How Do Driving School Exams Work?

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If you are considering attending Seattle Driving School or signing up your teen driver, you may be wondering what to expect. How do these driving school exams work? 911 Driving School can help you prepare for the exam. Here is some information about the courses and exams:

Driving Course With Seattle Driving School

You should know what the driving course includes to help you prepare for the test. Any exams will be based on what is learned throughout the course to test your level of understanding.

The course teaches the fundamentals of road safety and driving techniques. You will learn about signals, signs, rules of the road, and how to handle emergencies. They may teach subjects like learning about your car and how to start and stop safely along with sharing the road with other vehicles. The driver’s exam will cover these fundamentals to help make sure you are ready for the road.

You will have classroom instruction where qualified instructors teach everything you need to know to be safe on the road. The course with Seattle driving school includes plenty of actual driving time. You will practice what is taught in the classroom out on the road as you develop your defensive driving skills.

Experienced Instructors and Up-to-Date Courses

With a Seattle driving school, each student receives instruction from trained instructors who are police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and various public safety officials. These professionals know what skills are necessary and the information required to help you become a safe driver.

The courses are always up-to-date with the current driving laws. When a law changes, the curriculum is updated to reflect the new information.

What You Need to Get a Driver’s License in Washington

Before you can take the driving exam, you will need to meet several criteria for qualification. You must be at least 16 years of age and have at least 50 hours of practice driving time. Ten of those hours must be at night. You must have your permit for at least six months and complete the new teen driver training course. At this point, you are ready to take the written and road exams.

Before you take your exam at a Seattle driving school, you will want to complete one of our driving courses. For new teen drivers, we offer three options: basic, comprehensive, and advanced. All three teach the same instruction, but they differ on how much time you spend behind the wheel with the instructor.

The Written Exam

You can take the written portion of the state driving test at the Seattle driving school locations. You will need to provide a picture ID, which could include your driver’s permit, military ID, or passport. For anyone under the age of 18 who doesn’t have a picture ID, they must bring a birth certificate and school ID.

The written portion of the driving exam is administered at specific times at the driving school. You will be given an hour to complete the exam, which tests your knowledge of basic road safety. The questions will cover the instruction you received in the course to make sure you remember and comprehend what you were taught.

The Driving Exam

Before you can get your driver’s license, you will need to complete the driving portion of the test. The instructor will sit in the passenger front seat while you are in the driver’s seat. They will guide you step-by-step to back out of the parking space, turn right and left at intersections, and park.

The instructor won’t tell you when to stop or slow down. They won’t give any instruction beyond the basic directions. It is expected that by this time you know to pay attention to stop lights and stop signs as well as slowing down with speed limit signs.

Your instructor may have a pad of paper and pen or a digital device to take notes. They use it to keep track of any points taken off your score if you fail to do something correctly. If you run over the curb when you back out of the parking space, a certain number of points will be deducted.

The number of points deducted will depend on the severity of the mistake. If you break a law in your driving test, you will automatically fail the exam. At the end of the test, the driving instructor will let you know if you passed. You can then take your information to the DMV to get a license.

Be Prepared with a Seattle Driving School

You can build your knowledge with instruction at a Seattle driving school. Take one of our courses at 911 Driving School to help you learn what you need to know to pass both the written and driving exams. Our dedicated instructors will help you learn how to be a safe driver on the road.

What Is a Defensive Driving Class?

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

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

What You Will Learn in a Defensive Driving Course?

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

Defensive Driving Techniques

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

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

State Traffic Laws

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

Emergency Maneuvers

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

Scanning Techniques

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

Developing a Defensive Driving Mindset

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

Safety Equipment

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

Benefits of Defensive Driving Classes

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

Lower Insurance Rates

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

Avoid Points on Your License

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

Learn New Skills

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

When Should You Take a Defensive Driving Class?

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

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

Enroll in 911 Driving School

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

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

 7 Studying Tips for Teens in Driving Schools

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

1.    Attend All Teen Driving School Lessons

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

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

2.    Drive at the Right Speed

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

3.    Avoid Distractions

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

4.    Avoid Alcohol

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

5.    Follow Road Signs

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

6.    Don’t Drive at Night

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

7.    Brake Gently

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

Final Thoughts

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

Ways Teens Can Stay Safe While Learning to Drive

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Teen drivers are more likely to be involved in car crashes than adult drivers. That’s why teenagers interested in becoming safe and informed drivers should attend teen driving schools. 911 Driving School offers quality education to teen drivers to keep them safe on the road. Here are several tips to help you get started with driving safety.

 

Putting on Seatbelt

Wearing a safety belt is a requirement when learning to drive. Putting on a safety belt cuts the risk of death during a car crash by 45 percent. You will also avoid severe head injuries, fractures, and chest injuries.

Failing to wear a seatbelt or buckling up will result in legal fines. 911 Driving School’s instructors have served as first responders and police officers. Our teachers have first-hand experience of what happens to passengers that haven’t buckled up during a car crash. Wearing a safety belt is also one of the driving skills our defensive driving classes include.

 

Avoiding Distractions

A minor distraction can cost your life when on the road — you must focus when behind the wheel. Avoid being on your phone, applying makeup, daydreaming, or talking to passengers when learning to drive.

A good driving school should teach you about manual, visual, and cognitive distractions. Manual distraction, such as texting or eating/drinking while driving, will make you take your hands off the wheels. Visual distraction will take your eyes off the road, while cognitive distraction will make you forget that you’re driving.

911 Driving School has experienced instructors to teach you about manual, visual, and cognitive distractions. Our instructors will help you know how circumstances and conditions can affect your focus when on the road.

Avoid Speeding

Speeding remains a major cause of fatal car accidents in the United States and other parts of the globe. Driving too fast contributes to nearly 41% of road accidents yearly. Maintaining the recommended speed limit will protect you and other people on the road.

Sticking to the recommended speed limit will also protect you from fines and penalties. You will also control the vehicle much better, especially when taking corners. Other advantages of a good speed limit are better fuel efficiency and increased tire durability.

Our Teen Drivers Safety Education and Certification Course covers a range of topics regarding road safety, including the following:

We work to help students obtain a strong foundation of safe driving.

 

Brake Gently

 

How you brake determines your experience while learning to drive. Slamming the brakes causes damage to the car. Such behaviors means the rotors and hoses may develop cracks and wear out quickly. As a result, brake fluid can leak, affecting the brake pads and tire balance.

Proper braking will reduce damage and the risk of accidents. 911 Driving School teaches teen students how to appropriately apply the brakes while driving. Our Teen Drivers Education Course covers parking, braking, and turns. We also teach the students how to start and stop the car in their basic course. Our courses are designed to help students have the required confidence to take and pass the driver’s test.

 

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Avoid driving too close to the vehicle in front of you. Maintaining a safe distance will help you avoid possible collisions. You will be able to take evasive action when the car in fron of you suddenly stops.

Many new drivers are hesitant behind the wheel when starting out, so you will likely be a bit slow while learning to drive. Your car should not be too far from the other leading vehicle. Drivers should aim to be three or four seconds away from the car in front of them.

At 911 Driving School, we teach teen students about road sharing, roadway conditions, and car handling. Our defensive driving classes will improve your driving knowledge. We will help you know how to maintain a safe distance when on the road.

 

Obey Road Signals

You must be aware of various road signs, markings, and safety signals before getting on the road. Ignoring road signals will increase the risk of an accident. Obeying road/traffic signals will also save you from legal fines.

A good driving school must help you understand the meaning of all road signals. Our Teen Drivers Safety Education course covers signals, signs, and markings. Our courses will help you gain confidence as you take on this new responsibility.

 

Consider Teen Driving Schools

Learning to drive will be much more complicated if you don’t attend a driving school. You will not get the necessary driving skills to keep you safe on the road. The process of getting licensed will also delay.

911 Driving School is a reputable option for teens and adults who desire to learn how to drive. We provide various courses like Teen Drivers Education, Defensive Driving, Adult Drivers Education, and Mature Drivers Course.

Our Teen Drivers Course comes in three categories: Basic, conventional, and advanced courses. The defensive driving classes we offer include Level I and Level II. Contact us today if you are interested in enrolling as a new driver.

Do I Need Driving School as an Adult?

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Most people associate driving school with teens. Young people need the training to be safe drivers, but adults can benefit from driving lessons as well. Here are several reasons that a driving school for adults could be right for you.

You Need a Defensive Driving Refresher

If you struggle with aggressive driving, you can be putting yourself and others at risk. If an aggressive driver taught your lessons, you may not understand that there is a safer way to drive. Improvements in vehicle and road safety since the 1990s have reduced the number of traffic fatalities. However, there has also been an increase in road rage-related accidents. You can add defensive driving skills to your driving toolkit to make you a better driver.

Being a defensive driver keeps you safe on the road. Being able to identify risks and hazards can increase your confidence and prevent accidents. An experienced driving instructor will help you find the gaps in your understanding and keep you safe. Programs like 911 Driving School offer classes specifically for defensive driving. These classes are tailored to help you understand the risks on the road and take action to avoid accidents.

You Are New to Driving in the United States

Driving rules are not universal, even from state to state within the United States of America. If you have recently immigrated from somewhere else, you may not know the rules of the road in your new country. A driving course will help you understand your responsibilities as a driver in America.

This doesn’t just apply for people that are new to the country. There are many reasons as you may not have gained driving experience as an adult. If you’ve grown up with access to reliable public transportation, you may have never needed to drive a car before. If you’ve made the move to the suburbs or have decided it’s time to learn to drive, attending school can increase your confidence and keep you safe.

You Have Had Accidents or Been Ticketed

Getting in a car accident can be frightening. You may be feeling unsure of your driving abilities if you have been in an accident or received a ticket. Attending a driving course will help you understand how you can avoid these situations. The instructors for your course are experts on the rules of the road.

Taking a class also offers you the opportunity to ask questions. Perhaps the officer that ticketed you did not fully explain their reasoning and you’re feeling confused. If you were in an accident and don’t understand why you were found at fault, taking driving lessons may help with this as well.

You Need to Boost Your Driving Confidence

Attending a driving class will boost your confidence in several ways. You will learn more about being a safe driver, as well as the rules of the road. If you’ve been in an accident or gotten a ticket, you may be feeling less sure of your driving abilities.

If you’re an older adult, it may have been several years since you were last formally educated on driving rules. New technology has been developed for cars that can keep you safer on the road. Your instructor can help teach you about blind-spot detection features, adaptive cruise control, and other safety features in your car.

Not only have cars changed, but roads have changed too. For example, roundabouts are a relatively new road invention that has only existed on American roads since the 1990s. However, there’s good evidence that there are fewer accidents at intersections with roundabouts compared to traditional intersections. Learning how to use the new road and car features can boost your confidence and keep you safer on the road.

You’ve Been Ordered to Attend Driving Lessons

If you have been ticketed for a driving infraction, a judge may order you to attend driving school as an adult. This may be in addition to a ticket or fine, but may also be offered as an option for drivers without past driving infractions.

In some cases, attending a driving class means you could qualify for a “deferred finding”. This is an alternative to having a driving infraction appear on your record. So if you attend driving school, you may qualify for fine dismissal, and not accrue points on your license. Work with the courts in your jurisdiction to see if you qualify for a deferred finding. 

Where Can I Find a Driving School for Adults?

Many people avoid driving school because of feelings of shame or fear. Attending such a program can increase your confidence and safety on the road. Seek out a driving school with experienced teachers and a proven curriculum. 911 Driving School employs first responders as their instructors, so you can learn from an expert in the field. We offer online driving education across the United States and in-person classes in several states.

6 Things To Prepare Your Teen For Drivers Ed

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Sitting behind the wheel of a car for the first time always brings so much excitement. With your teen fast approaching the legal age, it is time to enroll them in a teen driving school. Teen drivers ed helps student practices caution and maintains safety as they take on the driver’s seat. As the parent, you fulfill your responsibility of supporting your teen through their first steps.

6 Things to Prepare Your Teen for Drivers Ed

Driver’s ed for teens can be unsettling for parents, especially if it is your first time. You wish to teach your teen to become responsible, so you should prepare adequately for the task. Below are some valuable tips to prepare your teen for driver’s ed.

1.    Apply For a Learner’s Permit

The age requirements for teen drivers vary from state to state, so it is vital to look up your state’s requirements. Applying for a learner’s permit is the first process to training your teen about responsible driving.

Gaining a learner’s permit prepares your teen mentally for the responsibility they are about to take up. Holding the learner’s permit is essential for a specified time before applying for a full license. Applying for it at the first available opportunity helps minimize time at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when the time comes.

2.    Research Driving Laws and Training Requirements

There are numerous laws covering driving and training requirements that your teen should know. Information research offers your teen an understanding of local driving laws.

Teens memorize the local laws and apply them in practice when driving. Understanding the rules of the road and DMV requirements helps them become better drivers.

3.    Set Some Ground Rules

Your teen should understand that driving, although necessary, is a privilege and not a right. They bear so much responsibility on the roads, so setting some ground rules is essential.

Here are some areas that the ground rules should cover:

•    Irresponsible driving like driving late at night or risky behavior when driving with friends

•    Drunk driving and its consequences

•    Use of mobile phones and electronics when driving

•    Costs of a running car – deliberate on the car’s use and expenses like maintenance, gas, and insurance

Ground rules offer an excellent foundation for learning since your teen will likely stick to the rules even after becoming independent. Setting ground rules saves lives and helps your teen become a better driver.

4.    Teach Your Teen the Various Automotive Basics

Vehicle mechanic basics are essential for young aspiring drivers to help them bud into great motorists. Here are some of the automotive basics that your teen should know;

•    Primary automotive care; covering cleaning and maintenance

•    The functionality of different gauges on the dashboard

•    Teach the teen about the different types of fuel motor vehicles use and guide them through filling a tank with gasoline

•    Help them learn about operational features like wipers, side mirrors, indicator lights, and seat adjusters

•    Teach them about the use of emergency kits

•    Train them on critical mechanical adjustments and approaches like changing a tire or jumpstarting a dead battery.

•    Offer them a vehicle owner’s manual.

5.    Drive Time Is Important

Practice is essential in teen driver’s ed; you never know how much your student learns unless they put it into practice. Offering your teenager some drive time is vital to help them learn how to drive

Driving takes a lot of concentration that the learner has to master over time. Here is a step-by-step process on how to help them learn like a pro

Step 1. Let the teenager start the car and familiarize themselves with the driver’s seat

Step 2. Start the lessons at an empty parking lot as they learn control of the vehicle.

Step 3. Have your teenager treat the parking lot like a regular road. Observe their turning and adherence to road rules in a mock setting

Step 4. After the confidence sets in, you can practice driving around the block when the roads are less busy

Step 5. Practice at different times of the day to help with their comfort levels

6.    Set the Standard While Driving

Teenagers are visual learners, so they will likely emulate driving how they see you do it. Set a good example while driving to train your teen to be a skillful yet safe and cautious driver.

Follow the speed limit at all times and stop at red lights or stop signs. Communicate using a hands-free device if necessary to answer a phone call. Such tips, although simple, go a long way to training your teen about safe driving.

Find the Best School for Teen Drivers Ed

Learning to drive can be an exciting time in your teen’s life since it offers them some sense of responsibility. As the parent, it is your obligation to help them learn, so preparing for teen drivers ed is essential. Enroll them in a reputable driving school to turn them into responsible drivers.

911 Driving School is your trusted institution for driver education. We hire the best police officers and first respondents to offer students the best instruction. Contact us to get started.

What to Expect from Driving School

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For teens in Washington state, you need to complete a driver training course from a Teen Driving School before you can get your license. For adults, you may need driving school if you have been ordered to attend, or just to refresh your driving skills. The 911 Bellingham Driving School offers courses for both teens and adults. Find out what you can expect from enrolling in one of these courses.

 

Finding a Teen Driving School

First, you’ll need to find a driver training course. In the state of Washington, driving teachers must be certified. The Washington Department of Licensing regulates driver’s education courses and educator certification. You can enroll in a driver’s education course as soon as you turn fifteen years old. In Washington state, all driving education classes must include time spent learning in a classroom setting, as well as time spent behind the wheel with an instructor.

Classroom Training

You will spend thirty hours in a classroom learning from driving instructors. Your instructors will use this time to teach you how to safely operate a vehicle on the road. They will go over starting and stopping, understanding road conditions, and defensive driving techniques.

911 Driving School also offers four hours of simulation training included as part of their teen driver education course. You can have the opportunity to test your skills in hazardous situations without putting yourself at risk.

Behind the Wheel Training

After you’ve attended classes and gotten your permit, you can schedule drives with an instructor. Usually, there will be two students in a vehicle with one instructor. You will alternate between driving and observing the other students.

In Washington state, you need between five and six hours of supervised driving with an instructor to get your license depending on if your school does drive simulation. The Department of Licensing also requires at least one hour of observation time. You will schedule several drives with your instructor to get the required hours.

Practice at Home

You should be practicing driving in addition to classroom training and drive time with an instructor. Washington state requires permitted drivers to log 40 hours of daytime driving and 10 hours of nighttime driving before they can get their license. These drives must be supervised by a driver that has been licensed for at least five years.

Taking the Test

Your driving school instructors will help you study for your driving exam. They will provide you with the knowledge you need to pass, but also have helpful information about studying. There are practice tests available online for the knowledge test skills. The Department of Licensing also provides some very helpful information about what to expect during the driving portion of the test.

Knowledge Test

Before your driving test, you must first prove you know the rules of the road. Your test will include 40 multiple choice questions, and you must answer at least 32 correct to pass, which is 80% accuracy. The test will go over road signs, right-of-way rules, traffic laws, and other safe driving practices. Once you pass the knowledge test, you can schedule your driving test.

Driving Test

Your driving test will involve just you and an instructor. You can ask them questions before the test begins, but once the car is in motion conversation is considered a distraction. Your test proctor will not ask you to do anything illegal or try to trick or confuse you.

Your proctor will be looking for several signs of safe driving. They will verify that you are following traffic laws and road signs. They will also make sure that you are paying attention to other drivers and pedestrians. You must demonstrate safe driving skills for the entire test. 

Your instructor will score you on your ability to drive safely and follow traffic laws.  To pass the driving portion of the test, you need to get a score of 80 out of 100. After the test has finished, your instructor will tell you the results and share with you anything that you may improve on. If you pass, your test results are good for one year to get your license. If you do not pass, you may be required to wait before you can test for your license again. 

There is a fee for both the written test and the driving test. These are in addition to your driver’s education course fees. Once you’ve passed both the knowledge test and the driving test, your scores will be shared with the Department of Licensing. 

Schedule a Class with 911 Bellingham Driving School

Now you know the basics of what might be included in your driving school experience. The next thing to do is pick up the phone and make the appointment to start the process of getting your license. 911 Bellingham Driving School offers courses throughout the year. Check out their availability and enroll in a driver’s education course today!

How to Avoid Common Traffic Violations in Washington

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Traffic tickets can be a reminder to follow the rules of the road, but in Washington, traffic violations can also be expensive. Traffic laws are designed to keep everyone safe, so imposing fees and penalties for violating the rules make sense. Find out more about the most common traffic violations in Washington and how to avoid them.

Learn the Right Way

Understanding the most common traffic tickets can help you drive more safely and avoid the fines and penalties that come with a violation. Another way to prevent traffic violations is to enroll in driving school. If you are a parent, you may want to consider a teen driver’s education program for your child. Learning more about laws and how to drive a vehicle properly can help you stay safe and avoid tickets.

Moving Vs. Nonmoving Violations

Traffic violations are defined as moving or nonmoving. Generally, a moving violation is more dangerous and will incur a larger fine and more severe consequences. Moving violations may stay on your record longer and typically cause your insurance to go up. Repeat offenders with numerous moving violations may end up losing their license.

Driving Too Fast

Speeding is the most common traffic ticket in Washington. Driving too fast is dangerous, but it is also a moving violation. The fee that comes with a guilty decision is based on the speed limit and just how much over that limit you were driving, but a speeding ticket in Washington is usually between $100 and $400.

Illegally Driving in the Carpool Lane

Carpool or HOV lanes were introduced to encourage people to drive together and reduce the number of cars on the road. Fewer cars work out to less traffic and congestion so that people can reach their destination faster. Driving in a carpool lane without a passenger is illegal, and this moving violation can equal a fee of $186.

Negligent Driving

Negligent driving essentially means any instance in which a driver endangers themselves or others or property. Driving under the influence can be categorized as negligent driving. Each case is unique, but the fees for a negligent driving violation can be in the thousands, and in some instances, it can be considered a criminal offense.

Drive Safe

Understanding the danger and penalties of traffic violations can be an incentive to drive safely. The best way to ensure you learn the laws and how to follow them is to take a driver’s education program. Learning from a professional will allow you to master driving and stay safe while avoiding the most common traffic violations.

The 4 P’s for Dealing with Heavy Holiday Traffic

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Updated December 23rd, 2021.
Originally published November 28th, 2018

The holidays are a magical time of year with the lights, sights, and feelings in the air. One thing that isn’t so fun about the holidays is the extra traffic on all the roads. It is frustrating to try and get anywhere.

If you find yourself in some extra heavy traffic this year, keep in mind these holiday driving tips, or the four P’s; plan extra time, practice good driving habits, proactive driving, and patience.

Plan extra time.

Driving in heavy traffic is most common during weekend evenings, dinner time, rush hours, and around special events, it is important that you allow some extra time for driving. Leave early to reach your celebration on time and don’t rely on estimated GPS travel time.

Car crashes, construction, and more drivers on the road at once add up to common holiday driving hazards.

If you want to make sure you reach your holiday work party, family function, or any other get-together on time, give yourself some extra time to get there. This will help you feel happier and less stressed behind the wheel, which decreases risky maneuvers in traffic and road rage during your travels.

Practice good driving habits.

Following proper driving etiquette is more than just good advice, it’s the law. Driving in heavy traffic requires following procedures and using good driving techniques.

Make sure that you signal before turning, switching lanes, or waiting for a parking spot.

Don’t follow the car in front of you too closely and give them plenty of room to drive.

Watch how fast you are traveling. Drivers tend to drive too fast when they have been feeling stuck to make up time.

Another common holiday driving hazard is bad weather, which can be especially dangerous.

Proactive driving.

While no one can read minds, you can anticipate the actions of other drivers. One of the best holiday driving tips is to watch for hazards, like attempting to switch lanes, not watching the light change at an intersection, or staying vigilant for a driver suddenly pulling into traffic.

If you are watching other drivers, chances are good that you are giving the road your attention and not paying attention to a cell phone.

Patience is a virtue.

While the holidays are full of fun and giving, there is also a lot of stress. People are out buying gifts, everyone out rushing around to the different sales, and others are trying to travel for the holidays to see their family and friends. It isn’t easy to get everything done and can leave you feeling tired and impatient on the roads.

Remember to slow down, bring things to keep kids busy in the back seat, and find ways to make your time in the car more enjoyable, like audiobooks, podcasts, or listening to a new Christmas album. Keeping yourself calm and trying to be more patient can lead to a more enjoyable experience on the road, even while driving in heavy traffic during the holidays.

Improving Your Skills.

These four holiday driving tips are a great starting point to driving safer during the holidays. Following these and the other defensive driving skills you learned in driving school can help keep you safe any time of year.

For more winter driving tips, enroll in a driving school near you. Our instructors successfully teach drivers how to be great defensive drivers. They can help guide you to make better choices behind the wheel and have a more enjoyable holiday this year.

 

The Driver’s License: Then and Now

Posted on , updated on by Web Dev

The iconic driver’s license has been a symbol of freedom ever since it was first created in 1899. Here is a quick look at the timeline of the driver’s license.

1899: The driver’s license begins in Troy, New York. With a letter signed by the mayor, the driver of a horseless carriage can go up to 6 miles per hour on city streets. In Chicago, they also require a certification to operate a steamer.

1900: Anne Rainsford French Bush becomes the first licensed woman driver. Her license allows her to drive a “four-wheeled vehicle powdered by steam or gas”. She was a good driver too, with Life Magazine reporting 52 years later that she never even got a dent.

1903: New York begins requiring an operator’s certificate for motor vehicles, which also require registration. This required licensing cost drivers $1 and must always be carried while driving. Massachusetts and Missouri also begin to require licenses.

1909: Pennsylvania becomes the first state to put an age restriction on licensing, making it an absolute minimum of 18 years old.

1913: New Jersey starts requiring drivers to pass a written exam before they can get a driver’s license. It consisted of “seven or eight general questions”. They also add a road test for licensing. The motor vehicle commissioner in New Jersey, Job H. Lippincott said “I confidently believe that other states will follow New Jersey’s lead, and that the results will be fewer accidents and better road conditions”.

1919: Michigan joins the licensing process and issues linen-backed paper permits. They are renewable every year until 1931, when the renewing period grows to three years.

1921: Connecticut drops the age requirement to age 16 for obtaining a license, also implementing an early version of graduated licensing laws like many states have today.

1924: New York State begins requiring all drivers to be licensed, regardless of type of vehicle or how often they drive. 

1925: The learner’s permit is introduced in New York State. It was a 3-month permit requiring the holder to have driving guidance from a licensed driver.

1930s: The standardized driver’s education courses are developed.

1935: Texas issues free licenses that expire after two years. Each license comes with perforated sections that a patrol officer can remove for each driving violation.

1954: South Dakota becomes the last state in the country to require driver’s licenses.

1958: California driver’s licenses start putting photographs on the licenses.

1959: A written exam is implemented in licensing in South Dakota after 240 people die on the roads. 14-year-olds are allowed to get a license in South Dakota, but the field for sobriety tests also start.

1972: Photographs on California licenses become colored photos.

1983: One-third of all licensed drivers in the United States are younger than 30 years old.

1995: Florida introduces graduated licensing for teen drivers that eventually spread in some version to all states.

Modern Day Drivers Licenses and Beyond

The driving age depends on the state, but the youngest is 14 (in multiple states) and the oldest is 17 (New Jersey).

95% of people in their 60s have a driver’s license.

Driver’s licenses become a standard form of identification.

Driver’s education courses for operating a car and learning the laws are implemented. Teen drivers ed courses are the most common, but many also get licensed as an adult for the first time.

It will be interesting to see how driver’s licenses look in the future and how they change. Will they become digital? Or maybe everything will be done with facial recognition software instead of carrying anything around? How will driverless cars change the licensing process?

Only time will tell, but for now, they stay the constant symbol of freedom.

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