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If you or one of your children need to learn how to drive, attending a driving school can be a great way to not only learn the rules of the road, but may also help lower your car insurance rates. This guide is designed to show you how to choose a driving school.
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If you or one of your children need to learn how to drive, attending a driving school can be a great way to not only learn the rules of the road, but may also help lower your car insurance rates. This guide is designed to show you how to choose a driving school.
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Introduction
- Learning how to drive a car is no easy task, but it is a skill that many people find invaluable once they have mastered it. Although you likely know several people that have offered to teach you about driving, some people feel more comfortable having a licensed driving instructor teach them how to drive. The several hundred dollars you have to spend on driving school may seem expensive initially, but many insurance companies will offer graduates of driving school reduced rates, so driving school is an investment that can save you money in the long run.
Step 1: Get a Recommendation
- If you are a teenager or adult who is trying to get your driver's license, chances are that you may have a friend or family member who has attended driving school. Ask around and try to get a personal recommendation of a good driving school in your area. If someone you trust received a good driving education at a particular school, chances are that you will too.
Step 2: Check for Accreditation
- Especially if you are hoping to get reduced insurance rates after completing driving school, ensure that you find out whether the school is accredited before signing up for lessons. Ask your state Department of Motor Vehicles as well as your insurance company for a list of driving schools in your area that are accredited and meet their requirements. If they cannot provide you with such a list, find out how many hours of classroom and in-car instruction are required to qualify for reduced insurance rates, and then ensure that your chosen driving class meets these requirements before you decide to patronize it.
Step 3: Shop Around
- Once you have the names of a few potential driving schools, call, or better yet, visit them personally. Although you may want to inquire about pricing, be aware that the cheapest driving school may not provide the best instruction or meet insurance requirements. Some other things you may want to look into include:
- How long has the school been in business?
- Have any complaints against the school been registered with your local Better Business Bureau?
- Does the school provide cars for the in-car portion of the instruction, or will you have to have to provide your own vehicle?
- How long is the course?
- What course materials does the school use in the classroom? Is the school up to date with the latest technology?
- What is the average class size?
- Is the school well-maintained?
- Do you feel comfortable with and trust the school staff you have met?
Conclusion
- It may take a some research, calling around and leg work to find a reputable driving school, but you'll find that it is well worth the effort. After all, the skills you learn in driving school will not only dictate whether you get your drivers license, your insurance rates and how well you know the rules of the road, but may also save your life someday.