Finding Drivers Education Courses
There are various ways to take a drivers education course. With the internet so widely used there are many drivers ed courses online that offer the course at a price with teachers available online so it’s convenient for the person (and parent). Instead of taking the person to the DMV office they are able to take the test online as well and the certificate is mailed to the home.
High schools and private schools may also offer the course and the course can be taken either after school or on the weekend. Check with your local school if you wish to use this option.
And there is also a course in which a workbook is mailed to the person and under the parents tutelage a person can study and take the test as soon as they are done with the workbook at a local DMV office.
Some students who have limited access to the Internet can opt for workbook courses. In such cases the material is mailed to the students. Students can take the exam as soon as they finish going through the study material. This is sometimes a better option as the students can study under the parent or guardian’s supervision. Students can take a written exam at a local DMV office and obtain a learner’s permit.
Drivers Education and Cell Phones
Cell phones in a vehicle today are as common a sight as a cigarette lights and now even more common than that.
While we understand the use of cell phones but here are a few notes since this past weekend I noted at least 12 different drivers on cell phones speeding along, almost hitting curbs, almost hitting other cars and almost hitting pedestrians and I didn’t spend much time outside of my home.
Cell phones are not meant to be a hazard in our driving but when they are not used wisely that is just what they are a hazard. Some states even have passed laws forbidding driving while on a cell phone. The safest place while on the phone is when your vehicle is parked. I don’t mean just stop in the middle of the highway, pull your vehicle over to the side of the road. Tell the caller you’ll call them back when you are able to talk safely or just don’t answer the phone while you are driving.
Teen drivers need to be able to focus their FULL attention to the road – especially since they don’t have as much experience driving as you do.
Understandably you’ll argue that you can do both but in actuality you can’t. There are too many disruptions to our driving as it is, billboards, pedestrians, traffic tie ups etc. Being on the cell phone increases the chance of an accident just as putting your makeup on as you are driving is.
Please remember to use your cell phone wisely. Teach the new driver in your home to not use the cell phone while driving. The instant your attention is distracted from the road the higher the chances for an accident.
And guess what your passenger on the cell phone is also a distraction. How many times have you found yourself listening to their conversation while driving and then commenting and getting distracted.
Road Tests and Directionals
We all have been in a position where we instinctively do things – one of thee things you’ll want to learn to do instinctively as you’re taking your drivers ed course - is learn how to use your directionals without fail!
I know many people who just plum forget that they have directionals. Well guess what you don’t pay extra for them. It’s just part of the vehicle and the best thing to do IS USE THEM! Use them when you turn out of your driveway. Let the world know you are going to change lanes! Don’t be afraid to use them. The driver behind you will thank you. Use them in a parking lot. Don’t just turn after using them give it a second to make sure the area is clear before turning.
This may all sound foolish but really it is very serious. We’ve all been on the road and gotten mad when the driver that just cut in front of you didn’t use their directional. Well remember them when you don’t use yours.
The officer at the accident you have because you didn’t use your directional isn’t going to take “They should have known I was turning” as a good excuse.
Choosing your Vehicle
Most teenagers with their license want a souped up sporty car to show off in. With that car will come high insurance and probably not the best gas mileage or even the best safety features. Some parents would even say buy a used one, no matter what the safety features, etc, because it’ll get damaged anyway. Well without safety features if they do get in an accident you may have more getting damaged than just the car. Do some research on either new or used, whichever one you’re looking to get, for the best safety features for your money. It will lower the cost of the insurance and will cost less if any repairs need to be made.
