Top Driving Safety Tips New Drivers Must Remember

When you first get your license or are learning how to drive, your main priority should be safety. Your Orange County driving school has taught you the rules of the road, but after you get your license, you won’t have an instructor sitting next to you, reminding you of all of the crucial things you need to do.

In this article, we’ll discuss the safety tips that every new driver should remember. These are not only important for their wellbeing but the safety of other motorists and pedestrians on the road. 

Safety Tips for New Drivers

Obey Traffic Laws

Driving schools in Orange County will teach you essential traffic laws. While obeying traffic rules is easy when your instructor is present, it can be tempting once you’re alone to start cutting corners.

Stick to the basics, even when no one is watching. Keep your seatbelt on, stay within the speed limit, and don’t run stop signs or red lights. These laws are put in place to prevent potentially fatal accidents on the road.

Correct Your Sitting Position

Before you begin driving, always make sure your sitting position is correct in relation to your height. In order to have complete control over the vehicle, you must position your seat so that your feet can touch both pedals and you can grip the steering wheel comfortably and firmly.

Always make sure to sit straight up with your back against the seat to prevent back injuries in the case of an accident. The seat should also not inhibit your ability to see your blind spots.

Adjust Mirrors

Your mirrors are there so that you can see more than the obstacles in front of you. They are absolutely necessary for merging and changing lanes. The moment you get in the driver’s seat, check your mirrors to make sure that they show you what’s behind you. 

You may have to reposition the mirrors after adjusting the seat or your posture, so make sure to do so before you even start the car. 

Stay Out of Blind Spots

As you may know, you should always check your blind spot before changing lanes or turning right. Your blind spots are the areas behind your car that the mirrors don’t cover.

Oftentimes, other cars and cyclists will lurk in these areas undetected until you try to merge lanes or make a turn. This can be dangerous, which is why turning your head to look behind you is one of the most important skills you’ll learn in Anaheim driving school.

You must also remember that all other motorists have blind spots, too. While you may check yours every time you merge or turn right, other drivers may forget to check their blind spots before maneuvering. For this reason, you should never drive in someone else’s blind spot. If you’re moving slightly behind another car, make sure that your presence is known. 

Always Use Turn Signals

Your turn signals to let other drivers know what you are doing so that they can plan ahead. For example, if you are turning into a parking lot, your turn signals tell the driver behind you that you will be slowing down, and they should, too. During your behind the wheel driving lessons, you will learn how and when to use turn signals properly.

According to the law, you must always use turn signals when merging, and of course, turning. Make sure that you turn on the signal a few moments before taking the intended action so that the cars behind you have time to react.  

Avoid Distracted Driving 

It takes only three seconds of looking away from the road for an accident to occur. Distracted driving can mean anything from fidgeting with the radio to texting or eating while you’re driving. Anything that takes your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel is a distraction and should be avoided. Multitasking has no place in the driver’s seat.

Practice

Even if you already have your license, you can benefit from a little more practice. While your 6 hours behind-the-wheel training has prepared you for hitting the mean streets on your own, it may be beneficial to ask a licensed adult to help you sharpen your skills outside of driving school.

If you’re going on a family outing, ask your parents or siblings if you can drive to get the extra experience. This will not only help you hone your driving skills, but it will prove to them that you’re ready to be on the road alone. 

Take Care of Your Vehicle

Many new drivers forget that the maintenance of their vehicle can impact their safety. You should make sure to get an oil change every 5,000 miles or so to make sure your car is running properly. Also, if you notice that the car is making funny noises or is becoming difficult to maneuver, make sure to take it into the shop as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs and dangerous accidents.

Before getting in your car, make sure to do a quick check to ensure that it’s safe to drive. It’s a good idea to check the tires to make sure that they haven’t been punctured by anything on the road from the previous drive. 

Avoid Road Rage

No matter where you are, odds are that you’ll encounter at least one aggressive driver. They could be tailgating you or screaming out of their car window. When you see these drivers, steer clear of them.

Driving under any type of emotional distress can cause you to make poor judgment calls. It’s never a good idea to turn the road into a battlefield; it’s safer for you to let irate people on the road pass you by rather than screaming back or chasing after their car.

If necessary, it’s totally okay to pull over and take a few deep breaths to calm yourself down before getting back on the road. Do whatever you can to safely make it to your destination.

What’s the most important lesson you learned in drivers education? Let us know in the comments!

Tips to Advance Your Defensive Driving Skills

Defensive driving skills can help you avoid accidents and lower your risk behind the wheel. While we can’t control other drivers, we have mastery over our own actions. Teen drivers in California are required to have 6 hours behind the wheel training, where they’ll learn defensive driving skills.

Refreshing your defensive driving skills can help you avoid dangers caused by others. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can improve your defensive driving skills to become a safer, more proactive driver. 

Tips for Better Defensive Driving 

Stay Focused

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving. This includes using your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, or operating the stereo, entertainment or navigation system.

Distracted driving is reported to be the “new drunk driving”, now accounting for approximately 25% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities. Distracted driving is at fault for more than 58% of teen crashes, and car crashes are top killer of teens in the United States.

Distractions should be avoided at all costs. Talking on the phone, eating, and chatting with your passengers can be done once you’ve reached your destination. If matters are urgent, it’s better that you pull over to the side of the road to take care of your business.

Be Alert

Being alert means being fully awake, present, and aware of your surroundings – and that means not driving while sleep-deprived or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Apart from distracted driving, drowsy driving is another major killer on the streets. In fact, there’s little difference between drowsy driving and driving while drunk. If you’ve gone more than 20 hours without sleep, your bodily functions match up with someone who has a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08% – the legal BAC limit.

A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimated that 328,000 car crashes related to drowsy driving occur every year.

Your Orange County driving school will teach you that it’s critical that you do not drive while drunk or drowsy. Ideally, you should have at least seven hours of sleep before getting behind the wheel. If you’re tired or wasted, it’s better to let someone else drive your vehicle, or postpone driving altogether until you’ve recovered.

Look Ahead of Your Vehicle

While you’re behind the wheel, your immediate focus may be only what’s right in front of you. However, defensive drivers should have a sense of situational awareness. When appropriate, look ahead to see what’s further down the road. This way you can more easily anticipate problems like slow traffic, intersections, and highway debris. 

Don’t Depend on Other Drivers

When you’re behind the wheel, it’s easy to assume that the other drivers on the road will be pay enough attention to keep you out of an accident. However, that’s simply not true.

It’s up to you and only you to stay safe while behind the wheel. If you’re expecting another driver to be mindful on the road, it stands to reason that they’re also making the same assumption. That lapse where both of you are expecting the other to be the better driver can lead to an accident.

Driving schools in Orange County will tell you to always expect other drivers to make mistakes. That’s nothing personal – just a way to keep yourself safe on the road! In the event that another driver messes up on the road, you’ll need to be able to react quickly to avoid getting caught in a crash.

Follow the Three-Second Rule 

When you take behind-the-wheel driving lessons, you’ll learn about something called “the three-second rule.” 

This rule entails that you leave three seconds of space between you and another car. To measure, watch the car in front pass a marker, like a lamp post or a sign. Once the car in front passes the marker, you should be able to count to three seconds before your own car passes it. Any less means you’re tailgating, and you’d best put some distance between the two of you.

The three-second rule helps you establish a safe distance between you and the car in front. This is essential to prevent crashes; if the car in front of you stops suddenly, you should have ample space to safely hit your own brakes.

The three-second rule only applies to good traffic conditions. In inclement weather, the following distance should be increased for an additional second or two to account for poor visibility and slick roads. 

Maintain the Speed Limit

Defensive driving absolutely means respecting the speed limit. The speed limit is the recommended speed for your car to traverse the terrain safely. Roads may be slippery, or there may be a blind curve or a steep slope. The speed limit gives you enough leeway to put on the brakes safely in case you meet another car or simply need to gain more control as you go down the road.

Take note that posted speed limits apply to ideal conditions, which means that you may have to go slower when it rains or snows. Controlling the car will already be difficult because the road will be slippery and your tires get poor traction; you’ll need to go at a slower speed so you can brake and make turns safely.

Plan an Escape Route

When you’re driving, it’s always best to position your vehicle so that you can have an escape route to the side of the road in case of danger. You’ll also want to make sure that you are being seen by other motorists, especially when driving in the dark.

If you notice a car coming full speed ahead, you’ll want to make sure you’ve given yourself enough space to pull into another lane or off to the side of the road so that they can pass. 

Use Your Blinkers

Your blinkers are there to help other motorists understand what your car will be doing. Always use your blinkers when switching lanes so that the drivers behind you know that you will be entering their lane. They can then make adjustments, like slowing down to let you in safely.

Entering a lane without giving the driver behind you due warning can catch them unawares, leading to accidents (not to mention, it’s quite rude!). Your lane changes should be smooth and predictable. 

Don’t Give in to Road Rage

Road rage is dangerous. Consider this: a driver from the adjacent lane cuts in front of you without turning their blinkers on. Incensed, you might decide to tailgate them to express your annoyance. The driver in front of you, enraged by your tailgating, might speed up to outstrip you. This can lead to an accident.

It can be infuriating to think that you spend so much effort trying to be a decent driver, and yet others don’t seem to extend the same courtesy. However, driving is not about putting other motorists in their place, it’s about getting to your destination safely.

If another driver is not practicing defensive driving, it’s always best to not engage. Your safety is much more important than getting one up on a stranger.

Taking a Defensive Driving Course can refresh your driving knowledge and defensive driving skills. What’s the most important defensive driving skill you learned in driver’s ed? Let us know in the comments.

How Online Driving Ed Works and How to Get Started

Teens’ schedules are packed. Between tutoring, after school activities, sports, family events, and more, getting a quality education from an Orange County driving school can be challenging. In this day and age, the traditional classroom setup isn’t fitting into many busy schedules, which means teens need another option for learning how to drive.

Online driver’s education solves this dilemma by putting all of the learning materials online. Rather than committing to hours in a classroom, students can use their phones, tablets, or computers to get the same lessons at their convenience.

The Online Driver’s Ed Program 

Generally, online driver’s education programs have about 10 to 12 segments to cover the important topics, like night driving, defensive driving, and the rules of the road. It’s important to note that not all courses are created equally, which is why you should always make sure that the course you’re looking into meets your state’s requirements.

The online driving course may also use interactive games to teach students more effectively by speaking in a language they understand. Overall, the curriculum spans 30 hours, which is the required amount of time, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The information covered in these hours will be the same type of important information covered on the written portion of the driving test administered by the DMV. 

Behind-the-Wheel Driving Instruction is Mandatory

It’s important to know that this online curriculum only replaces classroom instruction, not the behind the wheel driving lessons that are crucial to learning how to drive. First-time drivers will still need to spend 6 hours behind the wheel before they are allowed to get their license in the state of California.

While students can save some time by taking online driving school, they will still need to take at least six hours of behind the wheel training with their accredited Anaheim driving school.

Those who finish the online classes will receive a certificate of completion that they will need to bring to the DMV in order to get their learner’s permit. This permit allows them to start the behind-the-wheel portion of their education. 

Why Online Drivers Education?

Driving schools in Orange County that offer behind the wheel lessons and online driver’s ed offer one major benefit: students can learn on their own time. Online lessons are self-paced, which means that students can fit learning to drive in their busy schedules.

All they need is a mobile device, and they can learn anytime, anywhere. When compared to traditional classroom settings, this method may be more effective since students can take control of their own education.

Another benefit is for the parents. They no longer have to drop their teens off at school or wait to pick them up, which means they’ll have more time to themselves or for their other responsibilities.

When students are empowered to take their education into their own hands, they’ll

Driving is the first taste of freedom that many teenagers get. It’s important to instill a sense of responsibility in them when it comes to making safe choices on the road independent of a parent or an instructor.

When it comes to online driving school, just like all other schools out there, it’s important to find the one that’s the right fit for you. Always do your research and make sure that you understand what’s expected of you before enrolling.

How to Get Started

Is the School Legitimate?

To get started, make sure the driving school you choose is approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you’re not sure what schools in your area are approved, contact your local DMV branch and ask for a list. This will help you narrow down which online programs are best for you. 

Ensure Your Time

Even though online drivers education can be done from the comfort of your own home, it’s important to make sure that you actually have the availability to sit down and focus on the lessons.

Rushing through driver’s education is never a good idea. You’ll need to commit to absorbing and retaining information that will keep you safe on the road for the rest of your life. 

The Process

When you’ve chosen your driving school and cleared enough time to devote to your lessons, it’s time to enroll in online driver’s education.

Step 1: Sign Up for the Course

In order to begin your online education, you have to register for the course. For I Passed Driving School, enrollment is as easy as making a quick phone call to our offices.

Step 2: Go at Your Own Pace

Once you’re enrolled, you can start learning at your own pace. Gain access to the online course and complete the lesson in as little or as much time as you need, day or night.

Step 3: Get Your Certificate of Completion

Upon finishing the online modules, obtain your certificate of completion. This shows the DMV that you’ve learned all of the necessary information to start driving on the roads.

Step 4: Get Your Learner’s Permit

After completing online driver’s education, you’ll need to take the written DMV test to get your learner’s permit. Once you have your permit in hand, you can begin your behind-the-wheel training!

Are you ready to get behind the wheel? Call I Passed Driving School today to enroll in online drivers education and learn to drive anytime, anywhere.

Smart Driving Skills Teens Must Learn

The state of California requires 6 hours behind-the-wheel training before a teen can get their license. This ensures that they’ve had sufficient real-life practice on the road and are able to drive without an instructor. Behind-the-wheel driver’s education is crucial to their ability to become confident, safe drivers.

When your teen is ready to start driving, they will have to enroll in an Orange County driving school. Here are a number of skills your teen must pick up behind the wheel in order to become a smart, safe driver.

Necessary Driving Skills for Teens

Making Turns

While this may seem simple to someone who has been driving for years, turns can be challenging for new drivers.

One must slow down before approaching the corner and always use turn signals. For those who haven’t been behind the wheel of a car before, it can be difficult to slow down and maintain momentum to make the turn. Adequate behind-the-wheel practice is important to nail this skill. 

Braking Smoothly

Braking can be especially challenging for driver’s education students. Coming to a smooth and gradual stop is a skill that can only be learned through behind-the-wheel driving lessons, with real experience. When students begin driving with an instructor, they will learn how to brake correctly and safely. Your instructor will also have an emergency brake on their side of the car, just in case you’re unable to stop in time.

Accelerating Safely

Like breaking, accelerating should be done smoothly. Accelerating too quickly can cause the car to move in a jerking motion that could easily take the car out of your control. During slippery road conditions, it could also be the cause of an accident. New drivers should learn how to increase their speed steadily until they reach a safe speed within the legal limit. 

Negotiating Intersections

Intersections and roundabouts, can be especially stressful for teen drivers. City intersections controlled by lights may be more reassuring, because new drivers understand when it’s their time to go. However, deciding who has the right of way at smaller, free-for-all intersections may be more difficult.

Traffic rules may differ from city to city, so it’s important that students learn patience and foresight in order to negotiate intersections safely. With experience, knowing who has right of way will get easier. 

Changing Lanes and Merging 

New drivers typically have a hard time judging the time and distance required to change lanes and merge. When doing so, it’s important that drivers allow for enough room and check their blind spots.

The process of turning on your blinker, slowing down, and gauging whether the driver behind you will let you enter the lane can be overwhelming. Driving schools in Orange County will help your teen practice and master these skills to reduce the possibility of an accident. 

Identifying Hazards

One of the most challenging things to learn as a new driver is to identify hazards before they turn into accidents. New drivers tend to focus on what’s right in front of them because they are still learning how to maneuver the vehicle.

Over time, drivers should begin getting comfortable looking around and ahead of the vehicle so that they can predict possible situations. For example, if there is a piece of debris in the road, it’s better that the driver knows that they must merge away from it as soon as possible so that they don’t swerve out of their lane trying to avoid it at the last minute. 

Keeping a Safe Following Distance

A safe following distance ensures that a driver has enough time to stop safely when an unexpected situation occurs. For example, if a driver in front of you in another lane decides to change lanes without turning on their blinkers, you could be forced to stop abruptly, which could cause an accident. You may also not have enough time to stop as quickly as you want to, and end up hitting the other car.

These problems and more can be avoided by keeping a safe following distance. Even if you are in a different lane, you should keep an eye on the distance between you and the cars in front of you. 

Sharing the Road

It would be nice if you were the only driver on the road at all times, but that’s almost never going to be the case! You will have to share the road with more than just other vehicles; cyclists and pedestrians will also be using the road, which means it’s important to stay focused and aware of your surroundings.

Crosswalks don’t only exist near lights, so it’s important to watch out for people crossing the road on foot. Cyclists will also be on the roads, so it’s important to keep a safe speed and distance to avoid potentially fatal accidents.

As a new driver, you’ll start to master these skills more each time you get behind the wheel. Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to becoming a safe driver.

Key Things You Should Know Before Enrolling in a Driving School

What You Should Know Before Enrolling in a Driving School

Attending behind the wheel driving school is required in the state of California. Getting these driver’s lessons before obtaining a license is also a great idea if you’re over the age of 18 when driver’s ed isn’t required for new drivers. However, it’s important to understand that not all driving schools are created equal.

No matter when you’re looking to learn how to drive, there are a few things to consider before enrolling in a driving school.

Key Things You Should Know Before Enrolling in Driver’s Ed

How Much of the Instruction is Behind the Wheel?

You may come across some driving school programs that offer 100% classroom instruction, while others offer a split between classroom instruction and hands-on driving lessons. The state of California requires 6 hours of behind the wheel instruction from an accredited driving school, so it’s important to take into consideration the type of learning you’ll be doing.

If you’re taking lessons only to learn the basics, you may choose only classroom instruction. However, if you’re taking the class with the end goal of getting your license, it’s important that you choose one with at least 6 hours of behind the wheel instruction. 

Road Test Pass Rate

Reputable driving schools should be able to tell you the pass rate of their students immediately. Make sure that they can confirm the number they give you so that you can determine whether or not they are honest with you. The percentage of students who complete their program and successfully pass their road tests is important because it lets you know how successful they are at teaching new drivers the ins and outs of driving. The higher their success rate, the more confidence you’ll have in choosing the school. 

Online Instruction

It’s the modern age, which is why many driving schools are using an online curriculum to help drivers learn. Similar to traditional classroom instruction, you will want to make sure the course you choose offers at least 6 hours of behind the wheel training if you are under the age of 18.

Even if you are above 18 years of age, you should consider learning with hands-on experience. Some schools also offer a hybrid of online/classroom instruction so that students can do the coursework online, but come to class for one-on-one instruction.

It’s important that you choose the environment that will work best for you. Online driving school is great for those who like to do their work in the comfort of their own home. However, some students may benefit from classroom instruction that makes them side aside a certain amount of time every week to get work done.

Read More: Choosing the Right Driving School for Your Teenager

When Classes Are Held

If you choose to go with traditional classroom instruction along with behind the wheel driving, it’s important to know the days and times that classes will be held to make sure they fit in your schedule. You will have to attend all of your sessions unless otherwise discussed with your teacher. To pass many of the programs, you can’t have an excess of absences.

When it comes to online classes, you’ll need to understand the schedule. While you won’t have to go anywhere physically, there will be assignments due at particular dates. It’s important to make sure that you can get those done by their due dates and continue to learn. Getting behind is never fun, and you’ll need to teach yourself how to manage time while learning from home.

Materials

Almost every driving school will offer training materials to its students. These training materials may be in the form of books, packets, pamphlets, and online materials that will help them study for quizzes and learn the rules of the road. 

 

Most driving schools will be able to let you look at the materials before enrolling, so make sure that you can take a quick look at what they’re providing. You want to make sure that they are all up to date with the current laws and stats on driving. The materials should be informative and easy to read.

Read More: What Driving Lessons Are Available For Adult Drivers

Insurance

When taking behind the wheel driving courses, drivers will not be using their own cars. The vehicles are provided to them by the school. These vehicles must be properly insured and plated, so make sure to inquire about that when you contact the potential driving schools. 

Experience

One of the most important criteria for any driving school is experience. If you’ve ever taught a teenager or anyone else something completely new to them, it can be difficult to explain. With experience teaching driving school, instructors know how to teach their students so that they pay attention and can become safe drivers.

Likewise, if you’re considering online driving school, you will want to know how long the program has been available and have all of your concerns addressed. You should discuss the online curriculum and contact the school to learn how it may differ from classroom instruction. Also, make sure that if you choose online driver’s ed that you will have access to a live instructor to help you should any questions come up. 

Course Fees

No matter who is paying for the driving lessons, it’s always important to consider the cost. These costs will differ from school to school and depend on the experience of the instructors and the types of lessons. 

The Learning Environment

You may know about all of the course material and types of learning environments available, but you need to determine which is best for you. If you’re considering online classes, you may be able to visit the driving school and ask for a demonstration so that you can determine if you want to continue.

If you’re considering classroom instruction, we recommend visiting the school and asking if you can sit in on a current class. This will give you the information you need to know whether or not the environment is right for you.

At the same time, visiting the school will give you a feel for the instructors. Every driving instructor will be different, but you’ll want to make sure that you have a good feeling about them and can trust them by teaching you how to drive.

Why First-Time Drivers Need To Take Driving Lessons

Learning to drive is something most people do in their teenage years. However, many people around the US don’t get their licenses until they’re older than eighteen. No matter when you get your license, it’s important for first-time drivers to take lessons at Irvine driving school. Not only will new drivers learn the basics, but they will also become better with each lesson, making them a safer driver.

Reasons New Drivers Should Take Driving Lessons

Driver’s Education May Lower Insurance Costs

Most new drivers won’t be thinking about the cost of insurance, but it’s a huge factor when you are a licensed driver. Many insurance companies offer a discount for teens who have taken driver’s ed because it proves that they have learned how to be responsible drivers. The same can be said for adults who have just learned how to drive. 

Learning the Basics

Driving is all about the subtle things that have to be done at a particular time in order to avoid an accident or maintain safety on the roads. As a driver, many habits and tasks come as second-nature, but first, these things must be learned. Certain reflexes must be taught in order to maintain the safety of the roads.

Driver’s ed instructors know how to teach new drivers the ins and outs of these details. They know the right teaching techniques and how to keep the stress levels in the car down so that new drivers can effectively learn. 

Driving Lessons Are Required

Not every state requires a driver’s ed in order to get your license as a new driver. However, the state of California does if you are under the age of eighteen. This is a requirement, not a suggestion, so it’s important to look for state-approved lessons that qualify you to get your license once the lessons are over.

The state of California requires those 15-18 years of age to complete driver’s education before obtaining their provisional driver’s license. This instruction includes six hours of driving time with a certified supervisor and 50 hours of drive time with an adult over the age of 21, ten of which must be at night.

More Experience

Most new drivers are teens, and between their busy schedules and those of their parents, it can be difficult to get practice every single day. However, a driver’s education course forces them to take the time to learn to drive. In these classes, they will gain valuable experience, including lessons about how to handle harsh driving conditions.

While driving may look easy and be easy for those who have been long-time drivers, the matter of the fact is that it isn’t at first. When people first get behind the wheel of a car, it can be dangerous without the right instruction given by teachers who know what they’re doing. 

Preparation for Road Test

In order to get a license, new drivers must take a road test to prove that they can drive. A driver’s ed course will help them understand everything that they’re expected to know and how it will impact their test results.

They’ll also learn what they’ll need to do to pass the test, including how and when to signal, merge, and more. The driving test will differ from state to state, and sometimes even city to city. Some will require parallel parking while others require driving in multiple areas, including the expressway.

They’re behind the wheel training will give them the inside scoop on what the driving test will entail, so it’s absolutely crucial that new drivers get the experience they need in the area they’ll be taking their test. 

Increases Confidence

Confidence is important for every driver. Being afraid to drive or afraid to get on the road can cause more accidents because a driver isn’t confident in their ability. They may make minor, but avoidable mistakes.

Confidence is key, especially when it comes to the road test. The experience new drivers get in driver’s ed will help them gain that confidence and succeed.

Also, having the experience of being on the road can give them the confidence they need to handle any obstacles they face. Good teachers build that confidence and prepare new drivers for the possible obstacle they’ll face behind the wheel.

Read More: How to Ace Your Driving Test

Avoiding Risk

Once teens turn eighteen, they can get a license without getting the same required education and experience as those who completed driver’s ed. However, as a new adult driver, it’s important to take lessons to avoid the risk of making avoidable mistakes on the road. No matter the reason for the delayed licensing, adult driver’s ed courses are available in almost every state.

Those who do not get formal training are most likely learning how to drive from family and friends. While we can’t account for every driver on the road, it can be dangerous to learn from someone who is not a driving instructor. Often times, adults no longer use the correct techniques, even if they are considered good drivers. When a new driver uses those same techniques, it could be detrimental because they never learned the basics.

Read More: Common Mistakes Teen Drivers Make

Taking driving lessons from an accredited school can help all new drivers learn the right way to drive, which will make them safer drivers. 

Safety First

Perhaps the most significant reason to take driving lessons is safety. Safety is the basis for every other reason we have listed. Driving can be dangerous and life-threatening when safety isn’t a priority to the driver. Driver’s ed offers safety-focused education that teaches new drivers about the dangers of distracted driving and much more to make them understand what should and shouldn’t be done on the road.

A study done by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that drivers who had not completed their driver’s ed were 75% more likely to get a ticket and 24% more likely to be involved in a fatal or injury accident. This is just one study out of many that have demonstrated that driving lessons are absolutely crucial for new drivers.

Great Ways to Improve Your Driving Skills

You probably drive every day or soon will. You’re behind the wheel driving lessons taught you the skills necessary to take a drive to work or school. When driving becomes part of our everyday routine, we often forget how serious it is. Driving can be dangerous when done incorrectly and cause accidents that put lives at risk.

Reckless driving, whether accidental or not, is a huge risk we all take when we get behind the wheel. When we take driver education classes, we must have a minimum of six hours behind the wheel training in order to get our licenses. This is because the more experience you have, the safer you are. However, six hours typically is not enough to ensure that a safe driver remains that way for the rest of their life.

Staying safe and keeping others safe is a major responsibility when it comes to driving. Whether you’re a new driver or have been driving for years, there are always ways to improve your skills.

Remember Drivers Education

Your Orange County driving school taught you all of the necessary skills you’ll need to succeed as a driver. However, it’s up to you to continue to hone those skills well after you’ve gotten your license.

Often, drivers get too comfortable behind the wheel and soon forget the simple techniques that make us safe drivers. Sticking with the basics is key to avoiding accidents and making sure you can keep yourself and others safe.

Always remember to signal before changing lanes, obey the traffic lights, and stay within the speed limit. All of the things you learned in driver’s ed are considered “rules of the road.” These “rules” aren’t there to box you in; they’re actually laws you must follow unless you want to get a ticket or put yourself and others in danger. 

Read More: How to Avoid Accidents When You Are a New Driver

Avoid Distractions

Another important lesson driving schools in Orange County to teach new drivers is to avoid all distractions. We live in the digital age, where cellphones are omnipresent in our everyday lives. However, using them at the wrong times can be disastrous.

While driving, don’t look away from the road or get distracted by any lights or sounds inside the car. We’re conditioned to look at our cell phones when we hear it go off. It can be difficult to refrain from this behavior, but it’s also life-saving and crucial when it comes to driving.

Driving is never the right time to text or picks up a call. It’s also not recommended that you eat while driving. If you must do any of these activities, you should pull over and out of the way of other drivers.

Believe it or not, the car has distractions of its own, too. Looking only forward when you should be checking your mirrors can be dangerous, especially if you are changing lanes. Make sure that you follow the same techniques that you learned when you first started driving to avoid unnecessary accidents.

Correct Mirrors

Adjusting your mirrors the right way is a matter of safety. Setting your side mirrors for an edge view of the vehicle is not a good practice since the rearview mirror already covers that area. Instead, make sure the mirrors are focused away from the sides of the vehicles so that you can more effectively see your surroundings. Greatly reducing your blind spots will help you more safely and confidently change lanes.

Don’t Tailgate

You should always maintain a distance of at least two car lengths from another vehicle. Additionally, a little more room in between is a great idea so that you can avoid slamming onto your brakes if a car in front of you makes a sudden stop or turn.

If you can double the length without changing the speed too much, it will ensure that your car will have enough time to stop when you apply the brakes.

Go Back to School 

Driving is not easy, even if you’ve been doing it for years. If you’re moving to a new city, you might enjoy a behind-the-wheel driving class that allows you to drive with someone who knows the areas before going out on your own.

Read More: What is Adult Driving Education in California and How Does it Work?

You don’t have to wait until you’re a senior before taking another course. No matter what your skill level, we can all benefit from a refresher course. You may also want to take an online class that can help you remember some of the details you may have forgotten over the years.

Defensive driving courses are available to help you drive in such a way that avoids accidents. After all, this should be your goal from the beginning. Being a safe driver means being aware of all of the techniques that you can learn to become a better, safer driver, no matter your age.

Check Your Sight 

Being able to see clearly is a huge part of driving. As we age, our vision may deteriorate. When this happens, we can no longer be effective and safe drivers. We might miss important road signs, or worse, be unable to see other people on the road and cause an accident.

If you notice that signs are blurry or that you can’t see well at night, visit your eye doctor for a vision test. Being able to see everything clearly can help you stay safe in the car.

Go Back to the Basics

Remember the first time you learned how to drive? Think about all of the things you didn’t know how to do. Now, ask yourself whether you’re using the correct driving techniques that you learned in school.

If the answer is no, then you may need to correct your behavior. There’s no reason to put yourself in harm’s way by forgetting the basics you learned in driver education.

How to Choose the Best Driving School 

Finding the right Orange Country driving school match for your inexperienced driver is an important step to helping them gain independence as they transition into adulthood. The rules of the road are something that can most effectively and efficiently be learned through behind the wheel driving lessons and classroom or online instruction. 

There’s no one agency that oversees all driving schools nationwide, so it’s important to make sure you pick an institution that’s approved or accredited by your state. This process can take some digging, and it’s important to realize that not all driving schools are created equal. It’s important to take your time choosing the right school.

Uncover Your Options 

In order to find the best driving schools in Orange County, you have to know which schools are available to you. In recent years, online classroom instruction has become very popular. However, it’s important that new drivers also have six hours behind the wheel driving instruction. In fact, the state of California requires it before teens can get their licenses.

While you can decide whether online instruction or traditional classroom setting is best for your child, they will have to take behind the wheel lessons that allow them to learn from experience.

Do your Research

There are tons of Orange County driving schools available. However, in order to know which will be best for your teen, you’ll have to do a little digging. You should always make sure the school or course is licensed by the appropriate government agency. The requirements will vary from state to state; however, they must be accredited in order for the schooling to count toward the necessary education for getting a license.

If you don’t know where to start the research stage, you can ask your local Secretary of State or DMV, depending on where you live. You can also do a quick search online for driving schools near you. Their accreditations should be one of the first things you see on their websites.

Read More: Teens Behind the Wheel: Laws & Requirements

Understand the Curriculum 

When you do your research, you’ll come across at least some information about the curriculum. You’ll find that some states have a mandated curriculum, and others don’t. If your state doesn’t have a mandated curriculum for driving schools, make sure that it has been approved by a recognized organization like the National Safety Council.

Visit a Classroom

If you’re considering sending your teen to a traditional classroom setting instead of online, you’ll need to be able to check out the classroom. When you visit the school, you can take a look at the equipment they’re using, whether they’re using textbooks, and how the information is given to students. You will also feel much more comfortable knowing who is teaching your child.

When you visit the school, you can also get a feel for the learning environment. This is beneficial if the student driver has a hard time learning in a traditional setting. The introduction of tools for a more hands-on experience may be best for them.

After you visit the classroom, you should also compare it to online learning. If you contact an online driving school, make sure that they can give you as much information as possible. They may be able to give you a sample lesson to take home and review so that you can determine whether or not it’s a good match.

Look at the Cars

One of the most significant aspects of learning to drive is real-world experience. Since your teen driver will be learning in a real car and on real roads, it’s important to assess the vehicles that will be used as closely as you’d inspect their first car. Check to see if they appear to have hit a lot of curbs. Signs of damage may mean that the instructor was not as attentive as they could have been in the car.

You’ll also need to make sure the vehicles are properly labeled as student driver cars. People on the road will need to know that information so that they know to keep a safe distance and not make any sudden lane changes in front of someone who is learning.

Find Out How Much Learning is Behind the Wheel 

There’s no better way to learn to drive than getting out on the roads. How much time in the car the student will get will depend on the school you choose. Some will do a minimum of six hours and offer optional hours for those who want to improve their skills. Others will have a requirement of more than six hours. This will vary from school to school, so it’s important to make sure you know how much real experience your teen should have.

Also, you’ll need to know how much of that time on the road is dedicated to practicing turns, parking, and lane changes on busy highways. If your student doesn’t get the chance to learn how to drive in every type of situation, it could put them at a dangerous disadvantage in the future.

Read More: Choosing the Right Driving School for Your Teenager

Meet the Instructors

The people who teach your teen how to drive should be vetted just as well as the teachers in their school. Instructors are meant to serve as positive role models on the road. They should be strict and firm, but also understanding and patient. Being able to nurture a beginner is the key to helping them learn how to drive effectively and safely. Make sure to find out how driving instructors are chosen and how much experience they have.

Learning to drive is a memorable experience for any teen. The school you choose to send them to will be responsible for their success on the driving test and their future driving. Make sure to work with professionals who put the safety of your teen first. 

What Driving Lessons Are Available For Adult Drivers

Whether it’s getting to the store or to work every day, having the freedom to drive no doubt makes getting around easier and faster. Although it’s not required for adults to take driver education in most states, signing up for a course can be a wise decision.

If you’re 18 years or older and have never driven before, signing up for a driving school Anaheim training program can not only help you to learn to drive quickly but can also help you to become a safer and more confident driver.

Types of Driving Lessons

Classroom/Online Instruction 

Most driver education training programs offer in-person, live courses in a traditional classroom setting. But thanks to the Internet’s ever-expanding presence in our lives, most adult driver education schools now offer online courses. This gives adults the freedom to be able to take courses at their leisure and from the convenience of their own home. 

No matter if you choose to take driver education classes online or in-person, it can be helpful to find a training school that provides lessons that get you ready for what the DMV tests on, in addition to helping you develop safe driving skills.

Driver education courses should provide lessons that are set in an informative and friendly tone that provides the student with the essential information regarding the rules of the road. When you choose a drivers ed training program to take courses from, make sure they cover the below lesson topics:

• Causes and Preventions of Car Accidents
• California Vehicle Codes
• General Road Rules
• Signs, Signals, and Highway Markers
• Defensive Driving
• State and Local Laws and Ordinances

Behind-the-Wheel Training

It’s often advised that many adults who are learning to drive have behind the wheel training, in addition to online or in-person learning courses set in a classroom.

Many drivers ed schools will pick students up and drop them off, at home, work, or school before and after a driving lesson. Behind-the-wheel lessons are done with a licensed instructor in a training vehicle.

Most drivers ed schools will advise that you not to take all your driving lessons at once. If possible, try to space them out and practice driving with other licensed drivers in between your driving lessons.

A good driver education school will not only cover the basics of driving with you but will also cover what you will be tested on at the DMV. It will also prepare you for real-life driving situations that you will need to know how to handle with a calm, level head. Driving for the first time is not always easy, and it will require you to set aside time and energy to learn how to do it right. 

What Type of Driving School is Best for You?

When choosing a driving school for yourself, it’s important to consider your lifestyle. Many adults have full-time jobs, a spouse, kids, or pets that require their attention most times. Compared to teens first learning how to drive, adults often find it difficult to find the time or the desire to get up and go to class. 

Read More: What is Adult Driving Education in California and How Does it Work?

 

Online Driving School

As we have said, online driving school is a great option for adults because courses can be completed at your convenience. Depending on the school and their requirements for receiving your Certificate of Completion, some material may have deadlines and due dates, but still offer you the freedom to choose what time of day to complete these items. 

The only downside of this type of instruction is that one must be able to manage their time effectively. With a busy life, it can be difficult to make sure you’re on top of all of your duties, including driver’s  ed coursework. 

Classroom Instruction

Classroom instruction has its benefits. As an adult, you may prefer to be in the typical classroom setting, since that’s likely how you’re used to learning. Plus, you will have access to in-person meetings with your instructor to make sure you’re thoroughly learning all of the course material.

The biggest downside of classroom instruction is that it’s not convenient for those who have other responsibilities. Traditional driver’s education courses do not happen on your schedule, so if you happen to spend a late night at the office, you are missing at least one full lesson that could mean the success or failure of the course. 

Don’t Skip Online or Classroom Instruction

Adults over the age of 18 are not required to take classroom instruction for obtaining their permit or license. However, you will learn valuable lessons in these courses that help you pass both the written and behind the wheel driving tests that you need to become a licensed driver.

Just like teen drivers, adults must first get their learner’s permit before obtaining a license if they have never been licensed before. Obtaining a permit is made much easier when you take classes, so that way you know what to expect on the exam. 

Hybrid Instruction

In order to get their license, adults must learn how to drive correctly. There is also no set behind the wheel practice requirement in terms of hours for adults, which can make it difficult for someone who’s busy to find the time to practice.

However, if you have never been licensed before or taken a course of any kind, it’s recommended that you take a hybrid behind the wheel and online/classroom instruction course. This will help you learn not only the valuable lessons of how to operate a car on the road and with hands-on instruction from professional instructors, but it will teach you how to pass the written exam.

This type of combined instruction is available in almost every driver’s education program because it is the most effective at teaching new drivers how to be safe, good drivers.

What Online Driving Courses Are Highly Recommended for Teens

For many teens, getting their driver’s license is considered to be a major milestone in achieving independence as young adults. Once they receive their learners permit, they have the freedom to go on their own from point A to B whenever necessary.

But driving isn’t just a privilege; it’s a responsibility. At times, it may be a confusing process of learning to drive and safely operate a car. As a parent, though, you can help your child to learn how to drive responsibly and safely, and by doing so, help to reduce the risk of an accident. A convenient and modern way to enhance driving education is to enroll your teen in an Orange County driving school that offers online courses that your teen can easily access from their mobile device.

What is Online Driving School?

You may remember going to drivers education after school during the weekdays, and on weekends you’d have behind-the-wheel instruction. What if you could take classroom instruction, and let it be done anywhere? Enter Online Driving School. There’s no more need to go to a physical classroom, and students can learn from the comfort of their own home.

Read More: What You Need to Know About Online Driving School

The Benefits of Online Driver’s Ed

Convenience 

Online driving school lets students read through material and course activities from anywhere and at any time. The most significant benefit of online driving classes, when compared to traditional classroom instruction, is that it can be done in your teen’s free time. There’s no need to try to schedule life around driving instruction; instead, all they have to do is use a device of their choice and start learning. 

Learning at His/Her Own Pace

There are typically multiple topics squeezed into one short class in a traditional classroom. Sometimes, taking notes can be difficult when there are so many comprehensive tasks learned. Online drivers ed classes allow students to go through courses at their own pace.

If your child is a quick learner who gets bogged down by slow classes, online driving school can help them work their way through the class without worrying about whether or not other students are following.

If the student is someone who requires more time to learn complicated subject matter, online courses mean that they can take their time to make sure that they’re ready for their driver’s exam.

No matter what type of student is enrolled, online driving courses can help them master the material at their own pace.

Independence 

Online driving school teaches students independence that traditional classroom instruction doesn’t. Students must learn how to manage their time and work on their own. As learners become legal drivers, they will feel more independent, but what is crucial is teaching them how to act independently. 

This independence also comes in the form of being one’s own boss. In a classroom setting, you are told what to do and when to do it. Giving students the freedom to decide how they study their driving instruction means that they learn responsibility, another valuable lesson for new drivers.

Read More: California Rules for Teenage Drivers

Online Driving Courses for Teens

Behind-the-Wheel and Online Hybrid

Every state in the US has a requirement of both classroom and behind-the-wheel driving instruction. When looking for an online driving school, it’s important you understand just how much behind-the-wheel time is given to your student. Each driving school is different, so it’s important to do your research to find out how much of the program is online classes versus actual driving.

Consider Curriculum 

The curriculum for online driving school will have to abide by certain state requirements. However, you should ask the school what other types of things your student may learn in their class. It’s always important to put an emphasis on drinking and driving, along with learning the proper techniques for driving. Consider all of the things you want your teen to know about when it comes to driving and make sure it’s in the curriculum.

Abide by State Requirements: DMV approval 

There are only a handful of states that allow online driving instruction, so it’s important to make sure the school you choose to send your teen to is valid. For reference, the state of California does allow online driving school. Also remember, that in California, students need at least 30 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction along with 30 hours of online or traditional classroom instruction.

Make sure that the online driving school you go with is DMV approved. To find out, you can contact the DMV and ask for a list of their approved online drivers ed programs.

Interactive Tools

Online courses will vary from school to school, but the basic essence will be the same based on the requirements by the state. How schools choose to implement the course material will be different.

You will find some online courses with interactive learning tools, like high-quality graphics and animations. You may find others that have a focus on reading and require comprehensive materials to be read. The type of school you choose should be based on the type of learner your teen is and how you believe they will best learn how to drive.

Self-Paced Courses

As we have mentioned, online driving courses are beneficial because they offer your student the chance to learn at their own pace, which will make them a better driver. However, not all online courses are self-paced. Some courses may require students to have assignments completed by a certain date.

If you believe your teen would benefit from being able to learn on their own time, make sure that the course you choose is considered self-paced.

What do you look for when searching for online drivers education courses? Let us know in the comments below.