Enter your search term

Search by title or post keyword

What Is Drivers Ed? What Is & What You’ll Learn [2023]

What is drivers ed? Drivers ed is a very helpful course that teaches new and existing drivers the important skills they'll need to drive on the road.

When it comes time to get behind the wheel for the first time, there are a few different boxes to tick.

Safety and cost-effectiveness are certainly on the list, and driver’s education might be the solution.

Not every state requires a driver’s ed course for citizens to get their license, and plenty of people are left given the option of whether or not to partake in one.

Read on to find out all of the valuable drivers’ ed benefits that drivers can reap by simply participating in a course.

What is Driver’s Ed?

Driver’s Ed is a course that teaches new drivers the rules of the road, how to operate a motor vehicle, and how to be a responsible driver.

It also includes instructions on how to stay safe when driving, and what to do in case of an accident.

Driver’s Ed is typically required for young drivers before they can get their driver’s license.

Do All States Require Driver’s Ed?

No, not every state requires a driver’s education. The following states require driver’s ed for all drivers:

  • Texas
  • Colorado
  • Louisiana
  • Florida
  • Connecticut

The other states either consider courses optional or only require them for some drivers.

7 Benefits of Drivers Education

Below, find seven driver’s ed benefits that every new driver should consider when deciding whether or not to enroll in a course.

1. Insurance Discounts

Defensive driving courses can often lead to car insurance discounts for teen drivers and adults alike.

The car insurance rates for teens tend to differ based on age, but the right driving course can reduce those costs.

In some cases, such as in New York State, some driver’s ed programs will offer a 10% discount on the policy for up to three years for eligible drivers of any age.

Before registering for a course to receive the insurance discount, check with the insurance company to ensure that the course qualifies.

2. Traffic Point Reduction

Some driver’s education programs offer free traffic point reductions with the course.

This does not entirely remove offenses from a driver’s permanent records, nor will it remove the notice of original points on the record.

The point reduction that the driver will receive refers to the fact that up to four points on the driving record will no longer be active. So, they will not count towards license suspension.

3. Lowers the Likelihood of Crashes

A valuable benefit of driver’s ed is its ability to make the roads safer.

Courses have proven to reduce the likelihood of crashes by 4.3% and reduce convictions for crashes that do occur by about 40%.

The proven results of driver’s ed courses provide a greater sense of safety – for both the drivers and those that care about them.

4. Technical Knowledge

Of course, driver’s ed classes provide students with the technical skills required to drive, from mastering every gear and pedal to maintaining physical control of the motor vehicle.

It is always a good idea for any driver to brush up on their understanding of local laws, road signs, and other drivers’ signals.

5. Defensive Driving

Driver’s ed, specifically defensive driving courses, will teach drivers how to be safe on the road by focusing on defending themselves from drivers who are not abiding by the rules.

Spotting aggressive drivers and recognizing other hazards on the road is a big part of road safety.

This knowledge is not something that most drivers would be able to come into on their own without some experience.

6. Confidence

Confidence is the most paramount benefit of a driver’s education. It instills confidence in both the driver and those who care about them.

Student drivers may be hesitant to get behind the wheel.

The fear and anxiety that they experience can harm their driving, leading to thoughtless mistakes on the road.

The knowledge and practice that driver’s ed gives them will lead to a much clearer head when they finally get behind the wheel.

Parents of young drivers also walk away from their child’s course with a sense of confidence that driver’s training has equipped their teen with the necessary knowledge to be a safe and thoughtful driver.

7. Acclimating to a New Place

The rules of the road often change depending on the state and, sometimes, even the city.

Even consistent drivers may need a driver’s ed course upon relocation to ensure that they know the proper laws and regulations of driving in their new place of residence.

How Do I Know Which Driving School To Choose?

When choosing a driving school, there are different factors to consider.

Firstly, a driving school must be accredited and approved to legally operate.

Ensure that a school is in good standing with the state and its clients.

Make sure that they have accreditation and that each of its driving instructors has the proper certification to teach.

Look over the reviews for driving schools in the city to ensure clients get the best bang for their buck.

Success rates are a good measuring tool to choose a driving school.

Every reputable driving school should also have safe, modern cars and up-to-date rulebooks and guidelines.

Some driving schools will offer discounts to AAA members.

To find schools through AAA, visit their website.

What Types of Driver’s Education Is Available, and What Are the Costs?

There are different types of driver’s education courses available to drivers.

The cost of a driver’s education varies depending on the school and the state.

In-person or virtual online courses can cost anywhere from $30-$180.

While road training usually ranges from $50-$150. Package deals will often start at $200.

There are also government programs available that provide free driving lessons to low-income families.

Additionally, some high schools provide driver’s education as a part of their curriculum.

Frequently Asked Questions

If my state doesn’t require driver’s ed, should I still take the course?

Enrolling in a driver’s ed course is a personal preference for drivers who are not required to take one.

The courses will certainly not hinder a driver’s growth, and in most cases, it has benefits such as reducing insurance costs and decreasing the risk of accidents.

When can I start driver’s ed classes?

The age requirements for obtaining a learner’s permit vary based on state.

At a minimum, anyone older than fourteen can enroll in a driver’s education course.

Aspiring drivers should be sure to contact their local driving school for more information.

Leave a Comment

vector graphic showing an illustrative image that shows icons and elements of texting and driving statistics
  • Safety

Shocking Texting And Driving Statistics [Updated For 2024]

March 25, 2024
7 min read
vector graphic showing a person in a road rage incident while driving
  • Safety

Road Rage: Definition, Causes, Dangers, and Prevention

March 11, 2024
7 min read
vector graphic showing a woman sitting at a computer wondering does lyft hire felons to herself
  • Safety

Does Lyft Hire Felons Or Drivers With Misdemeanors?

March 11, 2024
5 min read