You Got Your License! 7 Places You Should Check Out in California

Getting a driver’s license means more freedom. If you live in California, there are a lot of great places you can visit, near your city or on a small road trip. From beaches to mountains, there are a variety of places to see, depending on your mood. Completing your driver’s ed online is something to celebrate, so get your parents’ permission or bring them along, and check out of these top 7 places you should check out in California.

1. Yosemite

One of the country’s most popular national parks, Yosemite is a beautiful piece of California. There are plenty of hikes, places to fish, and lessons for rock climbing. If you like camping, there are many options available. Don’t forget to check out the most popular landmarks- Half Dome and El Capitan- too.

2. Huntington Beach

While there are plenty of beaches in California, there is a reason that Huntington is one of the most popular. The sandy beach is well taken care of and is easy to access. The pier has interesting shops and delicious food to try but surfing or just jumping in the waves is fun too.

3. San Francisco

Before you choose to go to San Francisco, it is important that you are comfortable driving. There are a lot of people here and many hills to navigate. Some fun locations are here though with Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, and so many delicious new restaurants to try. Alcatraz Island is well worth the visit if you have the time.

4. Disneyland

Does this popular California destination really need an introduction? If you live close enough, you might want to invest in an annual pass because you have a driver’s license to get you there more often. With so many special events during the year and new rides opening, you will never get tired of visiting this theme park.

5. San Diego

With great weather all year long, San Diego is a popular vacation spot. Come enjoy the sandy beaches or check out one of the popular attractions such as the zoo, Sea World, or LegoLand. If you are looking for something more educational, check out the old missions or go through the USS Midway Museum. There really is something for everyone found in this popular city.

6. Lake Tahoe

If you are in the mood to experience the outdoors, Lake Tahoe is a great place to visit. During the summer, people come from all over the country to play in the lake, participate in water sports, hiking on well-maintained trails, and go mountain biking in this picturesque area. If you like downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or sledding, this is a great place to visit for a little wintry fun.

7. The Redwood Forests

Northern California is home to Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which has plenty of redwood trees. There are hikes, biking paths, and even places to camp in the area. If you have time, stop by Fern Canyon and see some of the places where scenes for Jurassic Park were filmed. The climate is nice too, so you can go any time during the year.

These locations are just the beginning when it comes to seeing all that California has to offer. There is a reason it is called the Golden State with all its awesome beauty and diverse terrains. Now that you have your driver’s license, you can see and do so much more too. Be responsible with that freedom by making sure you are prepared before traveling, double-checking that the registration is in the car, you know basic car maintenance, and that you have an emergency kit in the vehicle. And don’t forget to bring along that new, shiny California license too.

You Got Your License! Here are 5 Places to Visit in Washington

Hooray- you have your driver’s license! One of the most memorable things you can do now is to travel around your state. After getting parental permission, or even having them come along for the ride, grab some snacks and get comfortable in the driver’s seat. If you are up for a road trip and have a Washington license, here are five great places you should add to your list of stops.

1. Snoqualmie Falls

This is a tourist hotspot in Washington for good reason. These falls are about 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls. Stop at one of the lookouts or put on your hiking shoes and hit the trails. Just don’t get caught up in the daredevil activities that sometimes occur here, like walking a tightrope across the canyon or even using a parachute to get a closer look.

2. Mount St. Helens

Here in Washington, the locals have always known about the majestic beauty of Mount St. Helens, but after the 1980 eruption, it gained a lot of attention. There is a National Monument in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, but there is more to see. There are hiking trails up to the top so you can see the partially imploded volcano. If you want to know more, there is a Science and Learning Center that teaches about the surrounding ecosystem.

3. Port Angeles

This is a mid-sized city that has optimum placement, right outside the Olympic National Park. From this city, you can see the ocean, Victoria, Canada, and long stretches of ocean. Stopping here on a road trip is great because you can take it easy, avoid the crowds, and just enjoy the beauty that Washington has to offer.

4. Leavenworth

This town has a long history in the state of Washington. It used to have a strong logging and sawmill economy, but it started to fail in the 1960s. For a time, this town was turned into a tourist destination to keep it going. Now it is known for their Christmas Lighting Festival, Nutcracker Museum, and the Bavarian-style buildings.

5. Seattle

This is a location that is full of fun things to do but usually is reserved for a more experienced driver. If you are up for a challenge, go downtown, grab some famous coffee, and see everything- the Space Needle, the museums, and the famous gum wall. If you’re up for walking around and really experiencing the local culture, stop in at Pike’s Place for some of the farmer market goodness. There are plenty of unique food options mixed with many fine dining experiences too. You can find just about anything in Seattle.

There are many more places you can add to your road trip plans, but this is a good starting point for hitting some beautiful areas of Washington. Road trips are more fun with company, so bring along a friend or bribe your family to come along. Make sure you always bring along some extra money for gas, souvenirs, and extra food because you will need it. Last, but certainly not least, bring along your shiny, new driver’s license too.

You Got Your License! 5 Places You Should Visit in Florida

Getting your driver’s license is a big deal. It takes a lot of work to earn, including taking online drivers ed classes, a written test, a road test, and many hours of driving practice. Once all the requirements are passed and you have your license in hand, you should take a road trip to celebrate. Living in Florida is a big benefit because there are plenty of great destinations for taking a quick road trip. Need some suggestions? Here are five of the top places to visit in Florida.

1. Dry Tortugas National Park

This National Park is in Key West has a unique form of ecology, the seven reef islands. These form an archipelago which is a special group of islands. This is a unique piece of ocean ecology for any budding ecologists, geographers, or oceanographers in your group. While in Key West, don’t forget to stop by the famous Key West lighthouse and the colorful marker for the southernmost point of the continental United States.

2. Daytona

One of the most popular events in Florida is the Dayton 500. This Nascar Race draws a crowd from all over the country to watch as racers drive their cars extremely fast around a racetrack. If you are looking to make a road trip in February, schedule it at a time to see the race. Not interested in watching the race? Daytona is home to some of the most beautiful beaches. Although, if you aren’t coming for the race, hold off until the area is less crowded.

3. The Colonial Quarter

Why not include a little education into your road trip? The Colonial Quarter of St. Augustine is a great place to learn about Florida’s history during the 1500s to 1700s. Stop in an see the different museums dedicated to Ponce de Leon and other maritime explorers. Visitors can even see a replica of a 16th century boat used by the famous travelers. Want a more interactive experience? Check out the Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.

4. Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society

While you have probably been to plenty of zoos in your life, this one is a unique experience for everyone on your trip. Located in West Palm Beach, this location has more than 700 animals from all over the world. See animals in their habitats on a safari through the African animal areas. Interact with the animals at the petting zoo or by feeding the giraffes. There are rides and restaurants located inside too, so you can spend an entire day here.

5. Orlando

Once you have enough experience driving, Orlando is a definite must-do for a road trip in Florida. There is a reason this city is such a vacation hotspot for travelers. There are several great stops here, including Gator World and Universal Studios. The most popular place to go though in Disney World. No matter who is on your trip with you or what age they are, these places are a fun way to spend your time.

Having a Florida driver’s license means having plenty of opportunities to drive to fun locations. Once you have permission to take a trip, Florida has plenty of attractions, beaches, and National Parks for travel. These five destinations are just the beginning, with many more possibilities around the state.

You Got Your Driver’s License! 5 Places You Should Check Out in Colorado

The day is finally here- you have finished your Online Drivers Ed courses and you’ve passed all your tests. Wondering what you should do with that brand-new Colorado license? Hit the road and see the state! Colorado has so many beautiful sights and landmarks that are known all over the world. Now that you have a bit of freedom, check with your parents and plan a road trip. Here are five great places to consider.

1. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

If you are heading to the southeastern portion of the state, you should add this national park to your list. There are forests, lakes, and the continent’s largest sand dunes. This means that there are many types of activities available here, including hiking, playing in the sand, fishing, camping, and sledding. There is a lot of open area here which is great for newer drivers to get experience without all the traffic.

2. Mesa Verde National Park

Colorado has ancient roots throughout the state, but none are more evident than this southwestern section of Colorado. With plenty of museums, hikes, and well-preserved cliff dwellings, this is a unique historical marker. The most famous dwellings here, Cliff Palace, are open for closer looks with scheduled hikes and tours. There are other archaeological sites, overlooks, and petroglyphs throughout the park that you won’t want to miss either. While you can see everything in a day, you might want to spend a little longer if you plan on doing all the tours.

3. Aspen

One thing that Colorado is well-known for is skiing. There are plenty of places to hit the slopes in the state, but Aspen is one of the most recommended areas. This is a charming place to visit with great shops, food, and lodging available if you are traveling from a distance to visit. Whether you are just learning to ski or are already a pro, there are opportunities to improve your skiing skills here.

4. Colorado Springs

A good, mid-sized city to visit is Colorado Springs. There are many museums to see here, plus you can tour the University of Colorado or Air Force Academy campuses here too. Stop by the ghost town and learn more about Colorado’s history or visit Pike’s Peak. Also available just outside of town is Garden of the Gods. It is a privately-owned park with paved trails for hiking or biking. Colorado Springs has some unique stops, so don’t forget a camera.

5. Denver

Once you have a little more experience and feel ready to drive in a bit more traffic, Denver is a great place to visit. This is Colorado’s cultural hub with plenty of museums, sports venues, shopping, and dining. Whether you bring your family, friends, or a date, Denver has a lot to experience. If you want to see one of the more beautiful sections of Colorado, take the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, just outside the city.

Colorado is truly an amazing state to live in. Now that you have a bit more freedom with that license, show you are responsible. Plan out a road trip and take your plan to your parents. Pack an emergency car kit and fine-tune your car skills with knowing how to do basic car maintenance as you learned in your Teen Drivers Ed class. Now that you can drive, get out there and explore the great state of Colorado.

You Got Your License! 7 Places to Visit in South Carolina

One thing a new driver loves to do is drive as often as possible. The freedom that comes with a driver’s license is exciting. If you have recently received your South Carolina license, taking a road trip is a fun idea, with parental permission of course. For some ideas on where to go, here are seven of the best places to see in the state.

1. Myrtle Beach

One of the most popular places in the state is Myrtle Beach. There are sandy beaches, great restaurants, and even the famous Boardwalk with the Skywheel Ferris Wheel. Spend your day in the water with friends, family, or take a date. On bad weather days, there are museums, galleries, and indoor recreation facilities that can fill up your day.

2. Fort Sumter

The beginning of the Civil War occurred at Fort Sumter, located here in South Carolina in 1961. Taking a guided tour of the area is well worth the time to learn more about the details involved in this monumental event. There is also a sightseeing boat tour that takes you to the Fort Sumter National Monument. Everything is well preserved and the education center for visitors is worth the visit.

3. Caesars Head State Park

If you are looking for a great place to view some of the prettiest parts of the state, this is a great destination. There are places to fish, large overlooks, and fantastic photo ops. If you like to hike, take the Raven Cliff Falls Trail to find South Carolina’s tallest waterfall. For some fun swimming holes, check out the Jones Gap Trail.

4. Visit a Plantation

There are more than 2,000 plantations in South Carolina. These historic sites have some of the most spectacular gardens you will find along with grand historic homes. Some of the most notable plantations to visit are Middleton Place, Magnolia Plantation, Drayton Hall, and Boone Hall Plantation. No matter where you live in the state or how far you’re looking to travel, there will be a plantation worth visiting that meets the criteria.

This city offers a great mix of outdoor activities, educational stops, and the arts. While you might be excited to use your driver’s license to get here, the downtown area is very walkable or enhance the experience with a free trolley ride. If you are coming to town, check out the different local performing groups’ schedules and get tickets.

5. Hilton Head Island

For a beach option that isn’t Myrtle Beach, this is a great destination point. There are several quality beaches to choose from with all the water activities you would expect. Schedule in time to check out the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge for some hiking and unique nature-watching.

Another quintessential South Carolina city is Charleston. There are many cultural events, museums, and educational experiences available. See a recovered 1864 submarine, learn about the local Naval base, or see a museum full of vintage and new fire engines. While this is a bigger city, it still boasts the slower life you expect in the South.

South Carolina is a state with a lot of history, which means there are a lot of places to visit throughout the year. No matter who you are traveling with or how long it has been since passing your online driver’s education classes, taking a road trip can be a great experience.

You Got Your License! 5 Places to Visit in Ohio

Getting a driver’s license is a big deal. There are Online Drivers Ed classes to take, written exams, and a driving test to pass, not to mention the hours of practice behind the wheel.

Once receiving an Ohio license, take a road trip to celebrate. There are so many things to see here that you don’t even have to leave the state. If you need some ideas on where to go, here are five of the best places in Ohio to visit.

1. Brandywine Falls

Located inside Cuyahoga National Park, this spectacular waterfall is a sight to behold. The tiered rocks under the falls make for a beautiful and unique look. There are three levels to hike that each give a different perspective of the falls and each one is worth the trip. The best time to see the falls is in the spring when the run-off provides a lot of water through the area.

2. National Museum of the US Air Force

This specialty museum is a great stop in Dayton. There is a wide variety of airplanes on display that have descriptions on their uses and why they were used. If you have ever served in the Air Force, have a family member who served, or just want to learn more about this branch of the military, plan a visit to this museum.

3. Toledo Museum of Art

Dubbed one of the best art museums in the world, the Toledo Museum of Art features paintings by Renoir, sculptures by Alexander Calder, and a stunning collection of glass. If you are bringing children on this road trip, look at the schedule for some of the free art activities. There is also an on-site café that has different tasty selections available. The best part is that the museum is always changing so even if you have been here before, it is worth another visit.

4. Historic Kirtland

A highly rated stop on travel sites, this city is a travel back in time. See how many of the former residents of the city lived in the 1800s. During Christmas time, there are nativities on display from all around the world with beautiful detail. Take a free guided tour throughout the immaculate grounds, buildings, and learn about the former ways of life that once existed.

5. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

For a stop that is both fun and educational, check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. This has one of the biggest collections of rock memorabilia with instruments, art, and videos. Stop in the theater for a seat-shaking experience watching legendary performances. Exhibits include different periods of rock and roll, specific artists, and even a feature for the 50th anniversary of Rolling Stone Magazine in 2017.

Using your driver’s license for a road trip is a great way to put it to use. If needed, get your parents permission and map out the path. Make sure you bring along your license and registration, an emergency kit, and plenty of snacks. Put your new-found freedom to use and hit the open road.

What to Expect the Day of a Driving Test

Since the day you received your practice permit, chances are you have been mentally preparing for the official driving test. The road test is done behind the wheel of a car and tests each driver’s ability to operate a vehicle confidently, with a mastery of the state’s driving laws. While there is a lot of information to remember on test day, being prepared can take a lot of the anxiety out of it for you.

What Information is Covered during the Test?

To test a driver’s abilities to drive, the test is done in parking lots and on the road in regular traffic. This helps the examiner see a driver in a real-life situation and how they handle a vehicle. Some of the requirements for passing are:

The examiner will also be sure you know how to operate the vehicle’s controls, such as turning on headlights and hazard lights, operating the windshield wipers, and activating the parking brake. This can be asked at any time during the test.

How Can I Prepare?

Use the state driving manual to help study the laws. If you have already passed a written test, a lot of this will be review. Since you may have to park near a stop sign or fire hydrant, knowing the required distances will be beneficial to passing that portion of the test. In addition to the manual, each teen drivers education class will supply additional material to study and perhaps even offer practice tests.

What if I Fail?

Don’t get discouraged, you can try again. Be sure to ask what the required number of waiting days is between tests. In the meantime, study and get more practice in so you can feel even more prepared for the next test.

Is an Appointment Required?

Each DMV has specific protocols for their needs. If you live in an area where there are a lot of test-takers or there are limited instructors on hand during certain times, an appointment may be required. Be sure to look on the state website or call ahead to make sure you follow their procedures. No one likes taking time out of their day to get a driving test done only to find out they need an appointment.

What Should I Bring?

When you call to ask about required appointments, be sure to ask about what to bring. You will need to bring your learner’s permit. If you are using your own vehicle for the test, proof of insurance and the vehicle’s registration will need to be seen first. Other things that you might bring are a certificate from a completed driver’s education course and a log of the driving hours completed. Ask about completing paperwork before the day to speed up the licensing process.

Taking the Test

Now that you have done everything possible to prepare, relax and take the test. Be patient and listen to the instructions the examiner gives during the test. If you don’t understand the examiner’s instructions, ask questions for clarification. Remember that you have put in the practice and trust in your abilities. If you wait until you feel ready to take the test, you will be more confident and the results will follow.

Driving School vs. Parent Teaching for Teaching Driving Skills

Getting a driver’s license is a big step in anyone’s life, no matter the age of the newly licensed driver. The road to learning to drive is a necessary path to take before licensing though. If you are considering getting a license and aren’t sure if you would rather take a professional course or have a parent teach you to drive, here are some points to consider.

Who Knows the Road Better?

Just because someone knows how to drive doesn’t mean they are a good teacher.

It also doesn’t mean that they know all the laws.

In fact, some estimates suggest that approximately half of all licensed drivers could not pass the written portion of a driver’s test. There are many laws that people don’t need to actively remember and signs that people don’t see, so drivers forget the information. After all, if it doesn’t impact their daily driving experience, why bother?

Unfortunately, this means that they will likely be unable to impart all the information that a new driver needs to pass their tests.

A driving instructor is constantly teaching the laws, grading student quizzes, and getting extra training on current laws to keep up their teaching certificate. Knowing the laws is their job, which means they are around them all the time so they can’t forget how far to park from a stop sign or what that strange sign means on the side of the road.

At 911 Driving School, the experience goes even further than that. Our instructors are or have been, police officers. They know the laws because they teach them, but also because they have enforced them.

Can You Provide a Structured Approach to Learning?

Often, when parents teach their children to drive, they cover the important techniques, skills, and laws at random or whenever a particular circumstance arises.

What happens if that situation never arises before the test comes around?

At a driving school, students will have an opportunity to participate in an instructor-led classroom and get the necessary time in behind the wheel. This experience will be based on a structured and proven method that covers all information a fledgling driver really needs.

It starts with the full range of basics and then builds on them until the student is ready for more complex maneuvers.

What is Your Level of Comfort with Your Parents?

Parents are a great resource for support and reviewing concepts for driving. But do you feel comfortable asking questions and drilling them until they perfect a certain technique?

If a parent turns out to not be a great teacher, is that going to be awkward for the child? Is there already tension in the relationship? Is the parent likely to yell when the child makes a mistake? Are you more likely to yell back at them?

It is important to remember that taking driving lessons from a driving school doesn’t mean your parents are completely cut out of the process. There are required driving hours that need to get done before a license is issued and a licensed person over the age of 18 must be in the car the whole time. This means many parents are riding in the passenger seat while their teenager is learning to drive. If you need extra practice hours, parents are a great resource.

If you have seriously considered the three questions above, you should know which option is best for you. Driving lessons are a big, important step in everybody’s life. If you are looking for a great school with attentive, knowledgeable instructors, check out our schools for a location near you.

Is Driving School Worth the Cost?

Learning to drive is a complicated process. Most adults get a license and drive a car, but that doesn’t mean they are qualified to teach another person to drive. Some students starting out try to have a parent or friend teach them to drive or decide to try and self-teach with the state-supplied books and pamphlets. Signing up to attend a driving school is not cheap, but many wonder, is it worth the cost?

What Does Driving School Include?

Learning to drive involves more than just knowing the basics on how to operate a vehicle. There are many laws to learn and requirements to meet to get a license. The cost of paying for driving school covers an instructor who knows all this information and teaches it, but there is more included in the cost, such as:

Each of these works together to make sure that each student gets a high quality, comprehensive education. The best education makes sure students really understand the material, making them better drivers their entire life, not just until they get their license. Over time, this can save a lot of money from not paying for parking tickets, traffic violations, and repairing vehicles after an incident.

Another way that driving school saves money for parents and teens is through insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts for new drivers who have enrolled in a driving school.

Taking a defensive driving course decreases the chances of getting into a collision, which means that insurance companies process fewer claims overall, which is why they encourage enrollment. Once that discounted percentage is taken off each month, the savings add up to save a significant amount.

Other Benefits of Driving School

There are other benefits of enrolling in a driving school that aren’t always counted in the cost. This includes better relationships for parents and teens, more experienced teachers, and having an extra resource. Peace of mind knowing your student has been taught by a driving professional

Building Better Relationships

Teens often struggle to take criticism from their parents, even if it is well-meaning. It is hard to take advice from someone you are comfortable with. Add in all the frustration that comes with driving for the first time and trying to learn information and it can create a wall in a relationship.

Having a third-party instructor can help ease the tension and lets parents be supporters in the process instead of the authority figure. With the expected level of respect, teens will often listen and obey the instructor too.

More Experienced Teachers

Trying to learn to drive from a manual, parents, or friend does not always lead to the best driver’s education. Driving lessons from an experienced teacher who has been trained in proper teaching methods is more effective.

They also know the laws better and stay up to date on changes because it is their job to know this information. At 911 Driving School, we employ police officers and first responders who have an in-depth understanding and knowledge of laws since they enforce them.

Having an Extra Resource

While search engines are a great resource for getting fast answers to simple questions, it doesn’t always work correctly. If students have a question, our instructors are there to give answers. Having an extra resource for learning the material and explain things thoroughly is a big benefit for student drivers.

Getting a Quality Education

Driving a vehicle is a privilege that should be taken seriously. Having a quality education means more success on the road and safer roads for everyone. Whether you are interested in adult driving classes or driving lessons for teens, enrolling in a driving school will give you a quality drivers education.

A Checklist to Master Driving Skills

Taking an online drivers education course is great for learning how to drive. The information that is critical for driving is taught at a pace that fits each student individually.

As a parent of a teen driver, one of the best things you can do is take your student out driving to make sure they are getting in the practice required to feel comfortable behind the wheel. To help aid in those efforts, here are some skills that you can work on with your student so that they will be ready for their driving test.

They are split into three individual lists- beginning, intermediate, and advanced.

Beginning Driving Skills

This list is intended to help new drivers who are just driving for the first time or are not prepared enough to drive on the road in traffic yet. Here are some of the suggested beginning skills:

Intermediate Driving Skills

Once the beginning skills are mastered and the driver is comfortable with the basics of a vehicle, it is time to move that experience on to the road. Note the level of traffic and don’t attempt driving while there are too many cars out. Ensure that visibility is good too with clear weather and good lighting. It is also important to make sure there is a good level of mastery for driving laws and knowing what signs mean. Here are the intermediate driving skills to work on:

Advanced Skills

Once the beginning and intermediate skills are mastered, it is time to move on to the advanced skills. Each section should build on the other and the new driver should have a good level of comfort executing the prior skills. Here are the skills to work on with your advanced student driver:

Time for the Driving Test

Once a new driver has mastered the above lists, they are ready for a driving test. Identify skills that can use more practice, but also make sure you are encouraging and acknowledge areas of improvement. Whether you are helping a student with teen driver’s education or you are taking adult drivers education, doing an evaluation with this driving skills checklist can improve the chances of passing the driving test for licensing.