Drivers Ed, or No Drivers Ed?

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

Drivers Ed often involves a combination of classroom, in-car, and online training regarding road conditions, hazardous weather, and proper driving strategies. Drivers Ed can be found at a variety of locations: online, specific driving schools; some high schools even offer certified driving instruction opportunities. Even through Drivers 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 Drivers 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 drivers 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 drivers 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 Drivers Ed, since that's the only way for them to get their license before they turn 18. So, Drivers 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.

Drivers 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 Drivers Ed. Online is also a good option if there isn't Drivers Ed or a driving instructor close by. Overall, Drivers 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.