You are finally old enough to start learning how to drive. This is extremely exciting, and you cannot wait to get behind the wheel. However, there are some steps you need to take to get you there. Here are the basic tips on how to ensure that you get your driver’s license the right way:
1. Get A Copy Of Your State’s Driver’s Manual
First of all, you will need your state’s driver’s manual. You can get this at your local DMV, but some states offer .pdf downloads on their DMV website. Once you get the book, read through it. The book is going to be very dry, but it will give you an understanding of what you’ll need to learn to pass your driver’s test and get behind the wheel.
2. Learn About Your State Requirements
Each state has different requirements for obtaining a driver’s license. The ages for getting a permit, the testing process, and the information you need to learn vary from state to state. You can learn about the state requirements for getting a driver’s license by reading the requirements on the DMV website.
3. Find A Great Driver’s Education Course
Driver’s education is vital for getting your driver’s license. Many states require driving training before you can even apply for a permit. There’s also a ton of other benefits like cheaper insurance. One of the best options for driver’s education is to take an online traffic school course. Online traffic school courses offer the same quality education and certification as classroom driving schools but with a range of great benefits. If you don’t know where to start in finding an online traffic school course, read our reviews at Traffic School Critics. We can help you find a school that is perfect for you.
4. Meet The Requirements For Obtaining A Permit
Some states will require you to meet so many driving school hours before you can apply for a permit. Find out what you need to do, and then you can take the test to get your permit. Even if your state has loose requirements for obtaining a permit, make sure to study for the permit exam before taking it. If you fail the permit test, you may have to go through a long waiting period before you can apply again.
5. Get Your Permit
Once you pass the test, you will be able to get your permit. Every state law differs, but usually, you will have to meet certain age requirements, provide proof of identification, proof of residency, and pay a fee.
6. Continue Your Driver’s Education Course
Obtaining a permit is much easier than obtaining a driver’s license, so even if you’ve met the state requirements for a permit, you will need to continue your driver’s education. Make sure you allocate plenty of time to study and that you learn the materials thoroughly. Beyond just being able to pass the driver’s test, you will need to learn how to become a defensive driver to keep you safe when you finally get behind the wheel.
7. Start Practicing Driving As Soon As You Can
Most states require behind-the-wheel hours before you are allowed to take your driver’s test. Even in states that do not, you will still want to log as many practice hours as possible. When getting behind the wheel, make sure you pick a passenger with a lot of driving experience to help teach you the rules of the road and explain the mistakes you are making. You also want to stick to safer areas during this time, like driving through your neighborhood, empty parking lots, or rural or back roads where there is less traffic until you get a feel for your driving skills.
8. Make An Appointment To Take The Driver’s Test
Once you have completed your required hours and your driver’s education, you will need to make an appointment with your DMV to take the driver’s test. Make sure when you schedule your driver’s test, you give yourself adequate time to prepare. Also, in order to take the test, you may have to collect proof that you met certain requirements such as having a driver’s permit, logging so many driving hours, and completing driver’s education courses.
9. Study, Study, Study
You will want to study the state driving manual inside and out. Plus, you’ll want to review all your driver’s education courses. Make sure you also understand what the driving portion of the test will include and practice those skills.
10. Pass The Vision Test
Before you take the driver’s test, you will have to pass a vision test. So make sure you understand your vision limitations, bring proof of vision corrective devices like glasses or contacts, and understand that certain visual impairments may limit your driving license.
11. Take The Driver’s Test
Some states will let you take the written portion of the driver’s test through your school. This is a better method because there’s less pressure, so you won’t experience as much test anxiety. Also, you can take the test again easily if you fail. For the driving portion, make sure you take the driver’s test with a car you are very familiar with driving. That way, you are confident and don’t have to learn how to drive a specific vehicle while also displaying your driving skills.
12. Get Your License!
If you meet all the requirements and pass the tests, you can finally get your driver’s license. Ensure that you have all the important paperwork you need, like proof of identity, certification of completion, and surrendering your permit.
Is Online Driver’s Ed The Best Option?
Ultimately, obtaining your driver’s license really starts with a good driver’s education. When you are ready to get your license, you need to do some research on a great driving school. One of the best ways to take driver’s ed is through an online course.
Well, if online driving schools are approved in your state, we definitely suggest that you go down this road for these reasons:
- Learning at your own time and pace: With online driving school, there’s no need to commute and sit in a classroom. You can easily fit studying into your schedule because most online driving schools will allow you to access learning tools 24/7.
- Learn on any device: One of the best things about online driving school is that you can access all resources 100% online on any device. We recommend that you go to an online driving school with a dedicated app for the best convenience. Aceable definitely ticks all the boxes when it comes to mobile-friendly online learning.
- Tech-savvy and innovative learning tools: Unlike classroom driver’s ed where you’re stuck with boring textbooks and outdated videos, with an online driving school like iDriveSafely, you get the latest interactive learning tools, including animations, videos, simulations, and audio.
- Fast and short courses: Some states like California don’t have course timers, so you can take the course as fast as you’d like just as long as you pass the final exam. Some students have no trouble finishing a class in about two hours.
- 24/7 customer service: Online driving schools usually have 24/7 technical and customer support. Easily get in touch with the support team for any issues or concerns so you can breeze through self-paced learning.
Ultimately, online driver’s ed is the best solution if you’re working around a limited budget and a hectic schedule.
Still doubtful which online driver’s ed you should sign up for? Traffic School Critics can help! We offer hundreds of reviews of the top driving schools in every state, so we can help you find the right one for your needs. So check out our website today and good luck on getting your license!