Key Points to Look For in a Driving School

by Kevin Smith Author

Driving lessons aren't just for first-time drivers. It's also for those who want to improve their skills behind the wheel. Finding one that'll provide you with the necessary training will take more than searching for whatever's nearest. In fact, choosing an institution based solely on proximity is a bad idea. You need to make sure you're working with a company you trust. To guarantee you sign up with the best, consider these key points when looking for a driving school:

Licensed, Insured, and Certified

When you find a school accredited by your state's Department of Licensing (DOL), you're pretty much done with half your research. DOLs strictly moderate business certifications, insurance for vehicles and students, curriculum standards, and instructor expertise. Likewise, staff members should have proper training and undergo all necessary background checks.

Instructors Who Are Proficient in All Vehicle Types

Not all enrollees want to learn how to drive an SUV or a sports car. Students usually come in with an idea of what auto they'll be using as soon as they get their license. Because of this diversity, a driving school needs to have coaches who are competent in any vehicle's dynamic aspects. This will allow instructors to teach the best practices applicable to a specific automobile category.

Clean Record

A driving school can be licensed, insured, and certified. But, if it has a long list of violations and disciplinary actions, you should reconsider enrolling in it. Visit your local DOL website to verify this information.

DOL-Compliant Curriculum

Every state has different course requirements, particularly for teen drivers. Check with your DOL to find out if the school you're interested in meets these specifications. Trusted driving schools will be more than willing to provide you a copy of their full program so you can confirm if they comply with local prerequisites.

Thorough Training Behind the Wheel

You see them all the time: short-term driving lessons that claim they can teach someone to drive in a matter of days. Some even offer curriculums that only add up to a few hours. But, this isn't enough. Every student learns at a different pace. Coaching should be planned based on a trainee's current experience. Instructors need to gradually expose them to challenging environments that'll develop their technical skills and allow them to gain a good sense of road awareness.

Remember these pointers when looking for a good school. These markers guarantee that you're working with a reputable institution that'll help you acquire and improve your skills behind the wheel. This way, when you claim your driver education certificate in Wichita, KS, you know you can take your driving test and pass with confidence.