My neighbor has given up the idea of obtaining a driver’s license. She spent three sessions with an instructor who chatted more on the cell phone than teach her. Also, the car assigned to them kept stalling every few kilometers. Many people complain they have wasted at least five sessions at driving schools without learning much. Here are some strategies to help you make the best of your driving school stint.
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.
Before you start up and pay the driving school, request for a discussion session with your instructor. Decide if you will be comfortable with the person when you go out on the road. You should also request that you be shown the car you will be practicing in. Driving schools are obligated to show you the vehicle that will be used. Some driving schools may even give you a choice. When talking with your instructor, ask him to be clear about what specific topics each lesson will focus on.
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.
However, depending entirely on a driving school to help you clear your exam for the driver’s license may not suffice. There are many good manuals and even simulation computer programs available in the market to help you enhance your learning process. You can prepare your own reference booklets or compile tips at the driving school. These leaflets can last a lifetime in your car and you never know when they will come in handy.
Some driving schools, in order to get students interested, offer practical training before giving theoretical lessons. This is not very beneficial for the beginner. Theoretical lessons taken before starting out with a vehicle on the road will give confidence to a learner. Theoretical knowledge prevents accidents as much as careful practical handling of a vehicle. Always insist on taking theory lessons first at any driving school.
Some driving schools focus on teaching groups on a residential basis. If several members of your family wish to enroll together for lessons, you can consider this option at your local club or community organization. For individuals, practical driving lessons can be in the basic or intensive category. Intensive category is for those very short on time or who have earlier taken the basic lessons. As a complete beginner, the basic category of lessons is ideal for you. Most driving school instructors suggest enrolling for practical lessons by adding 60 minutes for every year of your age. In a three-week course, you can cover about ten practical driving hours.
Sometimes, particularly for young people at the beginning of their professional life, taking driving lessons and obtaining a full driver’s license can help them find interim jobs or earn some extra income. Just ensure you take the lessons from the right driving school and are assigned to an instructor you are comfortable with. Getting ripped off at a driving school may be as much a lapse on your part as a fault of theirs.
Tags: Autos