Driving School: How To Choose The Right One
Many people waste time and money learning nothing at a driving school. They grumble later and forget about a driver's license altogether! You must have heard from friends starting off with great enthusiasm at a driving school only to give you hopeless reviews a week later. My neighbor quit in only three lessons. She was completely put off by the ramshackle car the driving school sent her out in to practice and could not feel comfortable with her instructor. She said her instructor chatted more on the cell phone than really bother about teaching her. Don't get tricked at a driving school.
Driving tests are not all that a horror as they are made out to be. For any learner with average intelligence, 30 hours of theory and 12 hours on the road for about $400 should be a good enough beginner's package. However, natural ability to pick up driving, confidence and free time available varies for every learner. You may like to take an intensive course.
The best way to decide what duration of lessons and course will suit you is to have a detailed discussion with the instructor before you begin. If possible, also discuss with your instructor what each session will focus on and what vehicle the school is going to assign to you for practice.
All driving courses should be divided into two sections-practical and theoretical. A practical test for obtaining a license is taken only after the applicant has first cleared the theory test. Usually, a theory test lasts about an hour and can include 50 questions based on the multiple-choice answer system. Discussing with your instructor the number of specific theory lessons required is very important before you begin.
Going to a driving school does not mean your learning process remains confined there. Additional reading of manuals on road signs, traffic rules, safety measures, highway codes etc must supplement your classroom time. It is always good to prepare brief booklets yourself or, obtain them from your driving school. Keep these in the car for ready reference throughout your driving life.
Supplementing your theoretical knowledge is important because it improves your chances of being safe on the roads. Accidents are as likely to take place because of lack of understanding a road sign as because of practical mishandling of a vehicle. Theoretical lessons begun before you start practical training is always a good idea because they give you confidence and help you train on the road better. Many schools suggest taking theoretical lessons after practical ones which is not very beneficial for learners.
All driving schools offer lessons in the basic and intensive category. Basic is naturally for the absolute beginner and the intensive for those who have some previous knowledge or training. Sometimes, amateurs with a keen mind are able to pull off intensive courses too. Often driving schools also teach groups. Deciding how many hours of practical training will suit you can be calculated according to your age. Add up one hour of driving for every 18 months' of your age. You can take a fortnight's course with at least ten hours of practical driving around.
Learning to drive whether for individual or professional needs is always a good idea but landing up with the wrong driving school or getting put off mid-way during a course can be as much your fault as the instructor's. Many people enjoy driving as a hobby and having learnt it at a good school enhances the experience. Many youngsters even take up driving professionally as an interim earning option before beginning a full-time career. Choose the right school, persevere and no driving school can drive you nuts. What you will finally do obtain is your driver's license!
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