How to start your Teen in Driver Education: The Right Way!
Is your teenager getting ready to start driving? Or perhaps they just began and your really not satisfied with the progress they have made. How do they apply for a license? What classes does my teen need to take before getting their license? How can we save on insurance?
I am asked these important questions everyday. In this article I will hopefully provide you with some answers. I have also written a short e-book on this very topic. The good news is you can get it right here for FREE. The book is appropriately called “Preparing Your Teenager to Drive.“This book will go into a little bit more detail than this article. So click on the link or just grab a copy from the Resources page!
The Licensing Process
Although most states are pretty similar in their licensing procedures we will key on New York State. Here are the steps:
- Head to the DMV for your application to drive and grab a copy of the Driver’s Manual.
- Study everything in the manual and head back to the DMV to take your permit test. You must get at least 14 out of 20 of the multiple choice questions correct. You will also be requested to take an eye exam or bring proof of your vision record from your doctor.
- Start preparing for the road test. If you are under the age of 18 you must wait 6 months before signing up for your road test. You must also have at least 50 hours of documented driving. This driving time must be recorded on a DMV form.
- Find and sign up for a NYS approved pre-licensing class. Save the certificate of completion you will need it to sign up for your road test.
- Next, sign up to take the road test and pick the location and date you want to take the test.
- Show up to the road test with all the necessary documentation (permit, pre-licensing class, insurance and registration. Also make sure your vehicles inspection is up to date!
- Take your road test but make sure you are ready! You should understand all the rules of the road and know how to execute a 3 point turn and how to parallel park.
The Driver Education Process
There are several different routes you can go to learn how to drive. Each can work, but it is important that you learn all the essential skills and strategies involved with defensive driving. Here are the different methods to go about learning how to drive:
- Sign up for a NYS approved Driver Education Program. Many school districts have after school programs or summer programs. The program usually runs a semester after school or for 6 weeks during the summer. The advantages to this method is that your teen will be trained by a professional and you can save greatly on your insurance.
- Get your teen some driving lessons from a reputable private driving school. The best way to do this is to sign up for a series of lessons on all aspects of driving.
- Teach your teen yourself! If you decide to choose this method it is imperative that you get yourself updated on all the necessary skills and strategies that make up defensive driving. I will have an e-book available on Amazon next week called, “Saving Your Teenage Driver’s Life” Important Strategies to Teach Your New Driver Now! This book will get you started on the right foot.
- The last method is simply a combination of all the methods above. What ever method you choose, it is important that you get out and practice all facets of driver education on the road as much as you possibly can!
Saving Money on Insurance!
Unfortunately all teenagers are classified in the “risk pool” where insurance companies are concerned. They remain in the risk pool until age 25! That means they pay more for their insurance than any other group of drivers. Here are the best strategies on how to save:
- Take a NYS approved Driver Education course. Successful completion of these courses can save you anywhere between 10-15% up until age 25!
- Take the Point and Insurance Reduction Class. This class saves you 10% for three consecutive years and is guaranteed by NYS law. You can get one right here! Just click here Insurance and Point Reduction Class.
- Get good grades! Many Insurance companies grant discounts to exceptional students.
- Shop around. Different insurance companies charge varying amounts, shop around to get the best deal. Young drivers can also go on their parents policies as casual drivers to save a few bucks.
We will get a lot more in depth in my my FREE e-book, “Preparing Your Teenager to Drive.” So be sure to pick up a copy on our RESOURCES page.
Don’t forget you can take the Insurance and Point Reduction Class right here! Scroll to the bottom of this page on your mobile device or go to the sidebar of your computer. Best of Luck with Your Driving!!