Driving Rules Unique to Washington State

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The Washington State Patrol provides an extensive list of rules of the road under various categories. Driving rules cover everything from aggressive driving & road rage to alcoholic beverages, auto insurance, construction zones, and distracted driving. At 911DrivingSchool, we provide comprehensive courses that expand on local rules and driving safety. We’re a leading Seattle driving school focusing on making you a better, safer driver.

4 WA Driving Rules You Should Know

Driving rules in Washington State are similar to regulations in other jurisdictions. They focus on the safety of road users. You’ll find rules for all scenarios, including child restraints, emergency zones, emissions, DUIs, HOVs, speed, licenses, vehicle conditions, and more. Washington also has driving requirements unique to the state. Here’s an overview of four general rules every driver should know when driving in WA:

1. Do Not Flee the Scene of a Crash

If you’re part of a car accident in Washington, you should remain at the scene of the crash. Drivers must fulfill specific obligations outlined in the State Legislature. The law requires you to stop and locate or notify the owner of the damaged property. You should also render aid to injured persons wherever possible. Some exceptions exist, so you might have to leave the accident scene. A 911 emergency call may not respond fast enough if you need emergency medical care.

Our Seattle driving school has experienced police officers, firefighters, and EMS driving instructors, but some accidents are unforeseeable. If you’re involved in a crash, the priority is getting medical aid for bodily injuries. Drivers who don’t have an emergency should contact 911 and report the accident. You should also exchange personal information with the other driver/road user. Fleeing the scene of the accident will incur criminal charges and has legal ramifications.

2. Distracted Driving Is Criminal & Prohibited

The State of Washington has legislation against distracted driving and enforces heavy penalties for offenders. Distracted driving is among the preventable causes of car accidents and injuries for thousands of road users annually. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission clearly states that holding a cell phone while driving is illegal. You shouldn’t hold your cell phone when the car is moving, at a red light, or in traffic.

If you must use your phone, get out of the traffic flow or park the car. You can also use your phones hands-free, through Bluetooth, or when contacting emergency services. Drivers in Washington are also prohibited from using tablets, laptops, and games when driving. You shouldn’t watch any videos. Traffic police can also pull you over for other distractions like grooming, eating, and reading while driving. Offenders risk tickets and violations reported to the insurance company.

3. Children Must Be in a Car Seat or Booster Seat

Drivers carrying young children must follow specific child restraint rules. Children below the age of 13 must ride in the back seat whenever practical. Eight-year-old children or younger must be secured in a booster or child seat. Children 4’9” tall or under 40 pounds must also use booster seats. Infants must be secured in appropriate child seats. Here’s a breakdown of the rules for each group of children:

Washington State emphasizes appropriately fitting car seats and booster seats for children to maximize safety. At 911Driving School, we explore more ways to keep your children safe on the roads. Our Seattle driving school covers the general rules, best practices, and technical defensive driving strategies. Using the right seat and seatbelts can reduce the likelihood of injuries in case of a crash. Stick to the recommendations given by the manufacturer or AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics).

4. Headlights Must Be on During Specific Times

The Washington State Department of Licensing requires drivers to turn on their headlights during specific hours. Your headlights must be on within 30 minutes after sunset and stay on until 30 minutes before sunrise. Having the lights on during such time frames gives you maximum visibility and helps to prevent accidents. The law also requires WA drivers to turn on headlights during rainy, cloudy, and misty/foggy conditions.

Drivers should use the high beams when the road has no oncoming vehicles. The high beam setting allows you to see twice as far as you can with regular headlights. You should use the high beams on unfamiliar roads, construction areas, and busy side roads. Dim your head beams as soon as you see an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet. You should also dim the head beams when following another vehicle within 300 feet.

State-Approved Seattle Driving School

Driving rules in Washington are enforced with strict penalties. Breaking the law will result in tickets, fines, and potentially losing your license. At 911DrivingSchool, we offer comprehensive driving school for residents of Washington. We’re a leading Seattle driving school with lessons for teens and adults. Our curriculum also covers defensive driving and learners are taught by leading EMS, first responders, firefighters, and police officers.

What Does My Teen Need To Enroll In Driver’s Ed?

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Before getting their license, your teen must complete an approved driver’s training course, like one of 911 Driving School’s drivers ed for teens courses. You can help your teen prepare for driver’s ed by making sure they have everything they need. Here are the requirements for enrolling in driver’s ed for teens:

Minimum Age Requirements

A permit is needed to attend teen driving school. Your teen must meet your state’s minimum age requirements before applying for a driver’s permit. In most states, the minimum age requirement for a teen ap

plying for a driver’s permit is at least 15 years old.

Restricted permits and licenses are offered in some states for teens as young as 14 ½. These teens must meet special requirements and have a valid reason for needing a driver’s permit and driver’s license at a young age.

Prepare to Apply for a Driver’s Permit

Before your teen can participate in any behind-the-wheel practice or training classes, they must have their driver’s permit. Help your teen prepare to apply for their driver’s permit by researching your state’s requirements.

New drivers must complete some or all of their driver’s knowledge courses before obtaining their permit in some states, while others allow teens to get their driver’s permit when they choose a driver’s ed program and begin their classes.

Most states require teens to have their parent’s consent to obtain a driver’s permit. They must show proof of identification, complete an application, and pay a fee. There may be additional requirements depending on where you live.

Pick a Drivers Ed for Teens Course

911 Driving School offers a variety of driving lessons for teen drivers. We provide online test prep for all 50 states. Before enrolling in a driver’s ed course, easily compare class options on our website.

Tiers of Driver’s Ed Courses

We have three different tiers of driver’s ed courses available to our new learners. You can choose which level is best for your teen based on how much driving experience they have.

Our Teen Driving Basic Course teaches the foundations of driving. The course provides classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training required by your state. This option is best for students who will not need additional support from the instructors.

Our Teen Driving Conventional Course teaches everything in the Teen Driving Basic Course. It gives additional instruction and behind-the-wheel training. This course is best for students who need extra learning time and support to pass their driver’s licensing exams.

Our Teen Driving Advanced Course teaches everything in the Teen Driving Basic Course but offers the most behind-the-wheel training of all available courses. This course is best for students with little to no experience driving who need extra support and practice time.

Depending on your state, your teen might have two options when taking the knowledge-based driver’s ed classes. Check with your local 911 Driving School to see whether online or in-person courses are available.

Online Course Options

Online courses are beneficial because your teen can complete the courses on their time to fit their schedule. These lessons are helpful to your teen because they will be able to go back and study before taking their exams. Classes are reviewable after your teen has completed them.

In-Person Course Options

In-person courses help keep your teen accountable. They run on a set schedule and take place in a classroom setting. Your teen can get answers to their questions from a trained and experienced instructor.

Prepare for Behind-the-Wheel Training

When enrolling your teen in driver’s ed, it is a good idea to research the requirements for behind-the-wheel and at-home training. We suggest that your teen have access to a car so they can practice their driving skills outside of class with a parent. Your teen must meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements.

Gather Necessary Materials and Supplies

Your teen will need a few materials and supplies for driver’s ed. They must make an online account and pay for their chosen course. Your teen should take notes to help them remember the curriculum. If you choose an online course, your teen must have access to a computer and the Internet so they can enroll in driver’s ed.

Make sure your teen has the appropriate attire before enrolling in behind-the-wheel training. Your teen must wear closed-toed shoes during driving training. It’s a good idea for your teen to have at least one pair of approved shoes before enrolling them in driver’s ed.

Choose 9-1-1 Driving School

911 Driving School has the experience and knowledge you can trust. Our instructors are highly trained and experienced police officers, firefighters, and EMS responders. Our professional instructors and state-of-the-art technology can prepare your teen for their final driving exam. Research the necessary requirements for your state and meet with one of our instructors today to discuss course options.

Basic Car Maintenance: What You Need to Know About Your Car

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Do you have a teen in your house that is excited about getting their driver’s license? If you’re looking at teen drivers ed, you will want to consider a course that will prepare your teen to be a safe and successful driver. 911 Driving School provides a well-rounded curriculum to educate teens on the laws of the road and basic car maintenance.

Teen Drivers Safety Education and Certification Course

911 Driving School provides classes with high-quality training. The Teen Drivers Safety Education and Certification Course provides information that will equip teens for any situation they may face as new drivers.

In this course, drivers learn the basic foundations for driving safely and the techniques to do so. They also learn how your car works, where important controls are located, and the laws of the road as well as driving etiquette. Your teen will understand the different road conditions that they may be driving in and how to handle the car in those situations. 911 Driving School also trains new drivers on basic maintenance procedures to keep their cars running safely. All this information helps to prepare them for when they will be driving on their own.

Basic Car Maintenance

The first step for your teen’s successful driving is to make sure your young driver is learning in a vehicle that meets state safety requirements. All the important controls need to work, such as the brakes, turn signals, windshield wipers, and lights. Familiarize your teen with the dashboard lights and what they mean. Let them know which ones are serious and require service immediately.

Once they understand the car itself, they are ready to learn some key car maintenance. Basic car maintenance knowledge protects drivers from the potential dangers of malfunction. Here are a few things every new driver should learn about car maintenance:

Check and Add Coolant

Make sure that your car does not get overheated. When the temperature gauge on your dashboard shows your engine temperature is getting too hot, you’ll know it is time to check on the coolant. Consult the owner’s manual to know what kind of coolant you need to use. Make sure your car engine has cooled off if you have been using it. Open your car hood, find the coolant reservoir, and add in your coolant. Make sure you don’t fill it up past the max-fill line. Close the hood and turn on your car engine to check that the temperature gauge goes back to normal.

Check Oil 

Cars manufactured today have a light that comes on when your oil is getting low. If you want to check it yourself, just grab a rag and open your car hood. Find the oil dipstick. Pull it out and wipe it off with the rag before reinserting it into the tube. Once again, pull out the dipstick and verify the color and where it hits on the stick’s line. If the oil is dark in color and is low on your stick, it is time for an oil change. If the oil is still lighter in color and sits above the minimum line on your stick, then your car is fine.

Check Tire Pressure

To check the tire pressure, you need a tire pressure gauge. Check your owner’s manual to know what the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) is for your car tires. Take off the valve cap that is on your tires. Push the gauge down on the valve until you hear a hissing sound. The gauge will give you a reading of what your tire pressure PSI is at. You can take your car into any car shop and they can easily add air to your tires in a few minutes. Or, you can add air yourself by using an air compressor (these can be found at most gas stations) and putting the air hose over your tire valve. Use the gauge after you have filled the tires with air to make sure they are at the correct PSI. 

Check Wiper Blades

If your wipers leave streaks and do not help you to see better out of your windshield, it is time to replace them. Once you have bought replacement wiper blades of the correct lengths, simply lift up the wiper arm and unhook the old wiper blade. Insert the new wiper by hooking it in the same way the old wiper was inserted. Gently lay the wiper back down against the windshield. Do this same process with the second wiper blade.

Make 911 Driving School Your Teen Drivers Ed Choice

911 Driving School classrooms include state-of-the-art technology, well-trained and effective teachers, an interactive curriculum, and hours of practice driving with instructors. Once they have completed the required hours of classroom and driving time, including practice at home, the student will be ready to take the driving test to get their license.

You can sign up online for the class you want for your teen. We offer teen drivers ed programs in several different states and locations. Just search for the school closest to you. Let 911 Driving School help teach your teen how to be equipped as a safe and confident driver.

Who Needs Adult Driving Lessons?

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Adult driving lessons are customized to help you learn how to drive and obtain a license. Unlike drivers ed for teens, the programs aim to pick up from where you left off rather than start with a comprehensive curriculum. You can customize the lessons based on your needs if you have a background behind the wheel. Teens often complete the comprehensive curriculum.

Adults can optimize each lesson based on their experience. You can schedule a short one-hour refresher before your knowledge test. Adults without a driving background can also take teen programs. At 911DrivingSchool, we offer comprehensive driving courses and customizable lessons for teens and adults.

What Are Adult Driving Lessons?

As the phrase implies, adult driving lessons are designed for students above 18 years of age. All states allow teens to learn how to drive and obtain a license. The minimum age requirement varies from state to state. Once you reach 18, you need driving courses for adults. 911Driving School offers customizable driving lessons, including online classes and in-person practice.

We can help you customize driving lessons to fit your schedule and needs. Most adults have some background behind the wheel. You may not need to complete the curriculum, although we strongly recommend it. Some people need to refresh and prepare for their knowledge and drive tests. Here are some common characteristics of adult driving lessons:

Flexible and Customizable

Adult driving courses are flexible and customizable to fit everyone’s needs, schedules, and goals. You can learn from anywhere through online resources. The courses also focus on specific skills. You can take defensive driving lessons or work with an experienced instructor to improve your parking and driving skills.

Available to Anyone Above 18

Adult driving lessons are for learners with a formal identification that proves they’re 18 or older. Drivers ed for teens may involve parental consent, learner’s permits, and other procedures. Adults can start learning at any stage and are free to take the full driving course designed for teens and beginners.

Outlined With Fewer Requirements

Adult driving classes have fewer requirements compared to teen courses. You can enroll for lessons anytime you wish. No set number of lessons or driving hours are established, and the classes are fully customizable. The goal is to pass the knowledge and driving tests to obtain a license, so you can learn at your own pace.

Who Should Consider Adult Lessons?

Adults are not mandated to take driving lessons, provided they pass their tests and abide by the driving regulations. Some states give violators of traffic rules the option to enroll in a driving school. No law forces any adult to take driving lessons, but our instructors and trainers highly recommend taking the complete course. A driving school is invaluable if you want a license or to improve your skills. You should take driving lessons as an adult if you:

1. Don’t Know How To Drive

If you don’t know how to drive, taking a driving lesson is the best thing you can do. Driving is a necessary skill you need to navigate the world. Even if you have a chauffeur, learning how to drive can come in handy at different times, including emergencies. Adults who don’t know how to drive can enroll in online schools to learn the skill. You can also take lessons to horn your driving techniques if you have some background behind the wheel.

2. Want To Apply for a License

Getting a driving license doesn’t mandate lessons, but you can boost your odds of passing the knowledge and drive test. Driving lessons teach the skills, instructions, and regulations that are covered in driver’s license exams. Without driver’s ed, you may fail the test and miss out on getting a license. Adults applying for a driver’s license should consider completing comprehensive or refresher courses to prepare for their exams. The goal is to pass and obtain a driver’s license.

3. Seek To Erase Traffic Points

Committing traffic offenses regularly can accumulate points and lead to losing your license. Many states will revoke your driving license if you exceed the maximum points allowed for traffic offenses. License revocations and offense points can impact your auto insurance premiums and other aspects. One way to reduce your points is by completing driver’s education. Most courts let you regain your license after you’ve completed approved driving courses.

4. Want To Improve Driving Skills

Adults looking to improve their driving skills can take lessons whenever they want. At 911Driving School, we offer a wide range of programs, including defensive driving. You can take online driving lessons or classrooms to become a better, safer driver on the roads. The goal is to improve your driving techniques, awareness, and decision-making to help prevent accidents. You can focus on regulations, first aid, highway driving, and more.

Drivers Ed for Teens

People associate driving lessons with teens because most are keen to obtain a driver’s license as early as possible. If you plan to get a driver’s license in your teens, consider taking drivers ed for teens. We offer comprehensive curriculums approved in Washington, Ohio, South Carolina, Florida, and Colorado. 911DrivingSchool also features customizable adult programs. We have experienced instructors who have been police officers, firefighters, and first responders—we know how to give you the best instructions for safely navigating the road.

How To Ace the Washington Driver’s Ed Exam

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Those looking to obtain a valid driver’s license from Washington or any other state must take and pass the driver’s exam. At 911DrivingSchool, we provide comprehensive driving education and customizable lessons for teens and adults. We’re the team to consult when looking for a reputable Seattle driving school. We serve various other cities in Washington, Colorado, Florida, and North Carolina. Here are three tips to help you ace your Washington driver’s ed exam:

 

1.) Enroll in Driver’s ED

Taking driver’s ed classes is the best way to ace your exam and obtain a license. At 911 Driving School, we offer flexible driving lessons learners can access anytime. Our online courses and resources allow you to learn from anywhere and leverage downloadable material and videos. You can learn how to drive from home or visit our classrooms for in-person training. We also have experienced instructors, including firefighters, police officers, and first responders.

Driver’s ed covers everything about the Washington diving license exam tests. You’ll learn the basics of driving, including preparations, take-off, parking, backing into a corner, braking, balancing, highway driving, and more. We also cover Washington driving regulations and traffic laws. Enrolling in driving classes can help you learn how to drive and pass the written test and the driving test. If you have no driving background, consider taking the complete driver’s ed program.

911DrivingSchool makes learning how to drive effortless. You can join at any level, and we have driving lessons for teens and adults. Whether you need a one-hour refresher before your exam or would like to take the complete curriculum, we have you covered. Our driving school is approved to offer Washington drivers education courses and courses in various other states. You’ll receive the very best instructions from experienced drivers. Our team aims to make you a competent, confident, and safe driver.

 

2.) Read the Driver Guide

All questions in your Washington driver’s ed exam come from the driver guide. The booklet offers answers to all tested aspects and is the best resource to study for your test. You can request a booklet at the department of licensing (DOL) or download our free digital PDF copy. Both options are free. Reading the driver guide protects you from relying on shortcuts. At 911DrivingSchool, we provide comprehensive lessons that cover everything in the booklet.

You can also leverage our online practice tests to learn how to answer common driver’s ed exam questions. Test questions can span the entire booklet from start to finish, so you should aim to read all parts. You’ll find straightforward questions like road signs or story-based questions that promote decision-making skills. Our instructors and resources help you memorize the key sections, including challenging concepts.

911DrivingSchool has customizable courses, so you can choose the sections you want to brush up on. We cover the alcohol and marijuana questions and other bits drivers usually forget when preparing for their exams. Our school also helps you understand the driver guide effortlessly. You shouldn’t take any driver’s exam before going through the guide. At 911DrivingSchool, our courses and lessons are structured around the Washington driver guide and traffic laws.

 

3.) Review The Driver’s Exam

Learning what you’ll be tested on gives you a better chance of preparing for the driver’s ed exam. Our Seattle driving school can help you identify all areas the driver’s test will cover. Most tests span starting your vehicle, leaving the curb, controlling the car, driving in traffic, and obeying signals and signs. Driver’s ed exam also covers driving through crowded and blind intersections, stopping, backing up, judging distance, and respecting other people’s rights.

You should aim to understand all tested components before taking your knowledge test. Learn how to perform specific maneuvers like arms signals, brake reaction tests, parking on a hill, and parallel parking. Our driver’s ed programs will help you learn how to use and switch lanes. We also cover the basics, like correctly using the gas pedal, brakes, steering wheel, and controls. The curriculum features everything you’ll encounter in the 40 multiple-choice questions.

Acing the written test is half of the job. You must also pass the driving test, which involves driving with an examiner. 911DrivingSchool will help you prepare for the driving test and practice different maneuvers beforehand. Our instructors focus on making you a better driver. You’ll learn the basic techniques, including how to evade potential danger and avoid hitting other cars. We also have advanced lessons like defensive driving to horn your safe driving skills.

 

State-Approved Seattle Driving School

Acing the Washington driver’s ed exam is effortless if you enroll in a complete course with a state-approved driving school. Our Seattle driving school provides approved classes for teens and adults. You can study how to drive online and leverage live streaming tools, videos, and PDF guides. Our instructors are also readily available for in-person practice.

Learning from the best instructors and schools gives you the best chance of passing your driver’s exam on the first attempt. At 911DrivingSchool, we hire the best officers, first responders, and firefighters to give you peace of mind. Our lessons are fully customizable to fit your needs. Most learners we train also pass their exams and go on to obtain the WA license.

Preparing Your Teen Driver for Driving Emergencies

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At 911DrivingSchool, we know the value of preparing your teen driver for driving emergencies. Reacting quickly and calmly in a crisis can be the difference between life and death on the road. While learning drivers ed for teens, here are some potential hazards to review with your teenage driver:

Car Accident

Discuss what to do in the event of a collision. Even the most careful drivers can get into an accident. Teach them to stay calm, move the vehicle to a safe location, and call 911 or the police if needed. They should know to exchange insurance information with the other driver and never admit fault.

Vehicle fires can sometimes happen after car accidents. Your teen must pull over to a safe location, turn off the ignition, and get out of the car as quickly as possible. They should know never to open the hood or try to extinguish the fire. They should call 911 for help.

Emergency Braking

Your teen may need to perform an evasive maneuver to stop the car quickly to avoid a collision. Have them practice emergency braking in a controlled environment, such as an empty parking lot, to get a feel for how the car reacts and to build muscle memory.

Skids can be frightening, but your teen can learn how to regain vehicle control with proper training. Have them practice driving in slippery conditions and teach the proper techniques for recovering from hydroplaning, such as easing off the gas and turning the steering wheel toward the skid.

Breakdowns

Review what to do in the event of a breakdown. Have your teen practice calling for roadside assistance, and save the number in their phone. Teach them to stay inside the car and lock the doors until help arrives. They should also know how to turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers to the presence of a stopped vehicle.

Accidents and breakdowns can happen at any time. Every car should be stocked with an emergency kit. Include a flashlight, a first aid kit, water, snacks, and a blanket.

Teach them how to handle a blowout or flat tire. Changing a tire can be intimidating for inexperienced drivers. Make sure your teen knows to safely pull to the side of the road, turn on their hazard lights, and use the spare tire and jack to change the flat. Practice this skill with them in a safe environment until they are confident doing it independently.

Distractions

Distracted driving is one leading cause of accidents. Drivers must be aware of their surroundings at all times. Encourage your teen to put their phone away while driving. They should also avoid distractions, such as eating, texting, applying makeup, or adjusting the radio.

Inclement weather can be challenging for new drivers. Have your driver practice driving in different weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and fog, so they can learn how to handle these challenges safely.

Driving Impaired

Driving while impaired can have serious consequences, including accidents, injuries, and even death. Ensure your teen knows the dangers of impaired driving and how to plan a safe ride home.

Road Rage

Aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, and cutting off other drivers, can increase the chances of an accident. Teach your teen the importance of driving defensively and avoiding aggressive behaviors.

Road Detours

Unexpected road closures and detours can be frustrating and confusing. Make sure they know how to use a map or a navigation app to find a new route, and teach your teen the importance of remaining alert and paying attention to detour signs and traffic control personnel.

Emergency Vehicles

A first-time driver may freeze up if they see lights flashing in their mirror. Advise your teen to pull over when an emergency vehicle comes up behind them with lights and sirens blaring.

Pulling out of the way allows the ambulance, fire truck, or police car to pass safely. Ensure they know to look for an escape route when they cannot safely pull over, such as in heavy traffic.

Prevention is Best

Many of the previously mentioned hazards can be prevented with safe driving habits. Discuss the importance of keeping a safe following distance. Following too closely behind another vehicle can increase the chances of a collision. Teach your teen the importance of maintaining a safe following distance, especially in inclement weather or poor visibility.

Review the proper use of turn signals. Turn signals are used to communicate with other drivers to help prevent accidents. Encourage your teen to use them consistently when changing lanes or turning. Review the importance of checking mirrors and blind spots with your teen. Accidents can often be prevented by turning and checking mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes.

Seatbelts are one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself in an accident. Make sure your teen knows to always wear a seatbelt, even on a short drive. Remind them to check that all passengers in the car are also buckled.

Make sure your teen knows the importance of keeping up with regular maintenance tasks, such as changing the oil, checking the tires, and replacing worn-out parts.

Drivers Ed for Teens

By staying alert and reacting quickly, your teen can help keep themselves and others safe on the road. Contact 911DrivingSchool to learn how we can help safeguard your teenage driver.

What’s Included Our Courses: Basic, Conventional, Advanced

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At 911 Driving School, we offer three levels of Teen Drivers Education courses to meet the needs of all our students. The three course levels are Basic, Conventional, and Advanced. This post will cover who is best suited for each course level, and what’s included in every course taught by our team of experienced police officers and first responders.

1. Basic Course

The Basic Course is designed for students who need to fulfill the state’s requirements for licensing but may not require extra time or attention from instructors. This course includes all the required classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.

2. Conventional Course

The Conventional Course is suitable for the average student who may need more guidance to absorb the material. It provides the same classroom instruction as the Basic Course. This option includes more time with our knowledgeable instructors and more driving practice.

3. Advanced Course

The Advanced Course is recommended for students who need additional practice and time behind the wheel. It provides the same core instruction but offers the most driving time of all our options. 

Teen Drivers Education Topics 

No matter the course level, 911 Driving School‘s Teen Drivers Education courses cover the topics your teen needs to become a safe and responsible driver. Our objective is to fully equip our students with the information and abilities necessary to succeed on the driving exam and obtain their license.  Students can apply their newly acquired knowledge during hands-on driving time with an instructor, with the option for extra driving time.

Here are the topics covered in all levels of our Teen Drivers Education courses:

Foundations of Safe Driving

This part of the course covers the basic principles of safe driving. The basics include wearing a seatbelt, following the speed limit, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. Safe driving techniques reduce the risk of accidents and keep your students in control of their vehicles at all times. Other examples of safe driving techniques we teach include: 

Rules of the Road

During this section of the course, we cover the laws and regulations of driving. These guidelines address a variety of driving-related subjects including speed limits, turn signals, and right of way. We will teach your students about sharing the road with other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians and how to interact with them safely. Here are some examples of other road rules your students will learn about during their course:

Knowing How Your Car Works

Our team of professionals teach Teen Drivers Education students about the parts of a car and how they work. These car parts include the engine, transmission, and brakes. Once students understand the parts that make up their vehicle, we begin teaching them how to operate and maintain it properly. Here are a few other skills your student will learn during this section of the course:

Roadway Conditions and Car Handling

This topic covers ways to safely navigate different roadway conditions. Some challenging road conditions include wet and icy roads, and steep hills. In this section, students learn how to properly handle a car during an emergency. Common emergency situations include accidents, breakdowns, sliding off the road, and blowing a tire. Emergencies happen, and we want our students to be as prepared as possible to handle them with confidence. 911 Driving School provides instruction on how to use the following emergency equipment:

State Drivers Test Preparation

The final topic and section of the course focuses on the specific requirements and procedures involved in taking the state’s driver test. Tests can vary from state to state, so our team of professionals tailor their instruction to meet their state’s testing content and standards. Some of the information needed to pass the driver’s test includes in-depth knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving techniques. We provide students with helpful tips and strategies for passing the test and obtaining their license. 911 Driving School also provides online practice tests to prepare students for the state test.

Contact 911 Driving School

No matter which course level you choose, Basic, Conventional, or Advanced, you can trust that you will receive the best education and training from our team of dedicated and experienced instructors. We hire police officers and first responders as instructors, so students are in safe and capable hands.

Take the first steps toward becoming a safer and more responsible driver. Contact the 911 Driving School in your area to learn more about course availability. We have courses and instructors available in Washington, Colorado, Ohio, South Carolina, and Florida.

7 Driving Skills to Master

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Learning to drive is a safe and exciting experience when proper skills and safety measures are taken. At 911DrivingSchool, we employ top-notch police officers and first responders to assure you that your learner is receiving the finest teen drivers education. We’ve put together this list of driving skills to master to help your teen become a safer driver:

1. Scanning the Road

By constantly scanning the road, your teen will be better equipped to identify potential hazards and respond appropriately. To master the skill of watching the road, encourage your teen to look ahead several car lengths and be aware of what’s happening on the road ahead. This includes: 

2. Avoiding Aggressive Behavior

If another driver is acting aggressively, advise your teen to avoid making eye contact and engaging with them. Eye contact may be interpreted as a challenge, leading to aggressive behavior. Instead, teach your teen to keep their eyes focused on the road ahead and not engage with the aggressive driver.

Rude gestures or honking the horn can escalate the situation and increase the risk of an accident. Maintaining a safe following distance can help reduce the risk of road rage and a rear-end collision. 

If another driver is tailgating or following too closely, give the other driver space by changing lanes or slowing down. This can help to avoid a collision and reduce the risk of road rage. If another driver acts recklessly or threatens your teen’s safety, have them report the incident to the police. Have them call 911 if they are in immediate danger.

3. Avoiding Distracted Driving 

New drivers must learn how to avoid distractions while driving. Distracted driving can be caused by many things, including using a phone, eating, and adjusting the radio.

To help your teen avoid distracted driving, encourage them to:

4. Driving Near Large Trucks

Tractor-trailer trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. They’re more challenging to maneuver around. These large trucks have blind spots, known as “no-zones,” where the driver cannot see other vehicles. 

Encourage your teen to pass quickly without lingering in the truck’s blind spot. They should not slam on breaks in front of a truck, as large trucks require more room to stop than a passenger vehicle.

5. Merging Into Traffic

Smooth navigation of exits and merging traffic allows for a safe and efficient driving experience on the freeway. Your teen should learn to merge into the correct lane before reaching the exit and use turn signals when changing lanes. Have them pay attention to the speed of other vehicles on the highway and adjust their speed accordingly to blend in smoothly with traffic.

6. Understanding Traffic Signs and Signals

Encourage your teen to study the driver’s handbook and understand the meanings of different signs and signals. Practice identifying different traffic signs during driving lessons and discuss their meaning. 

Teach your teen to obey all traffic signals, including red lights, stop signs, and yield signs, and to avoid running them. Demonstrate to your teen how to properly use turn signals to signal their intentions to other drivers and to help prevent accidents. 

Teach your teen to watch for special signs, such as school zone signs, construction signs, and detour signs, and to adjust their driving accordingly.

7. Driving in the Rain

Wet roads can reduce visibility and make it more difficult to control the vehicle. Prepare your teen to drive safely in the rain. To help your teen avoid an accident in the rain, teach them to:

Teen Drivers Education

At 911DrivingSchool, we have experienced police officers, firefighters, and EMS workers teaching our students. These professionals have firsthand experience with the dangers and challenges of the road. 

Our instructors use real-world experience to provide practical advice that your teen driver can apply to their driving experiences. Reward your teen by enrolling them in our teen driver’s education course. Give them the gift of safe driving that will last a lifetime. 

The Evolution of Driving

Posted on , updated on by Web Dev

Cars are part of the fabric of everyday modern life both in major cities and rural neighborhoods. With the help of modern vehicles, we can commute miles for a job, visit many businesses quickly while running errands, or travel across the country with little preparation. Car design has evolved to get where it is today, and drivers have had to adapt to the changes. Our teen driving school offers driver education courses that have kept pace with these changes to prepare new drivers to hit the road. 

Vehicles have continued to change in response to societal growth, and as a result, driving habits and rules have changed. If you are considering enrolling in a 911 Driving School course, familiarize yourself with the evolution of driving to get a head start on your lessons.

Humble Beginnings

Two of the earliest names in automobile history remain among today’s most influential: Benz and Porsche. Credited as the first automobile in 1886, the three-wheeled Motorwagen was patented by German engineer Carl Benz. Benz would collaborate with another early automobile pioneer to create Mercedes-Benz. Less than 20 years later, Ferdinand Porsche debuted a more familiar four-wheeled design. Shortly after, production began on the first designs of old-fashioned automobiles we now recognize from historical movies and TV.

During this time, automobile production was a slow, costly process. In some ways, these early automobiles were more complex for drivers than modern vehicles. Early cars had to have their engines cranked by hand to start them. With the invention of windshield wipers still years away, drivers had to clear their view by reaching over the windshield with a brush, or sticking their heads out of the window to see, exposing themselves to the weather. These early vehicles were few in number and quite expensive. The cost and rarity made them grand luxuries, but that was soon to change.

Mass Production

In 1913, Henry Ford’s moving assembly line revolutionized the automobile industry. A car that once took nearly a day to build could be assembled in just over 90 minutes. Cars became accessible to the general public, and with them, the need for new laws governing the use of public roads. Over the next 20 years, over 15 million new Ford Model T’s were made and sold in America. The rise in popularity of the bicycle in the previous century had somewhat prepared urban areas for the modern roads that cars would need. A steady rollout by the federal government of modernized city streets culminated in the Interstate Highway Act of 1956, connecting the nation by car.

Introducing Driver’s Education

With a wealth of new cars and new laws to manage them, the public needed instruction on driving. It was 1920 when driver’s education was first introduced in secondary and high schools. At the time, it was integrated with the larger curriculum. A decade later, textbooks for instructing new and future drivers, such as “Man and the Motorcar,” were seeing nationwide adoption in these school programs.

As car designs improved and became safer, faster, and more reliable, new tools were made to train drivers. In the 40s, driver’s education classes used training devices similar to carnival bumper cars. This gave learning drivers experience with operating a vehicle before using anything with an engine.

School programs also built small ranges for practice driving. Students could learn to drive on these courses in a real car, but in a controlled environment. These ranges featured examples of the various turns and merges the learning drivers would be expected to know. The courses could be run one at a time or allow multiple drivers to practice handling interaction on the road.

Car manufacturers adopted automatic windshield wipers, electric starters, seatbelts, and airbags during this time. These innovations made cars safer and, in some cases, made them simpler to operate. New drivers no longer had to learn how to crank start their cars or risk injury from doing so. Navigation features like turn indicators let people signal without taking their hands off the wheel.

Enroll in Teen Driving School Today

Driving is still evolving today. Electric vehicles are gaining popularity, and some vehicles that can drive and navigate automatically are publicly available. Some modern cars still use features like a manual transmission that require extra training. The need for driver’s education remains high as ever as we learn to share the road with new and varied vehicles.

Driving is regulated based on the type of vehicle; motorcycles, cars, and large trucks each have different education requirements to operate. For most citizens, driver’s education for cars is enough. Professional training courses like ours at 911 Driving School can help new drivers gain the experience and instruction they need. If you are looking for a teen driving school, we have a course for you.

With staff drawn from former emergency responders, 911 Driving School’s instructors are highly qualified. Our instructors can prepare students to drive safely in many conditions, and their up-to-date training on traffic laws and regulations makes them uniquely equipped to give accurate instruction. We also help you to prepare for driver’s tests online using practice tests based on the laws in your home state. Visit our homepage to learn more and begin your driving journey today.

7 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Driving Lessons

Posted on , updated on by Web Dev

After completing your driving instruction, you’ll rely primarily on your own skill as a driver to travel safely. This makes it a good idea to take full advantage of each lesson and learn everything you can from 911 Driving School. Getting the most out of your driving lessons requires more than just showing up and completing the required hours. You’ll want to be engaged, motivated, and committed to learning. Here are seven tips to help you get the most out of your driving lessons:

1. Choose a Qualified Instructor

The right instructor can have a positive impact on your learning experience. A good instructor is experienced, patient, and able to simplify concepts so that they’re easier to grasp. Many learners turn to 911 Driving School because we draw our instructors from current and former police officers and first responders. Their professions provide them with extensive experience in both everyday driving and emergency situations. Along with enforcing traffic laws themselves, they also receive their own driver safety training.

2. Maintain a Positive Attitude

Focusing on the benefits you can gain through success may help you maintain a positive attitude while learning to drive. Once you’ve completed your lessons and passed your driving exam, you’ll be freer to travel, more able to help friends and family with errands, and potentially have more options for employment. Keeping this in mind can help strengthen your motivation to work hard. Treat setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve, and remember that everyone started as a beginner, including your instructor.

3. Be Prepared for Driving Lessons

Before each driving lesson, make sure to be well-rested, hydrated, and nourished, as hunger and fatigue can be distracting. If you know the lesson’s focus, try to read up on the topic beforehand. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear that won’t cause irritation or hinder your movements. Arrive at your lesson early to allow yourself time to relax and mentally prepare. If possible, disable notifications on mobile devices to help minimize those kinds of distractions too. Bring any required documentation, such as your provisional license or driving hours logbook. Be ready to listen to instructions and ask questions if you need clarification.

4. Learn From Your Mistakes

Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process; use them as a learning opportunity. A simple way to learn from mistakes is to ask your instructor for feedback on how to improve. Try to apply this feedback to your practice. Your instructor will often have prompt feedback, but other times they may ask you to reflect on what went wrong and how you can prevent it from happening again. Consider every driving lesson as an opportunity to grow as a driver before hitting the road solo.

5. Set Realistic Goals

Setting goals can be an effective way to stay motivated and track your progress. Set goals that challenge your abilities but that are also realistic and achievable. Avoid aiming too high too quickly; you don’t need to memorize all the laws or master every technique overnight. Add new principles as you reach a higher level of competency with your current technique, such as finding your confidence in perpendicular parking before beginning parallel parking.

6. Stay Alert and Focused

Driving requires your full attention and concentration. Part of every driving lesson is learning to remain focused and alert to your surroundings when behind the wheel. Your instructor will be able to offer insight about when and how often to check mirrors or look out windows. Building these habits early can help improve your driving techniques and increase safety on the road.

7. Practice Regularly

While learning often begins with enrolling in driving lessons, mastery can take time. To become a competent driver, you’ll need to practice regularly. Practice can help solidify the skills you learn in your lessons and build confidence behind the wheel. Try to set aside time between lessons to review notes and practice driving, ideally with an experienced driver to help. As your comfort level increases, practice driving in different weather conditions and at varying times of day to provide a more comprehensive experience. This could include driving in the rain, snow, or at night when it’s dark outside. Be sure to follow the rules of your driving permit when practicing behind the wheel.

Driving Lessons at 911 Driving School

Driving is a valuable skill that takes persistence and hard work to master. Your driving lessons aim to make you a safer, more confident, and more knowledgeable driver. Apply these seven tips and follow your instructor’s directions to help you learn and prepare for your driver’s license. The team at 911 Driving School is ready and willing to help, with schools available across the country and practice tests available nationwide. Contact us today to learn more about driving instruction near you.

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12345 Lake City Way NE #348
Seattle WA 98125-5401

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12345 Lake City Way NE #348
Seattle WA 98125-5401

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