Adapted from MVA
How to Select the BEST Driver Education School in Maryland
Be Smart....
Driver education teaches new drivers the skills and knowledge about driving a vehicle. As you search for a Driver Education School, keep in mind that all schools are required to use MVA-approved standardized curriculum and all instructors are licensed by the MVA.
The following tips are from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration with commentary from DRIVE NOW to better assist you in selecting the best driver education school:
When you visit the MVA office, they would be able to provide you with an updated list of all the Driver Education School in Maryland. You may also visit the website to obtain this list. Click Here to visit MVA website.
Reaching out to your friends and neighbors is your best option. They can recommend a school they may have dealt with recently or in the past. Ask they if they attended a school and would they recommend it to you? You never know there may be a referral bonus available.
Call the Schools from the list you obtained from MVA, when you call the school find out about course schedules, their fees, registration procedures, minimum downpayment and the next available course dates and times. Also, pay attention to the professionalism in the way they answer their phone. Remember, you are a new customer, if they are not courteous to you before you become a student what would cause them to be couteous to you after you become a student.
Ask to see classrooms and if you could observe part of a course. Classrooms should be clean, orderly and set up to conduct classroom sessions. Ask to see the course textbook. (Note: The Maryland Driver's Handbook is not a textbook.) Check whether the text is up to date and if there are enough textbooks for all students?
The Certification and License to teach Driver Education or Behind the Wheel Lessons must be displayed in the school's business office. You may also Inquire about how many fully licensed driver education instructors work for the school. Determine how many instructors teach classroom, behind the wheel, or both phases of the course. Keep in mind that the number of instructors may affect the time it will take to complete all the course requirements.
See the average amount of time that's needed to complete the 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel. Make sure you don't have to wait a long time to start the behind the wheel phase of the course. The ideal course integrates behind the wheel and classroom training. Do not assume the fastest course is the way to go. New drivers need time to learn.
Ask about the school refund policies, class make-up policies, and remedial training policies. Inquire whether you would need to sign a contract?
Ask the school how to file complaints and how the school resolves complaints.
The vehicle should be clean, late model cars, and all must pass the Maryland Safety Inspection annually.
This is a convenience, but not a requirement, for the behind the wheel portion of driver education. It is very difficult to teach a behind the wheel session if the instructor is not familiar with the practice route. Drive Now will pick up students at thier home/work or school on a as needed basis for an additional fee.
Get a few names of previous students of the school you may call as a reference. Remember, price is not the sole factor in choosing a driving school. You must compare instructional quality, class size and behind-the-wheel lessons. Choose your driving school with care, and drive safely forever! To read what some of our students had to say, click HERE.
Students with disabilities should choose a school with instructors and equipment designed for their specific needs. For instance, vehicles should include hand controls, an adjustable steering column, and other aids for disabled drivers.
Adapted from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration