Five Reasons You Should Take Driver's Ed
If you need to take driver's ed to get your driving permit you are probably thinking it's just one of those things you have to do to get what you want. You may even think you don't really need it and that it's just another way for adults to control you. The truth is, driver's education classes do more than teach you how to drive a car. Here are some reasons why you should take driver's ed seriously.
Preparation for the Driver's Test: Driver's ed prepares you for both the written and road test required to get your driver's license. Yes, this includes all the rules and regulations for operating a motor vehicle. The written test isn't difficult, as long as you pay attention in class, but it does require knowledge of specific laws and regulations that you may not have thought about before. This includes laws specific to your state. The written test gives you the opportunity to demonstrate you understand and can follow the laws in your current state
You will also learn the skills to pass the road test. Good old mom and dad may be wonderful chauffeurs, but that doesn't mean they follow the rules of the road or practice the safest driving techniques. Following their example could result in failing your driver's test. You will learn what is expected of you in the road test and taught how to perform those tasks to meet the requirements to pass the test.
Practical Experience: Just because you've been watching others drive for a lifetime, doesn't mean you have the skills to drive safely. Assuming you have been behind the wheel a few times on back roads or private property, you may think you are ready to hit the road with no instruction. Driving in city traffic or maneuvering a traffic rotary takes more skill than the ability to steer the car. With driving lessons, you will learn how to perform routine driving tasks safely and efficiently. Taking driving lessons from a trained driver's ed instructor also means you won't need to listen to mom and dad as they frantically yell out instructions at the last minute.
Increased Safety: Taking driver's ed teaches you to drive safely and avoid common driving errors. In fact, according to an article by Tanya Mohn in the New York Times, the combination of new driver's ed requirements and graduated licenses has reduced the driving violations by 20 percent, has lowered crashes by 12 percent and cut the number of suspended licenses by 50 percent in the state of Oregon. If this holds true for you, taking driver's ed could mean you are less likely to get in an accident and less likely to lose your license for senseless violations. It also means your parents are less likely to suffer from anxiety attacks every time you ask for the keys.
Lower Insurance Rates: Many auto insurance companies offer lower rates to those who have taken driver's education classes, which means your parents are less likely to complain about the jump in their insurance costs when you are added to the policy. It also means lower rates for you when you move out and get your own auto insurance.
Early Driver's Permit or License: In most states, taking driver's ed means you can get your driver's permit and license earlier. In many states, driver's education is required for anyone under the age of 18. That means that by taking driver's ed you may be able to get your permit and license at 14 in some states, like South Dakota. The legal age to qualify for a driver's permits and licenses varies from state to state. Check with your state regulations if you are unsure of the age requirements for learner's permits and driving licenses in your state.
Drivers Education is more than just a way to get your driver's license and earn your freedom. It teaches you what you need to know to drive safely and enjoy a lifetime of independence, and saves you a few bucks along the way.
