Driving Instruction

What Makes A Driving School A Good Driving School?

June 24, 2021

What Makes A Driving School "Good?"

Choosing a driving school is a crucial decision.  Whether you are looking for a driving school for a new teenage driver, seeking classes to repair your driving record or to reduce your car insurance rate, there are many factors to consider.  You want to make sure the driving school you choose is accredited, that it meets your needs as a driver, and that it charges a reasonable amount for services.

1. Accreditation

First and foremost, a good driving school is accredited.  Check with your state DMV office to determine your state's requirements for driver's education and ensure that any driving school you are considering meets those standards.  Your local DMV may even have a list of recommended driving schools, which are especially useful for first time drivers.  If you are seeking a driving school to reduce your car insurance rate, check with your insurance company to see which schools meet their requirements as well.  Another strong resource for accredited driving schools is the Driving School Association of the Americas.

2. Safety First

A good driving school will put their student's safety first.  Schools should be well-maintained and equipment and materials should be up-to-date.  Instruction cars should have safety features, such as passenger-side brakes and a steering wheel for the instructor to use.  Adequate classroom time should be spent teaching safe driving practices, from defensive driving to hazard awareness.  Research potential driving schools with the Better Business Bureau to make sure that they have no known complaints.

3. Cost

While budget may be a factor in choosing a driving school, the cheapest school may not always be the best option.  Low cost may result in shoddy or out-of-date learning equipment. Compare prices of qualified local driving schools to get an idea of the going rate of lessons in your area.  Some driving schools may offer price matching or discounts on lesson packages.

4. Customer Reviews

A good driving school is very likely to have a good reputation with past customers.  Read online reviews to get a sense of any school you are considering.  Talk to friends, neighbors and coworkers about their experiences with local driving schools, too.

5. Classroom Time

When searching for a good driving school, determine how much time you would like to spend learning the basics of being a good driver in a classroom setting.  If you are experienced driver, for example, you may want a school that spends the majority of lesson time behind the wheel or in driving simulations.  If you are a novice, you may want more classroom time.  Find a school that has the balance you need.

6. Student-to-teacher Ratio

A good driving school will offer you as much individual attention as possible to ensure safe and skilled driving in the future.  A low student-to-teacher ratio will help you get the attention you need.

7. Curriculum

Not all driving lessons are the same.  Consider what, specifically, you would like to learn about in your courses.  Is it important to you that your lessons cover a variety of driving conditions?  Would you like your teenager to have instruction on modern driving issues, such as road rage and cell phone usage in vehicles?  Is defensive driving and accident prevention foremost on your list of concerns?  Be sure the curriculum of the school you are looking for meets your individual needs.

It's worth the time to seek out a good driving school.  A solid driving education helps pass driving tests with ease, increases feelings of safety behind the wheel, and is a strong investment in the future. Check out www.colonialdrivingschool.com and sign up for a class!