Learning how to drive as a teen can be risky and overwhelming. It can also be exhilarating — getting a driving license means you have the right to drive without supervision. Here are seven tips to start driving safely when attending a teen driving school.

1.    Attend All Teen Driving School Lessons

911 Driving School recommends that you attend all your lessons. Our teen driving school instructors have course outlines that need strict adherence as they are formatted to fully prepare you to drive. These education classes include:

• The Foundations of Safe Driving
• Signs, Signals, and Markings
• Safe Driving Techniques
• Rules of the Road

Our classes are designed to arm new driers with the knowledge skills, and techniques they require as they take on this new responsibility. If you have a scheduling conflict, please discuss this with your instructor.

2.    Drive at the Right Speed

Driving at the right speed allows you to stay alert and maintain your safety. Some teens learning how to drive may be tempted to do so faster than the permitted speed. However, no beginner has fully mastered the art of defensive driving. Always stick to the required speed limits. Graduates from our classes will be taught best practices for driving at speed. We will help you acquire the skills needed to obtain your license and be a safe defensive driver.

3.    Avoid Distractions

There are myriad distractions that you have to deal with when driving. It’s estimated that 58% of teen car crashes result from distracted driving. When learning how to drive, avoid anything that can distract you. Teens often check their smartphones when driving, while others eat snacks, apply makeup, or hold conversations. If you have to eat, fiddle with the radio, or apply makeup, stop somewhere safe first — better yet, take care of the issue before you get going. What if you’re driving with a talkative friend? Conversations can affect your concentration. Let your friend know that conversation when driving diverts your attention.

4.    Avoid Alcohol

Drunk-driving accidents cause about 28 deaths in the United States every day. That means one person dies after every 52 minutes due to accidents caused by drunk driving. At 911 Driving School, we encourage our drivers — teens and adults alike — to drive sober and drive responsibly. Drinking while driving will divert your attention and affect your judgement. You may speed up, fail to observe traffic rules, and cause accidents. Driving sober allows you to anticipate issues on the road in real-time.

5.    Follow Road Signs

911 Driving School’s classes will take you through road signs, signals, and markings. You’ll learn defensive driving skills during actual driving time with our instructors, all of whom have worked in the public sector as police officers, firefighters, or EMTs. When driving, keep your eyes open to see all road signs. They promote road safety and are posted to warn or inform drivers about road conditions. Even when you are confident with your driving skills, don’t go out on the road until you confidently understand what all road signs mean.

6.    Don’t Drive at Night

Night driving for teens who are learning how to drive can be grueling and risky. At night, there’s low visibility, and you don’t know what’s happening a few yards ahead. If you must drive at night, try to have the company of your parents. You are more likely to encounter tired and/or drunk drivers during this time. They might not be concentrated on the road, and it’s up to you to avoid the occurrence of an accident. After gaining more experience and confidence, you can use our tips to help you drive safely at night. We encourage our drivers to reduce speed, keep windshields clean, and adjust headlight beams when driving during this time.

7.    Brake Gently

Using your brakes gently when coming to a halt can reduce the chances of accidents. If you want to remain in control of your vehicle, learn to brake gently. Our teen driving school instructors will guide you on how and when to apply breaks. There are times you’ll need to use your brakes quickly or gently. For instance, when rolling your car to a stop, you should apply light pressure on the brakes. If you see a hazard or objects ahead, you can apply more pressure on the brakes. Sudden braking will allow you to avoid driving into other vehicles or hurting cyclists and pedestrians.

Final Thoughts

As a teen learning how to drive, it’s your responsibility to master all driving skills. Follow all the instructions taught during your time at a teen driving school. At 911 Driving School, we teach our teen drivers the importance of defensive driving. Our experienced instructors guide you through the learning process to always be in control of the car. Contact us today if you and your teen are ready to take get behind the wheel.

Defensive driving involves driving in a manner that protects you from accidents caused by the actions of other drivers. A defensive driving class will help you be prepared to react to the mistakes of other drivers. It provides drivers with the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and manage hazards on the road.

Defensive driving classes are available to both new and experienced drivers. Police officers, firefighters, and EMS are responsible for instructing learners in our 911 Driving School classes. These first responders bring personalized experience and knowledge to the classroom. They verify that you or your teen receive the best instruction to be a safe driver.

What You Will Learn in a Defensive Driving Course?

Different states have varied requirements for what must be covered in a defensive driving course. Some of these topics include:

Defensive Driving Techniques

Accidents are caused by aggressive or careless driving. You will learn how to avoid these accidents by taking measures such as:

•   Scanning the road for hazards
•   Avoiding being hit from behind
•   Handling other dangerous situations like bad weather or road rage

Strategies like following the two-second rule, using your mirrors, and using your turn signals will become second nature after taking this class.

State Traffic Laws

There are some state-specific traffic laws. A defensive driving course reviews the traffic laws of your state. This includes speed limits, right-of-way laws, and alcohol-related laws like DUI and open container laws. You learn about the points system and how getting traffic tickets affects your insurance rates.

Emergency Maneuvers

The practical portion of the defensive driving course teaches you how to handle emergencies. You learn how to make quick decisions and execute maneuvers like swerving, braking, and skidding. In the event of an accident, you learn how to deal with the police and insurance companies.

Scanning Techniques

You will learn how to scan the road for potential hazards in a defensive driving course. Your peripheral vision is tested, and you learn to use your mirrors effectively. You’re taught to use special scanning techniques for night driving, highway, and bad weather.

Developing a Defensive Driving Mindset

To be a defensive driver, you must have the right mindset. This class discusses the psychological factors that lead to accidents. It includes learning about human error, road rage, drowsy driving, and distracted driving. You learn how to control your emotions while driving and how to deal with aggressive drivers. This allows you to stay calm in stressful situations.

Safety Equipment

Automobile crashes can be deadly, but wearing the proper safety equipment helps reduce the severity of injuries. This class teaches you about seat belts, airbags, and child safety seats. You learn about the benefits of regular maintenance and how to check your tire pressure and tread.

Benefits of Defensive Driving Classes

Teen drivers who take a defensive driving class are at a lower risk for accidents. The National Safety Council reports that taking a defensive driving course reduces the chance of being involved in a crash. Some of the advantages of taking this course include:

Lower Insurance Rates

Most insurance companies offer a discount to drivers who have completed a defensive driving class. The discount varies from company to company. It can add up to big savings over time.

Avoid Points on Your License

In some states, taking a defensive driving course helps you avoid getting points on your license. If you have accumulated too many points, you may lose your driving license. Points on your driving record can cause your insurance rates to go up.

Learn New Skills

A defensive class is a great way to improve your driving skills. You will learn new techniques for scanning the road and avoiding hazards. You will know how to control your car in emergencies or bad weather.

When Should You Take a Defensive Driving Class?

In some states, you must take a defensive driving course if you get ticketed for certain traffic offenses. You can take a defensive driving course voluntarily to get a discount on your insurance rates in some states as well. You can take a defensive driving course to improve your skills or fulfill your job’s requirements.

Teens should take a defensive driving course before they start driving. It helps them feel confident behind the wheel and teaches them how to avoid accidents. There are defensive driving courses for adults to help them learn defensive driving tactics. Adult drivers who have been involved in an accident are sometimes required to take these classes by insurance companies. Enrolling in a defensive driving course shows you are serious about becoming a safe driver.

Enroll in 911 Driving School

911Driving School offers driving classes for teens and adults. We have experienced instructors passionate about equipping drivers with the skills they need to stay safe on the road. Our classes are affordable, convenient, and designed to meet your needs and schedule. We offer online and in-person classes.

In-person classes are held in Washington, California, South Carolina, Colorado, Florida, and Ohio. For more information about our defensive driving classes, contact us today.

Is your teen eager to learn to drive? You should enroll them in our Washington State driving school. 911 Driving School’s dedicated instructors will prepare your student to drive safely and pass their driver’s tests. We have convenient locations and flexible class schedules. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the best time to enroll your teen in our program:

When Can My Teen Enroll In a Washington State Driving School?

Students enrolling in a Washington driver training course can apply for their Washington permit as young as 15. Your teen will need their instruction permit, or learner’s permit, to practice driving.

911 Driving School requires all students to have their instruction permit prior to signing up for their behind-the-wheel driving lessons. You can get an instruction permit by applying online or in person with the Washington Department of Licensing. Apply for a permit no more than 10 days prior to your first day of driving school class.

3 Things to Consider Before Enrolling in Driving School

Deciding when to sign your teen up for driving school can be challenging. What’s best for one family might not be the best for you and your teen. You should consider three things when deciding when to sign your teen up for driving school.

1. Family Schedule

Before you sign your teen up for driving school, you should look at your family’s schedule. Do you have any big plans scheduled, like a vacation abroad? You might want to start driving school well in advance or upon completion of big family events.

2. School Schedule

The next thing to consider when signing your teen up for driving school is their school schedule. Do they have any advanced exams coming up or are they starting a new routine?

We suggest making sure there is enough time for your teen to adjust to new schedules before beginning driving school. If your teen is preparing for intensive exams you might want to wait until after they have taken the exam to enroll them in driving school.

3. School Sports and Extra Curricular Activities

Is your child in a school sport or extracurricular activity? You should take their practice and game day or performance schedule into consideration when you plan for driving school registration. It may be easier for your teen to attend all of the required classes if they wait until after their sports season ends.

If your teen plays football, they might have more flexibility in their schedule to attend driving school in the spring. If your teen plays basketball, they might have more flexibility to take classes in the summer or fall.

What Is the Best Season to Enroll in Driving School?

There are advantages and disadvantages to enrolling in driving lessons in any of the four seasons. Here’s what you should know about signing up for driving school in the four seasons.

1. Spring

Spring is a good time to enroll your teen in driving school, especially if they don’t have any travel plans for spring break. Your teen can take advantage of enrolling in driving school in the spring because they will be able to take classes and complete behind-the-wheel drives while they are out for break.

2. Summer

Summer might be the best season to sign your teen up for driving school. They won’t have to juggle driving school classes and behind-the-wheel lessons with their high school work.

Students are able to give their undivided attention to instruction and behind-the-wheel lessons when they don’t have to worry about homework, tests, and projects for their high school courses.

3. Fall

Fall can be a great time of the year to enroll in driving school since the weather in the fall is mild and easy to drive in. It can be intimidating for new drivers to learn how to drive in winter snow or hard spring rain.

If your child is nervous about starting a new school year and driving school at the same time, we suggest offsetting the start dates by a few weeks. Your teen doesn’t have to start high school courses and driving school courses at the same time if they want to enroll in the fall.

4. Winter

Many students enjoy driving school in the winter, especially if they are staying home during winter break. Taking classes in winter allows your teen driver to practice in various weather conditions, including rain and snow.

Why Choose 911 Driving School?

When your teen is ready to enroll in a Washington State driving school, choose 911 Driving School. Our mission is to prepare your teen to safely operate a motor vehicle in all seasons. Our instructors are dedicated to teaching your student the rules of the road.

In addition to teen driving courses, 911 Driving School offers defensive driving, adult driver education, and mature driver courses.

If you or your teenager is planning to get a driver’s license soon, you may be thinking about driving lessons to help you be better prepared. One of your main questions might be how many driving lessons you will need to learn to drive. The number of lessons may depend on the course you take. 911 Driving School makes it easy to have access to all the materials you need online.

Getting the Best Driving Lessons

How long it will take you to drive depends in a large part on who will be teaching you. At 911 Driving School, we hire only the best instructors to give our students quality training to learn all they need to be safe drivers. Our instructors are police officers and first responders who have seen many accidents on the roads.

Our driving lessons teach the students the best defensive driving strategies and make sure they know the basics when they get behind the wheel. Our driving lessons help students learn how to handle situations that can come up as they drive.

We Make Learning To Drive Fun

It’s a simple concept that is easily forgotten—people learn more when they are having fun and engaged. Our instructors have access to the latest technology with videos and presentations to present information in a memorable environment.

We encourage interaction to get students involved and help them remember key concepts. The goal is for them to know many of the rules of the road and other critical information before they ever get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

What You Learn

When you take a class with 911 Driving School, you will learn the basic principles of safe driving, taught by people who are on the roads every day. You’ll learn what the signals and signs mean and how to identify markings. The instructors cover the rules of the road but go beyond safe driving techniques.

Students learn how the vehicle works and how to deal with various road conditions. They will practice sharing the road and being prepared for emergencies. When something happens later on, they won’t have to think about what to do. They will be prepared to act.

Driving Time

Once you have the basic information, you’ll practice those skills with real driving time. How long you spend practicing your driving will depend on which course you choose.

For the basic course for new drivers, you will spend at least five hours behind the wheel and 30 hours of classroom time. If you want more experience, the conventional course provides six hours of driving practice. Get seven hours of driving time if you need more advanced help.

Each location offers its own packages, which provide custom options based on the needs of students. Some locations offer adult driving courses for those who are practicing to get their license in the US for the first time, to replace an expired license, or to refresh their knowledge of driving rules.

Some classes offer one 60-minute private lesson while others may provide a package of multiple lessons. These lessons are customized based on what you need more practice on.

With some of the teen driving school packages, you may have observation times, which allows you to be in the vehicle while another student drives. You can watch what they are doing and listen to the guidance of the instructor. One of the benefits of this type of instruction is that you can pay attention without the added pressure of handling a vehicle at the same time.

Simulation Driving Time

Some of our packages include a certain number of hours of simulated driving. This means that you practice your driving skills in the classroom. You will learn how to deal with road construction, hazardous conditions, and other situations you may encounter while driving. You have the safety of the classroom to make mistakes and to apply corrections before you begin real driving.

As you practice driving with a simulator, you can relax and focus on your tasks. Since you aren’t dealing with other traffic or a real vehicle out on the road, you don’t have the extra pressure that comes when you get behind the wheel. This practice time can help reinforce what is taught in the classroom, allowing you to memorize important information in advance.

Learn To Drive With 911 Driving School

The answer to how many lessons it takes to learn to drive will vary based on each person and where they live. 911 Driving School offers multiple options for driving lessons to help every student be prepared to get on the road.

You can choose from any of our instruction packages to get the amount of driving time necessary to help you become a safe and prepared driver. Check out the options available and the locations for your driving instruction. We are committed to helping you or your teen become safe and successful drivers.

If you have a teenager who is anxious to get a driving permit, you’ll want to help them be prepared to stay safe on the road. There are dozens of teen drivers education options available, but 911 Driving School offers a unique option to help your teen develop the driving skills they will need in order to be a safe, confident driver.

Top-Level Instruction

Here at 911 Driving School, our instructors have real-world experience on the highways and city streets from a valuable perspective. They are police officers and first responders who have seen numerous accidents in their line of work. They know firsthand how important it is to be a good defensive driver and exactly what to do to stay safe on the road. Our instructors can instill the information into students and help them develop a stronger awareness of driving safety.

All driving instructors must meet minimum requirements for teaching driving courses, but the instructors at 911 Driving School go beyond those so that we can bring our students top-quality instruction.

Engaging Classroom Experience

The classroom at 911 Driving School is the perfect blend of professional and fun. Our instructors take the classes seriously but present the information in a fun and friendly way to help students remember what they are being taught.

Our instructors use a variety of teaching methods to engage students. We use state-of-the-art technology, including videos and PowerPoint presentations that add color and visual learning to the mix. The instructors also invite students to participate to make learning more social and engaging.

What Do You Learn in a Teen Drivers Ed Course?

When your teenager takes the Teen Drivers Safety Education and Certification Course, they will gain the knowledge needed to be a safe, defensive driver. Our highly knowledgeable instructors will teach the foundations of safe driving, emphasizing how these strategies work in the real world.

Students learn to identify signs and markings, as well as follow the rules of the road. Instructors will teach them how the car functions, the basics of starting and stopping, and how to handle a vehicle in various roadway conditions. Instructors teach parking, braking, and how to make left and right turns correctly. Your teen will also develop all of the skills they need to know to handle emergencies and how to share the road with others.

Quality Time Behind the Wheel

Besides classroom instruction, students get quality time behind the wheel to learn to drive. They will practice using defensive driving techniques on the local roads and nearby highways. This is where they put all the information they learned in the classroom into use.

If your student needs more practice time, you can schedule extra time with our instructors behind the wheel for an additional fee so they will feel more prepared for the driving test. This real-life experience is invaluable preparation for driving on their own once they get their license.

Courses for Everyone

One of the features of 911 Driving School that makes it beneficial to all students is that we offer different levels of classes. You choose the course that is the best fit for your needs. This helps to prepare every driver for the driving test at whatever level works best for them.

Our basic course teaches the classroom instruction and driving practice necessary to meet state requirements. It’s the ideal choice for someone who doesn’t need a lot of extra practice time. The conventional course allows you more time behind the wheel if you need extra help for a boost of confidence.

Our advanced course provides the same basic instruction as the other courses. Your teen also gets more time behind the wheel to help them feel better prepared for the driver’s test and for the challenges they may face once they have their license.

Defensive Driving Classes

Along with our teen driving courses, 911 Driving School also offers a defensive driving class. This class is also taught by our police officers and first responders. It differs from teen drivers ed because it focuses on techniques for defensive driving. You learn how various circumstances and road conditions affect people and their vehicles.

When you graduate from this class, you’ll know how to protect yourself and your passengers when driving in bad weather, poor road conditions, and around unsafe drivers. This class can also be beneficial as part of your teen’s learning because it will help them learn how to be alert and aware of what’s going on around them. Since the instructors have dealt with these dangers firsthand, they can provide a unique perspective on why defensive driving is important. They also stay up to date on the latest strategies for defensive driving.

If you want your teenager to have the best education possible to learn to drive, consider what 911 Driving School has to offer. Check out our classes and sign your teen up for the course that is the right fit. Our courses give your teen the information they need and the peace of mind you want when they get in the driver’s seat.

If you’re looking at driving lessons for your teen, you’ll want to choose a program that will help them learn and apply the most information. 911 Driving School has developed a program that is designed to make it easier for young drivers to learn the required information in a fun, professional way.

Our Instructors

Our instructors are one of the main reasons that students like our courses. They are knowledgeable and engaging, presenting the information in a clear and concise manner.

Most importantly, our instructors are current or former police officers, EMS, and firefighters who have seen firsthand what happens in an accident. When they present the material to students, they believe in the defensive driving methods being taught. They know how it saves lives. This dedication and passion for training students to be safe drivers can be easily conveyed in the classroom.

A Variety of Teaching Methods and Technology

Our curriculum is the result of research by experts into what students need to know to drive and to be safe on the road. Not only do we focus on what information is taught but also on how it is presented. Our instructors use a variety of methods, such as PowerPoint presentations, videos, and class participation.

The instructors keep the students engaged by creating an interactive environment. They encourage participation to help with retention. When the students complete their course, they will retain the information to pass the driving test and help them be defensive drivers on the road.

Driving Simulation

Along with driving lessons and classroom instruction, our programs at 911 Driving School include a driving simulation. We use state-of-the-art technology to create a realistic situation where you must act to avoid accidents. Our courses include four hours of driving simulation.

You will learn how to respond to hazardous road conditions, drive around road construction, and prepare for the unexpected in a safe environment. Young drivers will have the opportunity to practice their skills before they get out on the road in a real-life situation. The driving simulation is another way we keep our courses engaging, which helps students remember more of what they learn.

Driving Observation

Another method of teaching we use in our driving lessons here at 911 Driving School is our driving observation lessons. Our conventional course includes six hours of observation.

This time is spent with another student who is in the driver’s seat. The observer has the chance to see what driving instruction looks like. Having this time to observe can help students feel less nervous about getting behind the wheel with an instructor when it’s their turn.

What You Learn in Your Driving Lessons

It’s easy to stay engaged with the 911 Driving School driver’s education courses because they are practical in nature. Instructors utilize PowerPoint presentations and videos to teach students the basics of driving, starting with an understanding of how the vehicle works. They will learn about signs and how to start and stop the car, how to brake and park, and how to make turns to the right and left.

The instructors teach the rules of the road and how to share the road. The foundations are essential before they are ready to get in the driver’s seat.

Getting Behind the Wheel

The part students look forward to is when they get behind the wheel with our driving instructors. They have the chance to practice the driving skills they learned in the classroom. The students will learn on local roads and on the highway. They can even pay a small fee for extra time with the instructor to work on their driving skills.

The driving lessons build upon each other, ensuring the student is confident in what they are doing before moving on to more complex situations, such as navigating busy intersections and dealing with higher speeds on the highway.

911 Driving School offers various courses to meet the needs of each student. For those who feel confident in learning the needed skills quickly, the basic course may be the best choice. Those that are new to driving and want a little more practice time may find the enhanced basic course to be the best option. The last option, our advanced course, provides the maximum amount of time behind the wheel and driving observation.

Feel Confident Behind the Wheel

The driving courses at 911 Driving School will help you develop the confidence you need to get out on the road. You will learn valuable skills that help you become a defensive driver. Our method of teaching utilizes all forms of technology and media and keeps our students engaged, ensuring they learn the material that will keep them safe.

If you have a teen who is ready to learn to drive or if you need a driver’s license, you can sign up with 911 Driving School for a curriculum that is fun and informative. We’ll help you get ready to get in the driver’s seat with our multimedia courses.