For most teens, learning how to drive is a significant moment because it signals the beginning of independence.
There’s nothing like being behind the wheel on the open road. But as liberating as it sounds, it can be dangerous, which is why you need to complete a driver’s ed course before you can even get started.
Fortunately, there are more than enough options for driving schools in Charlotte. These days, you have the freedom to complete driver’s ed in a classroom or online.
However, we know that looking for the right school may take some time, so we’ve done the work for you.
We’ve narrowed down the possibilities and came up with a list of the best driving schools in Charlotte, North Carolina.
So let’s check these schools out!
The Best Online Driving Schools in Charlotte, NC
There are several online schools worth looking into in Charlotte. Here are the ones that we’ll explore a bit further.
Let’s get into the details.
DriverEdToGo
If there’s one word you should keep in mind when it comes to DriverEdToGo, it’s games.
Several online driving schools have integrated games to make their courses more interactive. However, DriverEdToGo goes the extra mile by offering a game corner.
What’s more, DriverEdToGo offers several upgrades that you can avail of when you sign up.
You can get the Generic Study Guide. This highlights key summaries and shares crucial reminders. All of these can help you pass the DMV exam on the first try.
Other upgrades include a DVD that serves as an excellent learning aid in preparation for your behind-the-wheel instruction. You can also take some pressure off by purchasing unlimited final exam attempts.
Each upgrade costs anywhere between $5 to $30. You may want to determine which ones you need if you don’t want to spend too much.
The best part is that you can go through their course even before you pay. Yes, you not only get 20-30% of their materials for free, you get the whole course for FREE. You only need to pay once you take the final course exam.
However, this free option does not include the upgrades.
Note: since DriverEdToGo isn’t approved in North Carolina, you’ll have to ask for special permission from your high school or the DMV if it can satisfy requirements.
DMVEdu
DMVEdu has a lot of things going for it, making it a solid option for driver’s ed. If you want a course that’s both engaging and educational, you’ve come to the right place.
Its driver’s ed course meets the standards of North Carolina’s DMV, so you’re sure you’re learning the things you need to know.
Like other schools, it’s broken down the course into shorter segments to make it more digestible. You’ll have an easier time absorbing lessons this way.
You’ll also have videos and other visual aids to keep you from being bored.
At the end of each chapter, you’ll have to pass a short quiz before proceeding to the next. Don’t worry, it’s simple enough. It serves as a good measuring stick to see how well you’ve grasped the material you’ve covered.
Now, if you’re still not sure if this is the driver’s ed course for you, try their 5-minute demo. It’ll give you firsthand experience with how their program works, and you can get a feel of whether it’ll work for you or not.
Admittedly, DMVEdu’s course isn’t as interactive as others, but if you’re looking for an affordable option, it’ll get the job done.
Note: if you decide to go with DMVedu, make sure to ask your high school if they will approve of their certificate of completion. You don’t want to waste your time studying for nothing.
SafeMotorist
SafeMotorist is backed by the American Safety Council, which is one of the most renowned providers of online driver’s education.
SafeMotorist’s driver’s ed course consists of nine chapters. Each of these covers a singular topic, meaning you focus on one subject at a time.
You’ll get to study various real-life driving situations — it’s an excellent way to be familiar with possible scenarios without having to get into one first.
At the end of each chapter, you’ll go through a unit text so you can gauge how much of the material you understood.
SafeMotorist doesn’t just prepare you to get your license, but it also teaches you defensive driving techniques. The course presents different driving scenarios that help you evaluate road risks.
The best thing about this school is that it offers several courses other than driver’s ed. If you like how they delivered their materials, you can opt to re-enroll, say, in their defensive driving course.
Note: like the other online driving schools, SafeMotorist isn’t approved in the state. You have to ask permission from your high school or the DMV if they approve of their completion certificate.
Best In-Person Driving Schools in Charlotte, NC
If you don’t want to go through the bother of asking about online providers, then you can attend a traditional driving school.
That, plus, learning preferences do count for something. Even if all your friends think taking driver’s ed online is the way to go, you may not feel the same way.
If that’s the case, don’t worry about it.
You can find in-person driving schools in the city. Here are just a few of the best ones.
Expert Driving School
Address: 3127 Eastway Dr #20, Charlotte, NC
Phone: (704) 930 6566
What makes Expert Driving School stand out is that they have the friendliest driving instructors in NC. You won’t feel at lost as you can ask them just about anything. Plus, they have the knowledge to answer all your questions.
A Diamond Driving School
Address: 9635 Southern Pine Boulevard #157, Charlotte, NC
Phone: (704) 737 0713
A Diamond Driving School provides you the whole package. You can take your mandatory driver’s ed, behind-the-wheel instruction, and even a road test simulation. This way, you’re more than prepared to take the written exam and road test.
Learning Curves Driving School
Address: 8501 Tower Point Drive, Charlotte, NC
Phone: (704) 292 6000
If you want a more flexible schedule, then you’ll love Learning Curves’ evening and weekend class options. If you’re busy during the day, then you can attend their evening classes. If you’d rather sacrifice a weekend, then you have a weekend schedule at your disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driver’s Education in Charlotte
What are the requirements to get your driver’s license in Charlotte?
Driver’s education in Charlotte consists of 2 parts.
You must complete the written (or classroom) segment and the behind-the-wheel instruction.
The classroom segment has 30 hours of material, as the state requires. You may take it in person or through an online course.
Remember to choose a school that provides a state-approved course. One of the worst things that could happen is to complete the content of a program that the state won’t acknowledge. If not approved, you can still ask special permission from your high school or the DMV.
You also need to complete 6 hours’ worth of behind-the-wheel instruction. Most of the in-person driving schools offer a package with this training already.
Most driver’s ed classes last for three hours. I start zoning out after two hours. How do I cope with it?
It’s best to go through the coursework in short segments if you know you’ll start losing focus after a couple of hours. Taking driver’s ed through an online driving school allows you to do this.
Most online schools give 24/7 access to the materials, so you can log in as often as you want. You can study for a couple of hours and then take a break when you feel yourself drifting off.
If you set aside two hours each day, you’ll be surprised how fast you’ll be able to get through the necessary material.
I want to take driver’s ed online, but I’m worried I’ll be bored. Are there options for me?
Online driving schools know their primary students are teens, so they designed the courses to appeal to them.
Find schools that incorporate games or other engaging activities in their content. This way, you’ll be sure to enjoy yourself while studying.
Wrap Up
The first step to getting your license in Charlotte is completing the required 30-hour driver’s ed course.
Since you’ll be spending time and money on this, you might as well make sure you find a school that works for you.
In the end, the best school for you is what matches your learning preferences the best.
So take the time to find out what these are, and we’re sure one of the schools on our list will be a great fit!