Driving School: Are You Being Ripped Off?

By John Robertson

How many times you've heard a friend complain they took five lessons at a driving school and learnt nothing? My neighbor gave up learning to drive after just three sessions. She said her instructor was hooked to the cell phone most of the time and the car they were given from the school was a wreck! You could save dollars and time by choosing a driving school wisely. Check these tips before you enroll.

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.

Even before you pay your fee, request your instructor to discuss what time will be spent in practical training and what will be spent in the classroom. Preparing for the theory test for your driver's license can be as rigorous as driving itself. A theory test includes 50 multiple-choice questions and can last an hour. Unless your driving school has prepared you to clear this test, you will not be able to take the practical test.

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.

As a beginner who is excited about learning how to drive, taking practical lessons at the wheel of a car is always luring. But resist that. Some driving schools also try to grab students by offering them more practical training. In the long-term, having the theory clear in your mind first is more important before you turn that key in the ignition. Tell your driving school that you want to take theory lessons first. Accidents can be averted because of a piece of information at the back of one's mind as much as by alert handling of a vehicle.

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.

Driving can be a pleasure activity as much as a utility skill for one's life. Not knowing how to drive can really affect your self esteem too. Coming of age almost seems to be synonymous with obtaining a driving license as well. Don't lose the opportunity to learn a valuable skill just because you landed up with the wrong driving school. Think and evaluate before you enrol. As a youngster, even before you begin a full-time job, you can take up driving to earn extra income. Learn properly, stay safe and enjoy driving for a lifetime. - 21396

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We have additional information about driving lessons and advice on knightswood driving lessons at www.topgeardrivingtuition.com