At one time, attending driver’s ed in high school was practically a rite of passage rather than a driving education option they could choose from. Driver’s ed classes in high schools typically consist of several hours of classroom training in which students are taught the rules of the road and the rationale behind them before they get behind the driver’s seat of their parents’ car.

Of course, school-offered courses aren’t the only option. Parents can opt to send their teen to an independent driving school outside of what is offered by the high school they attend. The birth of the web has also spawned a number of online driver training courses. When your teen approaches driving age, you should consider whether they should take driver’s ed in school or consult an outside driving class.

Options to Learn How to Drive

A class in driver’s education is usually required before your teen can obtain a learner’s permit. Your teen can get their learner’s permit in several different ways:

  • Driver’s ed class in high school
  • Classroom training through a professional driving school
  • Online driver’s ed
  • Parent-taught driver’s ed

Choose a Method of Training

In this digital era, you may be tempted to have your child choose an online driver’s ed course because it’s convenient. Your teen may be able to learn basic driving information at their own pace by using a cell phone, tablet or personal computer. One drawback of an online driver’s ed course is that there is usually no opportunity to interact with an instructor if there are questions.

Your teen can learn driver’s ed in a classroom either in a class offered by their high school or through a professional driving school. A professional driving school offers face to face interaction with driving instructors and the opportunity to ask questions or participate in interactive discussions.

Professional Driving Schools Versus In-School Training

Driving schools offer classroom instruction taught by people who are highly trained in driving skills and the rules of the road. But, you may have financial concerns since these courses may be more expensive than other options. To offset the cost, you may be able to obtain a completion certificate for your teen that could help reduce the cost of auto insurance.

If you live in a rural area, driver’s ed through the local high school may not be an option. If classes are offered through your local high school, an advantage of considering this option is that classes are offered at a convenient time and may be available during summer school. Your teen might be motivated to successfully complete the class while surrounded by his or her peers.

Safety First

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers. According to the CDC, motor vehicle fatalities represent one-third of all teen deaths. Thousands of teens also experience injuries caused by car accidents according to experts like an auto accident attorney. If your teen has been injured in an auto or truck crash, it’s best to consult to a reliable California truck accident lawyer. And to help you defend your rights and get the proper compensation your teen deserves, make sure to speak to a qualified truck accident lawyer or semi truck accident attorney. 

Every teen needs to take driving seriously. It’s a skill that requires professional training and practice, along with maturity and focus. Driver’s ed training, professional driving schools, or online driving classes can provide the foundation that your teen will need to be a responsible driver. Carefully consider all possible options, and choose the best option for your teen.