For many teenagers, Driver’s Education is the gateway to getting a driver’s permit. It also allows them to learn the rules of the road from professional teachers, and from instructors who can teach to the driver’s test. But, how necessary is Driver’s Ed for a teenager to earn his or her license? It costs money for driving instruction. So, is it worth it?

Driver’s Ed often involves a combination of classroom, in-car, and online training regarding road conditions, hazardous weather, and proper driving strategies. Driver’s Ed can be found at a variety of locations: online, specific driving schools; some high schools even offer certified driving instruction opportunities. Even through Driver’s Ed is open to all ages, it is necessary for teenagers to go through the training in order to get their license at an earlier age. However, if your teen waits until the age of 18, he or she doesn’t have to go through Driver’s Ed, but merely has to pass both the driving and the written exam at the DMV.

If you choose to have your teen wait until the age of 18, then the driving instruction is going to have to come from somewhere. Your teen certainly doesn’t want to take the driver’s test without any time behind the wheel! Parents can opt to instruct their kids themselves, or to hire a private instructor. A private instructor is much more expensive, but a private instructor can also teach to the driver’s test, and perhaps cover traffic rules and bad habits that parents may unintentionally showcase. However, parents can also take the time to coach on car maintenance and can do the instruction on those short trips to the grocery store or to the mall.

Yet, most teenagers won’t want to wait until they are 18 in order to drive. They’ll want to get into the driver’s seat sooner than that, even if it’s for the privilege of driving their friends around or not needing a ride from Mom or Dad. In most cases, the only way to get around that is to enroll them in Driver’s Ed, since that’s the only way for them to get their license before they turn 18. So, Driver’s Ed is completely worth if from the teenager’s perspective, and it might save parents from having to sit in the front seat as their teen learns to drive.

Driver’s Ed may be a tough call for parents if money is tight, but fortunately there are plenty of online options that can help your teen practice for the test or to take online Driver’s Ed. Online is also a good option if there isn’t Driver’s Ed or a driving instructor close by. Overall, Driver’s Ed has to come from somewhere, and it’s best to get some instruction before obtaining the license. You want your teen driving on the road with the most experience possible.