Getting the Most Value From Driver’s Education

The first time a teenager gets behind the wheel of a car, it can be scary for both them and their parents or guardians. Driver's education programs can help ease this concern by educating student drivers on the ways of the road and defensive driving techniques, along with giving them the confidence they need to take the wheel.

Offered by local schools, government programs, companies and private instructors alike, driver's education programs help build confidence and knowledge in new drivers so everyone can rest easy. Learn more with an in-depth look at the different types of driver's education programs available and ways of reducing teen car insurance premiums.

*Sources: AAA and University of Nebraska–Lincoln *

Driver's education programs offer numerous benefits for students who successfully complete their programs and go on to become conscientious, careful drivers. Whether attending a safe-driving program through your local high school or via a community program, becoming an educated driver can prevent accidents, lower car insurance rates and help you feel more confident behind the wheel.

Understanding the various types of driver's education programs available can help you and your teen driver make an informed decision about which one best serves your needs. Just because a program is free or close to home does not make it the best for your young driver. Consider the options highlighted below to figure out the next steps.

• Average Cost: Free
  

While driver's education programs based in high schools used to be readily available, shrinking budgets mean that many have been phased out. Schools that still offer this type of training usually focus solely on classroom-based instruction rather than taking teens out in a car to practice. Even so, most high school programs are free, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious families.

• Average Cost: Varies
  

Depending on the state in which you live, you or a family member may qualify to teach your teen the ropes of driving. States that allow for this type of training usually require you to fill out a form stating that the teenager completed a set number of practice hours. This can be a great option for families seeking flexibility.

• Average Cost: $250-$500
  

The National Center for Learning Disabilities reports that one in five children has a learning disability, making it vital for them to receive specialized drivers' education. Companies such as Colonial Driving School provide private lessons and instructions to help these teens get ready for life behind the wheel.

• Average Cost: Free
  

Some state governments offer driver's education courses free of charge to residents of the state. Kentucky's Transportation Cabinet, for instance, provides a free four-hour course devoted to driver safety. Because drivers under 18 must complete a driver education course before receiving an unrestricted license, this program fulfills that requirement. You can check to see if your state offers something similar.

Parents can play a substantial role in helping their teens prepare to attend a driver's education program and become safe drivers. Given that parents likely spend the most time with their teens in the car, especially when they have a learner's permit, parents can help enforce the road rules, break bad habits and build confidence along the way. It's also essential for parents to understand the state laws around when teens can receive a license, if they need to participate in driver's education and how graduated licenses work.

No matter how long someone has been driving — be it two weeks or 20 years — they must have car insurance. Teen drivers, who are more prone to accidents than seasoned drivers, especially need comprehensive insurance that protects them and other drivers on the road.

Adding your teen to an existing car policy is an option, but they'll need an individual policy once they have their own car. Below, we examine some of the critical factors to consider around car insurance for your teen.

Car insurance for teens may be more expensive than for an experienced driver. Still, you and your young driver can take advantage of several different discounts to help lower insurance premiums, both when they receive their license and as they age.

Some of the ways you can lower insurance premiums include:

Turning the car keys over to your young driver is never easy, but getting answers to some of your most pressing questions about teens behind the wheel and driver’s education can help make the process easier. Get answers to some of the most common questions around these topics.

Each state sets its own laws around driver's education programs, making it essential for teens and parents alike to ensure they understand the latest requirements. Some states may waive this requirement for first-time drivers over 18, while others keep it in place regardless of age. Some allow student drivers to complete an online driver's education program, while others require an in-person component. Check with your state's department of motor vehicles for specific details.

Regardless of whether your state requires driver's education, think strongly about getting your teen to participate in it anyway. Driver's education courses instill essential skills and knowledge: car maintenance, confidence, defensive driving techniques and the rules of the road. As a new driver, each of these plays a vital role in preparedness for getting behind the wheel of a car.

• Learning to Drive With Neurodevelopmental Differences: Provided by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, this guide answers questions about how students with disabilities can earn a driver's license.
• DriveitHOME: Created by the National Safety Council, this initiative supports parents of teen drivers who recently got their license and provides many helpful and informative resources.
• Driving Skills for Life: An initiative founded by the Governors Highway Safety Association and Ford Motors, this program ensures teen drivers receive additional instruction behind what is commonly taught in driver's education programs.
• Keys2Drive: The AAA Guide to Teen Driver Safety provides tons of resources for teens and parents about safe driving, learning how to drive solo and research on teen driver safety.
• American Driver & Traffic Safety Education Association: The ADTSEA offers an extensive range of resources for parents, teens, driver's education instructors and other interested stakeholders looking to stay up to date on supporting student drivers.