When you’re behind the wheel of a car, you are responsible for your actions. Many new drivers have crashes, and the consequences — both legal and personal — can be serious. You could kill or seriously injure someone or yourself. Consider learning from a professional driving instructor: Take a driver education course.
What Driver Education Teaches You
- How to identify and manage risk
- The rules of the road, signs, signals and markings
- Basic operation of a vehicle
- Risk prevention techniques, how to handle emergencies and how to prevent distractions
- Financial and legal responsibilities associated with driving
Find the right course for you
- Help your parents research and identify schools in your area
- Get recommendations from friends who have taken driver training
- Check to see if schools use current training materials, have professional instructors and maintain safe vehicles
- Don’t settle for schools that advertise quick or easy programs — focus on quality
Quality driving schools:
- Require instructors to complete ongoing training
- Have reasonable student-teacher ratios
- Are members of professional associations
- Encourage parental involvement
- Resolve complaints
The key is finding a school that meets your needs. Choose a quality program over a convenient program.
Some driver education courses give you 2 credits towards high school graduation and a 6-month reduction of the novice stage. For more information click here.
Additional resources:
- Choosing a Driving School – AAA brochure to help you choose a driving school
- Becoming a New Driver – AAA teen brochure outlines tips and responsibilities
