Driver Education

Turning your teen into a safe driver is a complex task. It involves learning the rules of the road and how to safely operate a vehicle – two big areas where professional driver education and training can help tremendously.

Quality driver education provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that can help mold a safe driver. It can also help preserve your relationship with your teen, as even very skilled and safety-conscious parents might not have the time or temperament to be the best teacher.

Choosing a Quality Driving School

When the time comes to pick a driving school, look beyond your budget and timeframe to seek out a quality driving school—one that focuses on your teen’s safety, not just passing the license test at the cheapest price.

• Ask around. Does your local high school offer driver education? Check with friends and neighbors about driving schools they’ve used.
• Call several driving schools. Ask questions about the quality of their operations, and ask for references.
• Talk to people about classroom vs. online classes.
• Visit several driving schools. Ask to sit in on a session, take a look at the vehicles and student materials. Check to see if they use current training materials, have professional instructors and maintain clean classrooms and safe vehicles.
• Focus on quality. Don’t settle for driving schools that advertise quick or easy programs.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau.

Kansas youth are required to successfully complete an approved driver education course unless waiting until age 16 to get a restricted license. Regardless, driver education is an important step in the process of learning to drive. Here is a list of commercial driving schools approved by the Kansas Department of Education.