For someone who needs to learn how to drive, driving school cost is a concern. The typical cost of a driving school varies greatly between states and cities, and is affected by the cost of gasoline. Expect classroom driver training between $30 and $180. Actual road training runs between $50 and $150 per session. Most driving schools offer an all-inclusive package between $200 and $800.
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The testing vehicle should have air bags and an adjustable steering column, while being no more than four years old. Many states now require teenage drivers to provide a vehicle with dual controls when taking their state driving exam, which can often be rented from a driving school.
How to Get the Best Deal on Driving School
Getting the best deal on a driving school requires the same skills as when searching for a deal on any item you purchase. A driving school is a good idea for an individual with a need for skills training necessary to pass a state driving test. Driving schools focus on both the written and road exam components of a state driving test. Finding a good school that accomplishes this at a good price is your job as a consumer.
Compare Schools
Driving schools vary in their cost and the type of instruction that they provide. A person looking for instruction from a driving school may expect to pay several hundred dollars for instruction. Call several different driving schools near you and compare the cost of instruction. Ask questions regarding the services provided, success rates and any testimonials from past customers.
Research the Costs
Performing a comparison of costs and services should give you a good idea of which school offers the best bargain. Know what you are willing to spend and what to expect when seeking a driving school so you are not surprised by the price. Ask about their refund policy and whether or not the school offers a chance to repeat the course at no cost should you fail to pass your driving test. Having this type of guarantee may actually make a school that costs more worth it to you.
Which Driving School Is the Best Fit for You?
Driving schools offer classes for different purposes and ages. There are traffic violation lessons, teen lessons, mature driving lessons and defensive driving lessons. In taking these courses, drivers learn the rules of the road and practice driving under the supervision of professionals trained in instructing individuals of all ages.
Don't Use Price
This is usually the first thing looked at, but it shouldn't be the only criteria. Some schools are less expensive for a reason. Some schools save money by employing unqualified instructors or using an inadequate curriculum. These are important factors which must be looked at in conjunction with the price. Use the Internet to see if these schools have public reviews or call your local DMV, which will always have driving school recommendations. Many places offer a payment plan which can make a more expensive driving school affordable.
Visit the Website and School
Start with the website. It should be easy to understand. Verify that it is licensed by the state. This shows that the school is in line with state laws and regulations. Also rate the customer service received. Make sure you get answers to your questions. Next, physically check out the school. You want to have a comfortable driving experience with the school and staff. If possible, speak to an instructor. Ask about schedule accommodation. Many schools offer morning classes, evening classes and even weekend classes, so you should be able to find a personalized fit for your schedule.
Examine the Vehicles Used
Some schools provide vehicles which can be used for lessons and driving exams. Others allow personal vehicles to be used instead. If they provide vehicles, make sure the one driven is the one you want to learn on. Does the school provide just cars, or are SUV's and trucks available? Ask if they have both automatic and stick vehicles available. Make sure the car you are learning in is similar to the car you plan to be driving on a normal basis.
Can You Take Driving School Lessons in Any Car?
Each state controls the issuing of drivers license and every state has its own rules and regulations in regards to driving schools and instructors. While some states allow you to use your own car for driving lessons, other states require you to use the driving school car. It is best to check not only with your local driving schools but also your local DMV to determine what you state's requirements are. While some schools allow you to use your own car many require you to use your vehicle. There are a number of reasons for this.
- Dual control.Most driving school cars have a second brake pedal on the instructors side of the vehicle. This allows them to bring the vehicle to a stop if the new driver panics or loses control for any reason. Many of the vehicles have a second steering wheel as well
- Properly maintenance.When driving schools use their own vehicle, they know they are driving a properly maintained vehicle that has been serviced regularly and is safe for the instructor and student
- Fully insured. A driving school vehicle will be properly insured in case of an accident
Driving School Games
Although a driving school game is never a substitute for real life driving experience, a game can be an excellent and enjoyable way to become familiar with some of the laws and rules of the road. There are many excellent 3-D games now available that can help you learn the basics of driving and help to reinforce what you learn behind the wheel of an automobile.
How Driving School Games Can Help
A good driving school game is designed to simulate the actual driving experience of an automobile as realistically as possible, and while no simulation can replace the real thing - 3D driving games have made great strides in helping drivers practice before actually sitting in the driver's seat.
3D driving games come in several varieties such as student/teacher type games, simple practice driving games and chase and pursuit games. While the objectives of the games are often very different, almost all will require that you become familiar with basic driving rules and regulations.
In this regard, the games can help you become comfortable with recognizing common traffic signals and signs, learn how to yield and negotiate intersections as well as many other common skills needed to successfully operate an automobile.
Types of Popular Driving School Games
These days, driving games are available in a wide number of formats. For instance, you can purchase practice driving games in formats for the PC or Macintosh as well as for popular console games like the Sony Play Station, Microsoft X-Box or Nintendo Wii. You can even purchase driving games for handheld game players as well.
In most cases you can play the games using only a keyboard, mouse or standard game controller. However, if you really want to get a realistic feel of driving, you may opt to purchase additional accessories such as a steering wheel controller, gas and brake pedals and even a gear shifter module. Most driving simulation games are designed for use with these optional accessories and are much more life-like and usable when played with these components.