Many people feel a driver’s ed course sounds like slow torture.
Both teens and older people just learning to drive often dread the idea of watching videos about drunk driving and having a stranger coach you through a stressful situation.
But driver’s ed benefits are far-reaching, helping you be the best and safest driver possible.
Even if your parent, guardian, or someone else giving you a lesson in driving is an excellent and experienced driver, that doesn’t mean they are a good teacher.
It also doesn’t mean they know all the current rules of the road, as the laws frequently change as governing bodies try to make driving safer for everyone.
Consider the benefits of driver’s education before writing it off as an annoying chore.
You may look back and wish you had learned to drive in a more official and educational environment.
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7 Benefits of Drivers Education
There is no shortage of driver’s ed benefits for young drivers or someone just learning.
Below are the top seven advantages of an education from a driving school or other driver’s program.
1. Reduces Insurance Rates
One of the most common reasons people opt into a driving school and driver’s education courses is because they want to lower their car insurance premiums.
If you show your car insurance company you completed a driver’s ed course, they will lower your rates.
The lower car insurance rate is because they believe you have had a defensive driving course and can operate the vehicle with safety as a top priority.
2. Reduces the Number of Accidents
The statistics surrounding teen drivers, driver’s ed, and accidents are reasons to sign up for a driving course.
The 11.1 percent of teens who took a driving course were involved in a car crash in the first 12 months of having their driver’s license.
But 12.9 percent of teen drivers that did not take drivers education were involved in an accident in the first 12 months of driving.
3. Provides Mechanical Knowledge
Knowledge of how a car operates and what signs point to a mechanical problem is valuable.
If you don’t know what dashboard lights mean, you may operate a motor vehicle that puts you and others in danger.
A driver’s ed course will teach what the different lights mean.
4. Instills Confidence
An educational course will not only teach you practical driving skills, but it will increase your confidence for your road test and your driving in general.
Driving is not an intuitive human action. You need driver training, and the more you get, the more confident a driver you will be.
If you want to become a better driver, it is going to take work.
5. Emphasis on the Dangers of DUI
Everyone hears about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but sometimes it’s hard to grasp how serious this subject is.
In a driver’s ed course, you will receive special education on how you become impaired due to substances and how easily they can result in damage, injury, or death.
A trained driving instructor will strongly emphasize how severe these situations are.
6. Teaches Defensive Driving
Defensive driving essentially means safe driving.
Rather than driving with no care in the world, a driver’s ed course will encourage you to always be on the lookout for a potential hazard.
Even if you’re following all the rules, it doesn’t mean other drivers are.
Defensive driving increases public safety and prevents accidents.
7. Gives an Understanding of Road Rules
Taking a driver’s ed course will give you a great awareness of the current rules of the road.
Once someone in the US passes their driving test, they no longer have to prove they know the rules of the road.
But the rules change, so learning from someone who took their road test 20 years ago may not be the most educational option.
Related: The best online traffic schools
How Do I Know Which Driving School to Choose?
It can be tough to choose the right driving school, especially when you have many options near you.
Consider the factors below when signing up for a driving course.
1. Ask Others
The first thing to do is ask friends and family who recently took driver’s ed.
They will be able to give you honest and genuine feedback on the drivers’ ed benefits.
Things people may share could be anything such as:
- What they liked about the course.
- What they did not like about the course.
- What could have made the course more beneficial.
2. School Accreditations
Check the credentials of the school. A non-accredited school is not a good choice.
Getting a driving school accredited takes a decent amount of effort. The accreditation proves their commitment to following rules and regulations.
3. Instructor Certifications
Ask the instructors about their certifications.
A good driving instructor will not hesitate to tell you how they are qualified. Driving instructors must complete classes and tests to become certified.
4. Length of Education Course
If a driver’s ed course is short, like less than a month, they likely rush through the material and don’t take the proper time to instill confidence in their students.
5. Cost
Driving schools are not cheap. So if you see a ridiculously cheap driving school, it likely is not an accredited or trustworthy institution.
But that doesn’t mean you need to pay thousands of dollars either, so compare the costs of the schools near you.
What Types of Driver’s Education Is Available, and What Are the Costs?
Today, there are several modes of driving education you can follow.
Review the options below to decide which is best for you!
1. In-person
In-person schools usually cost around $500-$800 for the entire course.
You get hands-on help with these courses and get to learn alongside other students.
2. Online Drivers Education Course
An online course will focus on road rules, and you won’t get hands-on help, but it is much more affordable.
Online courses are usually only $50 but often do not meet the requirements in states that require driver’s ed for teen drivers.
3. School-taught Programs
High schools will typically offer school-taught driving programs.
It costs about $200 for the entire course.
They are less expensive but may not use a licensed instructor or have the proper accreditation.
4. Government Offered Programs
Many in-person programs are government-run, but some have private owners.
These cost about the same as private schools, ranging from $500-$800 on average.
