I did it from a simulator .............................37 years ago! They still have to take a test in real car(assuming that is correct). I think it's good to learn there before endangering someone in a car. We went from the simulator to a car. We had a young lady the instructor wouldn't allow to leave the parking lot. She couldn't grasp the concept of turning the steering wheel back after making a turn!! I mean she just thought she could mentally will it to straighten out. She was very scary! Couldn't wait to get out of that car.
I think the online part helps with learning the rules of driving but it certainly can't help with the actual driving. I think that is something else entirely. But maybe you need to clarify what you mean.