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 |  | Medium: Classroom and Behind-The-Wheel Instruction Generally Runs $200-$800 |  | High: Private Lessons Average $50-$150 Per Lesson |
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A good driving school will help a new driver learn not just how to pass the state's driver exam, but also all vehicle-control techniques. Typically driving school includes two components: classroom instruction, often called driver education; and behind-the-wheel instruction, generally called driver training -- although the terms are sometimes blended together or interchanged. Requirements vary by state: check with your department of motor vehicles[1] for the exact number of hours of classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction and the type of written tests required in your state for a learner's permit and driver license.
Typical costs: |
- Driver education requirements can usually be completed either in the classroom or online. The number of hours involved and the information covered is dictated by state law. Online courses, CDs, DVDs and downloads with drivers education curriculum, information and/or sample tests to either replace or supplement the classroom experience are available for anywhere from $10-$70.
- A parent or other adult can provide a lot of the behind-the-wheel instruction for just the cost of gas, but it's important that all aspects of vehicle laws and safety be covered. AAA insurance sells a 13-lesson DVD series[2] on "Teaching Your Teens To Drive" for $24, and also provides free tips and information for parents[3] .
- Most driving school provide both classroom (driver education) and behind-the-wheel (driver training) instruction as required in their state. Classroom-only courses run $30-$180 depending on the number of hours included, prevailing local rates and the instructor-student ratio. Behind-the-wheel instruction averages $50-$150 a lesson (usually two hour sessions, but it varies). Stick-shift instruction generally costs a bit more than learning on a vehicle with automatic transmission and a freeway driving lesson is more expensive than one only on surface streets. Driving schools offer combined classroom-and-driving packages for $200-$800 depending on the hours of instruction included, but typically average $300-$450.
- (Note: Driving school prices can go up as gasoline prices rise.) A Massachusetts journalist[4] shares the total costs involved in helping his teen daughter learn to drive.
Related articles: New Car, Used Car, Auto Detailing, Traffic Ticket Attorney
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What should be included: |
- For behind-the-wheel training, vehicles should be less than four years old, and have air bags, an adjustable steering column, power seats, dual-control brakes for the instruction, and driving aids such as wedge-shaped seat cushions, pedal extensions or hand controls to accommodate a range of drivers. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia provides an overview[5] of what to teach a beginning driver.
- Because of the high number of vehicle accidents involving young drivers, most states now have what are called graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs, which delay full licensing and put limits on new teen drivers. The rules vary considerably between states. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention gives an overview[6] of GDL programs.
Additional costs: |
- Many states require a teen taking the driving test to use a vehicle with an emergency hand brake located between the driver and passenger; if you don't have access to such a vehicle, you can rent one from most driving schools for $50-$150, often with a refresher lesson included.
Shopping for driving school: |
- To complete a driver education course online or in a classroom, make sure the program is accepted in your state. TeenDriving.com lists tips[7] for choosing on online or parent-taught driving course offered at sites such as DriversEd.com[8] , DriversEdDirect.com[9] and DriversEdToGo.com[10] . And AmericaDrivers.com[11] is geared toward foreign drivers who need to learn how to drive in the US.
- Contact several driving schools for details about their schedules, fees, registration procedures and the next available course dates and times. Be sure you understand how much of the course is classroom instruction and how much is behind-the-wheel training.
- Ask family, friend and neighbors if they know anyone who has attended driving school recently, and if they were satisfied with the course. Referrals are available through the Driving School Association of the Americas[12] and the DrivingDirectory.com[13] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Zehava in Lawrence, NY. | Posted: December 23rd, 2015 05:12PM |
We chose to hire Rotem Berenholtz as he came highly recommended by the whole community. He has been extremely honest and respectful. Proffesional mannered and always on-time. He never asked for the payment. We had an agreement from the begining of our relationship that it will be $75 for 45 minutes or $100 for a round hour and we respected each other and we always paid him on time. We also have an apartment on the upper-west side and of course with traffic he was late a little bit but that is understandable and compared to the excellent learning experience our daughter received it was well worth it. we reccomend him and his number is 718-908-0800 |
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| Posted by: Sponge Bob Square Pants in Bikini Bottom, Other. | Posted: July 6th, 2015 08:07PM |
MAN THIS SCHOOL SUCKS I HAVE DONE MY DRIVERS TEST OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND GUESS WHAT??? NO DRIVER LICENSE FOR ME! NUH UH!!! I USED TO THINK IT WAS MY SKINNY YELLOW ARMS OR MY BIG BROWN SHOES THAT MESSED ME UP BUT NO ITS THE DAMN SCHOOL FUK THIS SHIZ GET REKD |
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| Posted by: Jenny Thompson in Westminster, CO. | Posted: October 30th, 2014 02:10PM |
I was really nervous to drive with an instructor. but the guys at 911drivingschool made the experience great for me. They were really nice and the price of the lessons weren't too shabby either. |
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| Posted by: C.A. Frost in Everett, MA. | Posted: October 18th, 2014 08:10PM |
I had an excellent teacher named Reeni. She covered everything I needed to know about driving...especially in traffic in the Boston area. I have recommended lots of people to her school Henry's Everett Auto School. |
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| Posted by: Jennifer Murariu in Flushing, NY. | Posted: June 17th, 2013 09:06AM |
I have been attending this driving school for a while now, and it is great. My instructor is Rotem and he has a great style of teaching. He does not yell at you when you make a mistake, but he does explain how to prevent making the mistake again in a calm manner. I have became less nervous about my driving. |
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| Posted by: UNSATISFIED PARENT in New York, NY. | Posted: June 3rd, 2012 12:06PM |
This guy is unreliable and a liar. He shows up late. He commits to a price and then charges more because he was sitting in traffic. He originally agreed to $50/hr and then he wants to renegotiate the price because he hits traffic. I don't agree to another price and even after agreeing to $100 for 2 hours he has the nerve to charge my son$150 for an hour and forty minutes. He does not provide the service he promises to provide and he is an unethical businessman. DO NOT USE THIS |
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External Resources: |
- www.dmvnv.com/50_state_dmv_list.html
- exchange.aaa.com/safety/teen-driver-safety/parents/aaa-teaching-your-teens-to-drive/
- exchange.aaa.com/safety/teen-driver-safety/parents/
- www.wickedlocal.com/watertown/news/lifestyle/columnists/x1822517596/Rick-Holmes-Th...
- www.chop.edu/?id=85569
- www.cdc.gov/injury/index.html
- www.teendriving.com/training.htm#tips
- driversed.com/
- www.driverseddirect.com/GetStarted.aspx
- www.driveredtogo.com/default.aspx
- americadrives.com/
- www.thedsaa.org/ds-index.htm
- www.drivingdirectory.com/
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