The importance of enrolling teens in driving school

As teenagers eagerly await the arrival of the birthday that makes them eligible to get their drivers’ licenses, they may be anticipating the freedom that being able to drive alone provides. But that excitement can overshadow the immense responsibility of operating a motor vehicle.

According to Geico, 25 percent of 16-year-old drivers are involved in a car accident during their first year of driving. Expertise behind the wheel comes with practice, and starting teen driving journeys with a good foundation of information and instruction is key. Enrolling in a driver’s education program can be a wise investment, and one that reduces the number of collisions on the road.

The following are some ways driving school can benefit young drivers.

• Pass your test the first time: Though requirements are different depending on where drivers live, they typically must pass both a written and a road test to earn their licenses. Driver’s education courses go over the rules of the road and the laws governing safe driving. A road instructor will go over driving basics and help you put them into practice while behind the wheel.

• Access to an expert: While Mom, Dad or another trusted adult may have the best intentions when teaching teens how to drive, they may be rusty with some of the rules. Furthermore, they may have adopted habits or shortcuts that, while they work for them, may not be the proper way to instruct new drivers. A driving school helps teens learn how to drive well and safely.

• Specially equipped vehicles: The vehicles that driving schools have in their fleets have been modified to be especially safe. Most feature a rearview mirror and an additional brake pedal on the passenger side.

This enables the driving instructor to have a clear view and also to act, if necessary, to avoid a collision while the student is still learning.

• Meet requirements: Most states in the United States require driver training courses in some shape or form before a teen is able to get his or her license.

In New Jersey, for example, obtaining a license is a multi-stage process. At age 16, teens may apply for a learner’s permit with proof of enrollment in a behindthe-wheel driver training course and a passing grade on the written test.

At age 17, the student must then pass the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission road test. A probationary license will then be issued. If rules are followed during the probationary one-year period, a basic license is issued at age 18.