Driver Education
A quality driver training program will help your teen learn the rules of the road and how to safely operate a vehicle. It can also help you and your teen accelerate the learning process by bringing in the wisdom of professionals who often have trained hundreds or even thousands of other new drivers.
Even though Oklahoma youth are not required to take driver education, don’t pass up this critical step. There’s additional incentive for Oklahoma teens, too. They can get their full driver’s license up to one year earlier if they complete an approved driver education program, including AAA Oklahoma’s parent-taught course.
- Many high schools in Oklahoma no longer offer driver’s education courses.
- There are 25 commercial driving schools in Oklahoma, primarily in metropolitan areas.
- Don’t settle for schools that advertise quick or easy programs—you want your teen to be taught well.
- Consider AAA Oklahoma’s parent-taught driver education program called “Take the Wheel.” It provides parents everything they need to teach a teen how to drive from scratch – plus it qualifies the teen to drive at an earlier age (see the section about the licensing process) and enables the teen to take advantage of any driver education discounts offered by auto insurance companies. The cost is generally about half what commercial driving schools charge. AAA members receive a discount.
Choosing a Quality Driving School
If you choose not to teach your teen how to drive yourself, seek out a quality school—one that focuses on your teen’s safety, not just getting the license. Look beyond budget and timeframe considerations.
- Ask around. Does your local high school offer driver education? Check with friends and neighbors about programs they’ve used.
- Call several schools. Ask questions about the quality of their operations, and ask for references.
- Visit several schools. Ask to sit in on a session, take al ook at the vehicles and student materials.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau.
Quality driving schools:
- Require instructors to complete ongoing education.
- Have reasonable student-teacher ratios.
- Are members of professional associations such as American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association and Driving School Association of the Americas.
- Want, encourage and facilitate parental involvement.
- Have a solid history of resolving complaints to their customers’ satisfaction.
Additional resources:
- Choosing a Driving School - Driver education courses are designed to teach new drivers the fundamental skills and basic knowledge required to drive a motor vehicle. Tips in this AAA brochure will help you select the best driver training school.
- DMV Practice Questions - Take this sample test to determine if you're ready to take the state driving test.
- Driving Knowledge Quiz - Do you know the rules of the road? Take this quiz and find out...
- Teaching Your Teens to Drive - A 56-minute DVD and handbook with step-by-step approaches in helping your teen prepare to drive.
