approved earlier this summer would lower New York's already minimal standards for driver training, unleashing improperly trained newbies onto the roads.

"If that course goes online, it won't be taught as well, plain and simple," said Patrick Sardella, a driving instructor for four decades.