|
|
|
 |
 |
| | | A good driving school will help a new driver learn not just how to pass the state's driver exam, but also all vehicle-control techniques. Typically driving school includes two components: classroom instruction, often called driver education; and behind-the-wheel instruction, generally called driver training -- although the terms are sometimes blended together or interchanged. Requirements vary by state: check with your department of motor vehicles for the exact number of hours of classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction and the type of written tests required in your state for a learner's permit and driver license. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Driver education requirements can usually be completed either in the classroom or online. The number of hours involved and the information covered is dictated by state law. Online courses, CDs, DVDs and downloads with drivers education curriculum, information and/or sample tests to either replace or supplement the classroom experience are available for anywhere from $10 -$70.
- A parent or other adult can provide a lot of the behind-the-wheel instruction for just the cost of gas, but it's important that all aspects of vehicle laws and safety be covered. AAA insurance sells a 13-lesson DVD series on "Teaching Your Teens To Drive" for $24, and also provides free guidelines for a parent-teen driving agreement.
- Most driving school provide both classroom (driver education) and behind-the-wheel (driver training) instruction as required in their state. Classroom-only courses run $30 -$180 depending on the number of hours included, prevailing local rates and the instructor-student ratio. Behind-the-wheel instruction averages $50 -$150 a lesson (usually two hour sessions, but it varies). Stick-shift instruction generally costs a bit more than learning on a vehicle with automatic transmission and a freeway driving lesson is more expensive than one only on surface streets. Driving schools offer combined classroom-and-driving packages for $200 -$800 depending on the hours of instruction included, but typically average $300 -$450.
- (Note: Driving school prices can go up as gasoline prices rise.) A Massachusetts journalist shares the total costs involved in helping his teen daughter learn to drive.
What should be included: | - For behind-the-wheel training, vehicles should be less than four years old, and have air bags, an adjustable steering column, power seats, dual-control brakes for the instruction, and driving aids such as wedge-shaped seat cushions, pedal extensions or hand controls to accommodate a range of drivers. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia provides an overview of what to teach a beginning driver.
- Because of the high number of vehicle accidents involving young drivers, most states now have what are called graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs, which delay full licensing and put limits on new teen drivers. The rules vary considerably between states. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention gives an overview of GDL programs.
Additional costs: | - Many states require a teen taking the driving test to use a vehicle with an emergency hand brake located between the driver and passenger; if you don't have access to such a vehicle, you can rent one from most driving schools for $50 -$150, often with a refresher lesson included.
Shopping for driving school: | - To complete a driver education course online or in a classroom, make sure the program is accepted in your state. TeenDriving.com lists tips for choosing on online or parent-taught driving course offered at sites such as DriversEd.com, DriversEdDirect.com and DriversEdToGo.com. And AmericaDrivers.com is geared toward foreign drivers who need to learn how to drive in the US.
- Contact several driving schools for details about their schedules, fees, registration procedures and the next available course dates and times. Be sure you understand how much of the course is classroom instruction and how much is behind-the-wheel training.
- Ask family, friend and neighbors if they know anyone who has attended driving school recently, and if they were satisfied with the course. Referrals are available through the Driving School Association of the Americas and the DrivingDirectory.com.
|
| |
Article updated January 2009 |
|
Digg this
del.icio.us
E-mail
Post