Benefits of Taking Drivers Ed

By: Cara Hopkins June 4, 2012
Share This Page
Share Pin It Email Print

Driver's ed is a course you don't want to miss. But if adding yet another class to your schedule doesn't sound too cool, check out why it's to your advantage to take driver education--especially if you'd like to see a driver's license in your future.

Why Take Driver's Ed

Your mom might be a good driver, but she might not be the best one to teach you. Many states require new drivers to first obtain a learner’s permit and then to take a state-certified driver’s ed course. Even when it is not mandatory, such courses are often more comprehensive and efficient than learning on your own or from a biased family member.

Driving schools do their research - they know exactly what the state expects of you in the written and driving tests. That means they know the best ways to prepare you including teaching you everything from the basics of traffic laws and traffic signs to fundamental safety tips that, even if they're not on the exam, will undoubtedly make you a better driver.

Teaching the Importance of Safety

In addition to modeling good driving etiquette and providing experienced instruction, driving schools reinforce the best practices - such as distraction-free driving tips - to keep all of us alert and safe on the roads.

Your local driving instruction courses may provide additional information specific to your area, such as tips on:

  • Freeway driving.
  • Inclement weather.
  • Navigating busy urban streets.

Driving schools often offer practice testsaimed at your state’s specific driver education requirements, giving you the inside scoop at what is expected. You can even find these practice tests online, on your state's DMV Web site, in your driver handbook, or from third-party companies.

Also, some states will even waive portions of your license or driving exam when you present a waiver from your driving instructor showing that you have completed a certain number of training hours.

Parent-Taught Driver Education

Some states, such as Texas and Oklahoma, accept parent-taught driver education certification as an alternative to commercial driving school or public school courses. This means that a licensed driver (usually a parent) teaches the new driver the ropes and certifies that the new driver has completed the required number of practice hours.

Various organizations offer instructional materials to aid this process, but before buying any materials, you should check your state's rules on applying for a new license.

Generally, teens and parents choose the parent-taught road because they don't live close to third-party schools or the teen's high school doesn't teach driver's ed. Ultimately, the most sure-fire way to get proper training is to go to the professionals. A driver education course will provide valuable road skills and knowledge of the law, laying the groundwork for successful graduation from your driver's permit to your driver’s license.

Recent Articles