Most new drivers tend to get their driving lessons from family members–their father, mother, a sibling, or even a close relative. At times, close friends may even devote their time to help someone learn to drive.
But what if family members or friends are just not available? And you don’t even have a car on which to practice on? This is where private driving lessons come in. They can help you learn the driving skills and knowledge you need.
Before you sign on the dotted line, however, consider the following tips in looking for private driving lessons.
Make sure you need private driving lessons.
Generally speaking, if you are going to drive a car with an automatic transmission, you may not need a private driving lesson. All you need to look for is a good friend who can devote at least 2 weekends to help you learn how to drive.
Now, if you cannot find that friend, or you want to drive a manual or stick shift car, or if it is really your first time to drive and you are clueless at how to operate a car, then please go ahead and look for driving lessons.
Check your budget.
Classroom-only courses tend to run between $30 to $180 depending on the length of the program you sign up for. For instructions that involve actual driving guidance, the cost could be anywhere between $50 to $150. Most schools, however, offer a package of the classroom and behind-the-wheel lessons for about $300 to $500.
It also helps to weigh your options carefully because this may be one of those instances where you get what you pay for.
AAA Certification.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) certifies and approves driving schools that adhere to their standards. The AAA standards are very strict. In addition, they usually consider different types of driver education: basic driving, advanced and defensive driving, online driver improvement, and also some specialized courses for professional drivers and fleet drivers.
Read reviews.
The world wide web has made it easier for consumers to read reviews and notes about the companies that they do business with. So please take advantage of this tool. There are a number of ways for you to do this.
Go to Google Maps and search for the businesses you want to sign up with. It should contain some reviews that will give you a glimpse of the services they offer and the responses of their customers. Yelp also lets you read consumer reviews. Social Media is another area where you can check the company’s reputation. Go to their Facebook page and look at the reviews and ratings that people left.
Also make sure to check with the Better Business Bureau if the company has any issue that you should be aware of. The BBB provides a rating for businesses.
Just a fair warning, though. Most people leave reviews if they are really happy or really disappointed in a service or product they bought. So do read all reviews and pay attention to both praises and complaints; pros and cons.
Pass Rates of the Driving School
If you are enrolling at a reputable driving school, they should be able to share with you their pass rates. If they have a less than stellar record, you need to rethink your decision. While they cannot guarantee that every driving student who enrolls with them will pass, having a good track record will help them win your business.
Come up with a short list of the individuals or schools that are providing driving lessons near you. Consider the location, the reviews, the ratings they have, and, of course, the price you will pay. Once you made the decision, then make the most our of the lessons you learn and practice, practice, until you become a better-than-average and safe driver.
