Car crashes are a leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. Parents should help their teen drivers receive proper instruction and training from a reputable teen driving school to prevent these accidents.
Washington has many teen driving programs that parents may select for their teens. How do you know which one is right for your teen? Here are some things to look for when finding a teen driving school in Washington:
Choose a School That Involves Parents
Studies show that parents involved in their teen’s driving education are more likely to have safe drivers. Look for a driving school that offers parent involvement classes or activities. This could be anything from a brief informational meeting to actual riding with the instructor during lessons. This will help determine that you and your teen are on the same page regarding expectations and the rules of the road.
There is a high probability that you already forgot half of what you learned when you got your license. Reviewing the material with a certified instructor will help refresh your memory. It can give you a better understanding of what your teen is learning. Your teen will be more likely to listen to you and follow the rules if you’re working together towards the same goal.
Check Out the Fleet and Facilities
When checking out driving schools, please look at the fleet of cars they use for instruction. Are the vehicles well-maintained? Do they have the latest safety features?
Teen drivers need to practice in a car as similar to their own as possible. This will help them to be more comfortable behind the wheel during their driving test and everyday life. They may be less likely to be surprised by anything when they get their cars.
Take a look at the driving school’s facilities. Are they clean and well-organized? How technologically equipped are the classrooms? Do they have classrooms or meeting spaces for parents? The facilities should be comfortable and inviting to put teens at ease during lessons. There should also be a large, safe parking lot for students to practice parallel parking and other maneuvers.
Look for a School With a Good Reputation
Reputation is everything when choosing a driving school for your teen. You want to make sure that the school produces safe, responsible drivers.
Read online reviews and see what other parents say about the teen driving school you are considering. You can ask for recommendations from your friends, family, and co-workers whose teens have gone through the program.
It would be best to consider asking your school of choice for references. A good teen driving school will be more than happy to provide you with satisfied parent referrals. With a little bit of research and effort, you can find a school that will set your teen up for success.
Make Sure That the School Meets State In-class and Practical Learning Requirements
Each state has different requirements for teen driving programs. You should verify that the school you choose meets or exceeds the required number of hours for both in-class and practical learning.
In Washington, driving schools must provide at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Some schools may offer additional hours of education for a higher price. While this is not required, it may be beneficial for your teen.
If your teen is a visual learner, they may benefit from additional time spent in the classroom. If they are more hands-on, they may prefer to spend more time behind the wheel.
Be sure to check with your state’s DMV to find out what the other specific requirements for teen driving program are in your area. Once you’ve found a driving school that meets all state requirements, you can be confident that your teen will receive a high-quality education.
Meet the Instructors
The instructors at the teen driving school you choose will play a significant role in your teen’s education. They will have a duty to teach your teen the skills to be fully prepared for the road.
When visiting driving schools, be sure to meet the instructors. Ask about their experience and training. How long have they been teaching? Do they specialize in teaching teen drivers? Are they friendly, patient, and knowledgeable? Teen drivers can be easily frustrated, especially when they start. You want to make sure that the instructor can handle teens and difficult situations with ease.
You should make sure that the instructors are correctly certified. In Washington, all driving school instructors must be approved by the state.
Enroll Your Teen in the Right Teen Driving School
Choosing the right teen driving school is one of the most important decisions you will make. At GoSwerve driving school, we offer a unique curriculum to our students in Washington, Florida, and California. We have abandoned the conventional forms of driver education to help our students quickly adopt safe driving habits. Contact us Driving School today to learn more about our Teen Driving Programs.