Essential Conversations to Have with Your Teen Before They Get Their Driver’s License

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As your teenager approaches the age of getting their driver’s license, it’s crucial to have open and honest conversations about the responsibilities and potential risks associated with driving. Equipping them with the knowledge and awareness they need will help foster safe and confident driving habits. Here are some important topics to discuss with your teen before they hit the road:

Traffic Laws and Regulations

Make sure your teen understands the importance of obeying traffic laws, including speed limits, stop signs, traffic signals, and other rules of the road. Familiarize them with common road signs and symbols, emphasizing the significance of following these guidelines for their safety and the safety of others.

Defensive Driving

Emphasize the concept of defensive driving, which involves being aware of one’s surroundings, anticipating potential hazards, and proactively taking measures to prevent accidents. Discuss defensive driving techniques such as maintaining a safe following distance, using turn signals, and being cautious in adverse weather conditions.

Distracted Driving

Highlight the dangers of distracted driving, particularly the use of mobile phones while behind the wheel. Stress the importance of keeping their attention focused solely on driving, and encourage them to refrain from texting, using social media, or engaging in any other activities that may divert their attention from the road.

Impaired Driving

Discuss the severe consequences and potential risks associated with driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substances. Educate your teen about the legal ramifications, as well as the potential for serious injury or even death. Encourage them to make responsible choices and provide alternative solutions such as using designated drivers or rideshare services.

Seat Belt Safety

Emphasize the significance of wearing seat belts at all times while driving or riding as a passenger. Explain how seat belts can significantly reduce the risk of injury or fatality in the event of an accident. Lead by example and always ensure that you and your teen buckle up before starting the car.

Managing Distractions

Teach your teen how to manage internal and external distractions while driving. Internal distractions may include loud music, conversations with passengers, or excessive multitasking. External distractions can involve billboards, pedestrians, or other vehicles. Encourage them to stay focused and maintain their attention on the road.

Road Etiquette and Courtesy

Discuss the importance of being courteous and respectful to other drivers on the road. Teach your teen about yielding the right of way, merging safely, and using appropriate hand signals or gestures. Encourage patience and empathy while reminding them that being considerate goes a long way in promoting harmony on the road.

Vehicle Maintenance

Educate your teen about basic vehicle maintenance, including checking tire pressure, monitoring fluid levels, and regular servicing. Teach them how to handle common issues such as a flat tire or a dead battery, and ensure they know who to contact for assistance in case of emergencies.

Handling Unexpected Situations

Prepare your teen for unexpected situations they may encounter on the road, such as encountering aggressive drivers, handling inclement weather, or dealing with a breakdown. Teach them how to remain calm, make safe decisions, and seek help when necessary.

Setting Boundaries and Expectations

Establish clear boundaries and expectations regarding where your teen can drive, passenger limits, curfews, and any other rules you deem necessary. Encourage an open dialogue and maintain ongoing communication to address any concerns or challenges that may arise during their driving experience.

By engaging in meaningful conversations about these essential topics, you can help your teen develop responsible driving habits and make safer choices on the road. Remember, ongoing communication and leading by example are key. By instilling a strong foundation of knowledge and awareness, you’ll be empowering your teen to become a confident and responsible driver.

How Many Driving Lessons Does It Take To Feel Comfortable Behind the Wheel?

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Learning to drive can be an exciting milestone to reach in life. With that excitement comes a need to learn new vocabulary, skills, and practices associated with driving. One common question that aspiring drivers often ask is: “How many driving lessons does it take to feel comfortable behind the wheel?” At 911 Driving School, we work with our students to help them learn the skills necessary to feel at ease while driving. 

Factors That Can Influence Comfort With Driving

The number of driving lessons it takes to feel truly comfortable behind the wheel can vary for every individual. Here are some of the factors that can influence the number of driving lessons required to feel comfortable:

Previous Experience & Confidence

If you have had prior experience with driving, you may already have some basic understanding that could make you more comfortable with the process of driving. This experience could include observing others drive or practicing on private property.

Your confidence level can also affect how quickly you become comfortable with driving. If you are usually confident when exploring new skills, you may find it easier to pick up driving skills and feel comfortable behind the wheel more quickly. On the other hand, if you tend to be more cautious or anxious, it may take more time and practice for you to feel at ease while driving.

During driving lessons at 911 Driving School, students spend at least five hours behind the wheel and thirty hours in the classroom for the foundational course for new drivers. The standard method includes six hours of driving practice. If you require more advanced assistance, you can schedule up to seven hours of driving time. This practice can help you feel more confident as a driver.

Learning Style & Frequency of Practice

Everyone has a different learning style, and these styles can impact how quickly they become comfortable with driving. Some individuals may learn best through hands-on practice, while others may prefer more verbal instruction or visual aids. Becoming familiar with your personal learning preferences can help you make your personal studying time more productive.

The frequency at which you practice driving can also impact how quickly you become comfortable behind the wheel. If you practice driving regularly by taking multiple weekly lessons or practicing with a licensed driver outside of classes, you may progress more quickly and gain confidence faster.

Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to driving. Some people may struggle with parallel parking or navigating busy intersections, while others may find these tasks easy. Your skills and aptitude for driving can affect how many lessons you need to feel comfortable behind the wheel.

Road Conditions

The road conditions in your area can also impact how quickly you become comfortable with driving. It may take longer to become comfortable driving in urban areas with heavy traffic and complex road systems. Rural areas with less traffic and wider lanes may be more comfortable for beginners. Be sure to consider the road conditions in your area and how they may affect your driving experience

At 911 Driving School, our packages include a specific number of simulated driving hours. These are hours where you will practice driving in a classroom setting. You will learn to handle circumstances like road construction, dangerous weather, and other things you can run into while driving. Before you get behind the wheel, you can make mistakes and remedy them in the safety of the classroom.

Strategies for Becoming More Comfortable Behind the Wheel

There are a few active steps you can take that may improve the quality of your driving lessons and increase your comfort behind the wheel:

Get Familiar With Your Car

While the skill of driving transfers to various vehicles, each car has different features and a different feel. Becoming comfortable with your vehicle can help you gain additional comfort as you drive. It may also be useful to explore various vehicles if you have the opportunity to try them out. This may help you gain comfort driving a variety of vehicle types.

Practice Regularly

Regular practice puts you behind the wheel in a safe environment, which allows you to learn and repeat strategies. As you continue practicing and studying, the skills and strategies related to driving will become easier and more automatic. Just like with any other skill, practice can make you a better and more confident driver.

Ask Questions

As a student at 911 Driving School, you’ll have access to instructors who have extensive knowledge and experience with driving. If you have any questions about driving skills or the rules of the road, these instructors can help you get the answers you need to feel confident about your driving.

Sign Up For Driving Lessons With 911 Driving School

The number of lessons it takes to feel comfortable driving will vary based on each person. 911 Driving School offers multiple options for driving lessons to help every student feel prepared to drive on their own. You can choose from any of our instruction packages to get the driving time necessary to help you become a safe and confident driver.

9 Common Questions Parents Ask Before Signing Teens Up for Drivers Ed

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As a parent, knowing that your teen is about to start driving can raise a lot of questions. For some, it can be nerve-wracking to think about your child behind the wheel on their own. Others may have the utmost confidence in their teen’s ability to handle a car. Either perspective may elicit questions about how to proceed with drivers ed for teens. Here are nine common questions parents may ask before signing their teens up for drivers ed:

Why Is Drivers Ed for Teens Necessary?

This is among the first and most common questions, particularly among parents who have given some of their own drivers ed on the side. There are a few reasons drivers ed is useful. It helps teens become safer and better drivers. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers driving rules and regulations, handling emergency situations, and more. Drivers ed also offers teens the opportunity to get behind the wheel and practice driving under the guidance of a professional driving instructor.

Many places also require teens to complete a certain amount of driving instruction before receiving their license. Drivers ed programs cover all the instruction required by the state.

What Is the Minimum Age To Enroll in Drivers Ed?

The minimum age to enroll in drivers ed varies from state to state. Generally, teens can start their drivers ed courses around the age of 15 or 16. Some places begin instruction even earlier. In Colorado, teens can begin instruction at 14 and six months, while in South Carolina it’s later. Your local DMV can specify how soon your teen can begin driving instruction.

How Long Does Drivers Ed Take?

Drivers ed courses also vary based on state law. In the majority of states, at least 30 hours of classroom instruction are needed, with at least 6 hours of instruction behind the wheel. Some states also require students to do some driving under observation by a guardian outside of official class time. 

How Do I Choose a Good Drivers Ed Program?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a good drivers ed program. Seek a program that is state-approved, and make sure that the program’s schedule of classes is compatible with your own schedule. The instruction available from 911 Driving School makes an excellent choice, with instructors who have experience as first responders.

What Is the Cost of Drivers Ed?

The cost of drivers ed varies based on the level of instruction and the experience of the instructors. It will also depend on the length of the courses and whether you opt for in-person or online instruction. Some courses may include the cost of a learner’s permit, which is required in some states.

How Do I Prepare My Teen for Drivers Ed?

Prepare your teen for drivers ed by beginning to review the rules of the road with them while you drive. You can help them begin to form good driving habits, like where to look and avoiding distractions. You may also be able to take them for practice drives in a parking lot or on quiet roads. Teach them some of the basics of car maintenance, like changing flat tires.

What Should I Expect From Drivers Ed?

Due to busy family schedules, drivers ed for teens is often spread out into courses over a few months. During drivers ed, your teen may receive both classroom instruction and hands-on driving experience. In the classroom, they will learn about driving laws, road signs, and basic driving history. Behind the wheel, they will practice turning, braking, and emergency maneuvers, among other driving techniques.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Driver’s License?

The length of drivers ed courses depends on state requirements, and the course’s own curriculum. A student can potentially earn a permit with as little as 30 hours of training. Some courses exceed state minimums for instruction in the interest of being thorough. Most states require teens to hold a learner’s permit for a minimum period before applying for a license. This can also vary depending on the state’s specific requirements. Check with your local DMV for specific requirements.

Can My Teen Take Drivers Ed Online?

Yes, many states now offer online drivers ed courses. Online courses allow teens to complete the classroom portion of the program at their own pace and on their own schedule. They will typically still need to complete the required behind-the-wheel instruction before qualifying for a permit or license.

Drivers ed is an important step in preparing teens to become safe and responsible drivers. As a parent, asking questions like these can help you find a quality program that meets your teen’s needs. The team at 911 Driving School is here to help, offering access to online driving test prep. Our instructors are highly qualified, being drawn from previous and active first responders. Contact us today to learn more about training courses near you and prepare your teen to start driving safely.

What Tests Will Teenagers Have To Take for Driving School?

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Driving is a big milestone for teenagers, but before they can hit the road, they may have to complete a driver’s education course and pass various tests. Your state uses these tests to determine if your teenager is ready to own a license. 911 Driving School is a teen driving school that offers multiple online courses and practice tests to help prepare your teenager for these tests.

Required Driving School Tests for Teenagers

Different states may have different requirements or tests. Here are some of the tests you can expect your teenager to complete during or after teen driving school:

Written Test

After finishing driving school, your teenager will be required to take a written test. The written test covers traffic laws, signs, signals, and safe driving practices. The test is usually closed book and multiple-choice. Your teenager must pass this test to get their driver’s license.

Our driving courses help prepare your teenager for the written test by teaching them the foundations of safe driving. These foundations include learning the rules of the road and becoming familiar with signs, markings, and other signals they may encounter. We offer unlimited practice tests for each state. It may also be a good idea to encourage your teenager to get familiar with your state’s driver’s manual. This can help prepare them for any questions that are specific to your state’s driving laws.

Vision Test

The vision test is the only test that doesn’t test your teenager’s knowledge. A DMV will test their vision to check how well they can see. The vision test measures visual acuity and peripheral vision. The purpose of the test is to make sure that your teenager can operate a vehicle safely. If they fail the vision test, they will need to see an eye doctor and get corrective lenses before retaking the test. If your teenager already has corrective lenses for their vision, they should be able to wear them during their vision test. 

Driving Skills Test

The driving skills test is generally the last test your teenager will need to take before getting their license. During the driving skills test, your teenager will drive a vehicle under the supervision of a licensed instructor or examiner. The instructor will evaluate your teenager’s ability to apply the skills and knowledge that they learned in driving school in real-world situations. They will pay attention to how your teenager navigates traffic, follows traffic laws, and operates the vehicle. If your teenager passes the driving skills test, they will be cleared to get their driver’s license. 

Other Driving School Requirements

Once you have gone through driving lessons, some states may have more required tests on top of the written, vision, and driving skills tests. On top of passing these tests, many states also have other assignments that your teenager will need to complete before getting their license, including:

Get Your Learner’s Permit Before Attending Driving School

Your teenager’s learner’s permit will be issued by the state that you live in. Each state has different rules about how old you must be before obtaining a learner’s permit and how long you need to have it before you can get a license. Your teenager will likely need to complete a written test to get their learner’s permit.

Complete Driving School or a Driver’s Education Course

Not every state requires that teenagers attend a driving school or driver’s education course, but many do. States can have different requirements regarding how many hours they need to spend in the classroom, so make sure you know your state’s requirements.

Even if your state does not require attending a driver’s education course, enrolling your teenager in driving school can still be a smart decision. Driving school helps teenagers understand how to drive safely and may help prevent accidents. You can also enroll them in online courses that teach them safe driving fundamentals.

Complete Supervised Driving Requirements

Most states have a supervised driving requirement. Each state is different on the number of hours that are required and who your teenager is allowed to drive with. Some states only allow a parent or guardian to supervise; others allow any licensed driver over a certain age to supervise. Many states also require a certain amount of supervised driving to be completed at night.

Pass Your Test With Our Teen Driving School

Requiring driving tests helps make sure that teenagers are qualified to hold a driver’s license. They can help prevent accidents and keep your teenager and other drivers safe. 911 Driving School instructors are all former police officers or first responders. Their experience in these positions helps them offer your teenager helpful and potentially life-saving driving instructions and advice.

We want your teenager to know and understand the responsibility that comes with holding a driver’s license. We offer online courses and practice tests for students from every state. We also have professional teen driving schools in Washington, Colorado, Ohio, South Carolina, and Florida.

7 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Driving Lessons

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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.

The Evolution of Driving

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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 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. 

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.

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.

How To Ace the Washington Driver’s Ed Exam

Posted on , updated on by Web Dev

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.

Contact

If you would like to contact or find a 911 Driving School by state or zip code, please use the Locations Page button.

Our locations

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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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