Looking for recommendations on where to take driving school?
Picking the right driving school could save someone’s life.
Did you know that teens who don’t take driver’s education are 75% more likely to receive a traffic violation? And teen drivers without driver’s ed are 24% more likely to be involved in a fatal or injury crash compared to those who took driver’s education.
Statistics like that are scary considering how easy it is to avoid.
Investing in quality driving school services not only drastically decreases those numbers but also sets you (or your teen!) up for a lifetime of safe driving.
So where should you start?
We’ve created this ultimate checklist of what to look for when selecting a driving school. Keep reading to learn:
- Why proper driver training matters
- The 5 most important factors when picking a driving school
- Red flags to avoid when comparing driving schools
- Tips for getting the most out of your driving lessons
Why Quality Driver Training Matters
There’s a big difference between passing a driving test and becoming a great driver.
Just because someone watches you drive or tracks your progress through an app doesn’t mean they’re qualified to teach you. And don’t worry, we’ve all been that student driver who makes every parent on the road anxious.
Not all driving schools are created equal.
Some will pass you off with minimal knowledge, simply so they can get to the next student. But others take the time to ensure you have the skills and confidence to handle any situation on the road.
Think of it like this…
When buying a car, you wouldn’t buy the first option that fits your budget, right? You’d research prices, read reviews, and learn everything about each vehicle before making a decision.
You should do the same when looking for driving school services.
Cheap driving lessons in Amherst, MA might be convenient, but are they teaching you everything you need to know to drive safely?
How does that compare to a slightly more expensive driving school that offers phenomenal services? You’ll be a better driver sooner, which means you’re less likely to cause an accident.
Pick the school that will provide you with the best drivers education – not the first place that shows up on Google.
What Makes a Good Driving School? (5 Important Factors)
Alright, now that we’ve covered that… let’s get into the checklist!
When you’re comparing driving schools, keep these five things in mind to help you weed out bad options:
- Instructor qualifications and experience
- Driving curriculum & skills taught
- Vehicles & student safety features
- Flexible lesson scheduling
- Their track record & online reviews
We’ll explain each of these points below.
#1 Instructor Qualifications & Experience
This is going to be a BIG part of your learning experience.
You want to learn from someone who not only knows how to drive but knows how to teach others to drive. Ensuring your driving instructor has:
- State-certified licenses
- Years of teaching experience
- Good reviews from former students
- Patience and excellent communication skills
Doesn’t hurt either. Don’t be afraid to ask about their background and teaching style before committing to lessons.
#2 Teaching Curriculum
Driving school isn’t just about learning how to start your car and turn the wheel.
It’s about learning how to handle difficult situations and unique circumstances while operating a vehicle. A good curriculum should include lessons on:
- Defensive driving
- Rain and other weather conditions
- Night driving
- Driving on highways and interstates
- Dealing with emergency situations
If they’re not mentioning these topics, keep looking. You don’t want to be caught off guard by these scenarios once you’re on your own.
#3 Vehicles & Safety Features
The type of vehicle you learn to drive in matters more than you think.
Newer models with up-to-date safety features give students the best chance at success. Not to mention, being in a new car with things like backup cameras and dual controls (brake pedal on the instructor’s side) will allow you to practice new skills without hesitation.
Take a look at the vehicles they use for instruction. Are they old? Are they equipped with the necessary safety features? All of this should factor into your decision.
#4 Lesson Scheduling Options
I get it. Life is busy.
But that doesn’t mean driving school shouldn’t work around your schedule. You should be able to easily schedule lessons at:
- Night and weekend times
- Multiple locations close to you
- Online (if applicable by your state)
- Times that fit your schedule (no “one-size fits all” lesson times)
Not only will this allow you to progress at a quicker pace, but it’ll ensure you’re able to finish every lesson. The last thing you want is to pay for classes you’re unable to attend.
#5 School Reputation & Reviews
Here’s a tip.
If you want to know how good a driving school is, look at their reviews.
Online reviews, Google ratings, testimonials – these are all things that former students shared to express their experience with the school. And if you notice one common trend among the reviews, it’s whether or not they felt they received quality education.
Were instructors mentioned frequently? Did students love the driving tactics they learned? How was their pass rate on driving tests?
Answers to these questions can help you decide if a school is right for you. Conversely, if you see a trend of poor lessons or downright rude instructors, run for the hills.
Red Flags to Avoid When Picking A Driving School
Scammers are EVERYWHERE these days. Don’t fall victim to these dishonest driving school red flags:
- Super low prices. If a driving school is drastically cheaper than others in your area, there’s probably a reason. They may be using underqualified instructors, poor vehicle maintenance, or shortening the duration of their lessons.
- High-pressure sales. Any reputable driving school won’t try to rush you into signing up for classes. If they are, walk away.
Okay, that’s it for red flags. Here are a few pro tips to get the most out of your lessons:
How To Get The Most Out Of Driving Lessons
Ready to start driving school?
Before you schedule your first lesson, here are a few tips to help you become an exceptional driver:
- Arrive Prepared – Each lesson is an opportunity to learn something new! Make sure you’re giving the instructors your full attention by arriving on time, avoiding distractions, and getting a good night’s rest
- Practice – You don’t have to wait until your next lesson to practice new skills. If you have someone able to drive with you (21+ with a license), take every opportunity to get comfortable behind the wheel
- Ask Questions – If you don’t understand a certain concept, speak up! Instructors want you to understand how and why they’re teaching you certain things.
- Stay Consistent – Try not to go weeks or months between lessons. Your brain needs time to retain what you’re learning, so practice often and schedule lessons with consistency.
- Take Notes – After each lesson, write down what you learned that day and what you should practice before next week. This will help you stay organized and allow you to focus your time when practicing.
Final Thoughts on Driver Education
Did you know that 58% of teen accidents are caused by distracted driving?
When you don’t know what you’re doing behind the wheel, it’s understandable to become distracted. However, thousands of accidents that could’ve been prevented happen each year because of negligence.
Don’t be a statistic.
Investing in quality driving school services not only better educates you on how to drive but allows you to become a safer driver overall. Passing your permit test is the easy part. Becoming a great driver takes practice and knowledge.
Use this checklist next time you’re researching driving schools and you’ll be sure to find the perfect match for you and your needs.
