Drivers training begins with observation. Before you became a new driver, you were a passenger and that is where you were first exposed to driving. By the time you apply for a new license you already have an opinion about what makes a good or bad driver.

Now it is your turn behind the wheel and others will be ready to help you in your training. Take advantage of all the different learning sources to enhance your driving skills and build confidence.

Top Sponsors, Parents, and Friends

The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has a well-planned sponsorship program for teen drivers. The program is designed to keep your parents involved in your driver training. Your sponsor is like a co-signer on your license; they sign the application and have rights to pull your learner's permit because they are in the best position to know if you are driving safely.

Some first-time drivers are not teens, but adult learners who are now choosing to get their driver's licenses. If you have a friend, spouse, or other family member with patience and a good driving record, ask them to spend some time with you out on the road.

Top Driver Education

Classroom lectures can teach you a lot about how to handle yourself in specific driving situations. Of course, the best learning happens on the road. In the classroom you can imagine yourself in certain situations and this will help prepare you for traffic, accidents, equipment failures, or poor road conditions.

In a driver education course you will hear a lot about staying alert and paying attention. Focusing on the task at hand―driving―is important because distractions can be dangerous. Learn defensive driving in your classes and you will be a better driver.

Top Self-Study

Your training program should include some self-study. If you spend extra time practicing your driving skills and studying the rules of the road you can increase the odds of passing your driver exams.

Other benefits of self-study include learning at your own pace and repeating difficult material. You can ask someone to quiz you on tough topics or use other study techniques that work for you.

Top Practice, Practice, Practice

Your driving skill will improve most dramatically when you practice on the road. The reality of being behind the wheel, coming face to face with certain situations, and practicing how to handle the vehicle is the best driver training you can get. So get plenty of it―practice.

Before you get a regular Class D operator's license you will have a learner's permit for one year. Use this time, under the careful guidance of your sponsor and other licensed adults, to practice driving.

When you train for an athletic event like a marathon, you have to run miles and miles of road so your muscles and mind get in the habit. Drivers training is also about gaining experience because it is through experience that we all become safer drivers.

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