How to Choose a Driving School

Not all driving schools are created equal. Sure, they all must meet state standards. But aside from that, how can you evaluate quality? Start by asking the following questions — and expecting straight answers.

• How big are the classes? An ideal class numbers 18 students or less. However, a good instructor can productively teach up to 30.  Anything more should send up a red flag.
 
• How is the curriculum structured? “Look for a curriculum that emphasizes perceptual guidance, not merely how to control the vehicle,” says Frederik R. Mottola, executive director of the National Institute for Driver Behavior.

• What will you teach my teen that I didn’t learn in driver’s ed? The school should use a textbook no older than three years, reflecting up-to-date safety practices and automotive technology.  

• How do you teach behind-the-wheel skills? A multi-modal approach — a reading assignment, lecture, graphics, videos or DVDs and computer simulations — has a better chance of appealing to various learners than straight lectures.            .

• What will students do when they’re not driving? Besides focusing on the driver, a good instructor will keep backseat observers active and engaged, firing questions and asking for input. Most experts agree than a student shouldn’t spend more than 45 minutes behind the wheel at a time.

• How will you involve me, as a parent? The best schools offer opportunities for regular meetings, as well as a syllabus or other structured guide, so that your weekly practice sessions can reinforce specific skills covered in class.

• How qualified are your instructors? Besides having state certification, do the instructors belong to professional organizations or take continuing education courses from AAA, the Driving School Association of the Americas, American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association or the Association of Driver Educators for the Disabled?

Even the best school can’t vaccinate a teen against crashes. But by getting positive answers to these questions, you can get your teen off to a good start. For more information about teen driving, visit aaa.com.

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