In the classroom you’ll learn about the responsibilities of driving. You’ll be taught the meanings of road signs and the correct procedures for managing intersections. Some classes even go so far as to teach how to change a flat tire. The rules and regulations are stressed, ensuring that by the time you’ve graduated from the course you’ll understand what’s lawful and what’s not.

A lot of chair time goes toward learning safety behind the wheel. There’s instruction regarding driving in adverse weather conditions, especially those that make roads slippery and dangerous. Students learn defensive techniques for coming out of a spin or a skid. Hopefully you’ll also come to understand the dangers of playing at drifting games with your friends. You’ll learn about the basic issues of remaining alert at all times when driving. It’s not always a matter of what the driver is doing but of what the other driver is doing, so you have to pay attention. Yes, this means no texting or talking on the cell phone while driving.

One of the units you’ll study will be about driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Inexperience behind the wheel and intoxication are deadly, and to press home the seriousness of this issue, many driver ed classes will require you to watch a movie depicting the consequences of driving under these conditions. While a teacher might fail to get these points across to the students while lecturing, the visual will get their attention fast. Most students, when asked what they remember about their driver ed class will invariably say, “the movie”.

You’ll become aware of issues surrounding accidents and be taught how to prevent accidents from happening, as well as what to do in case of an accident. Your teacher will impress upon you the importance of maintaining your vehicle so that it runs properly and isn’t a threat to other vehicles or people.

Molding the attitude is one of the most important aspects of these classes. You can’t be cavalier when behind the wheel of a car or truck, you have to be level headed and calm. The dangers of road rage will be discussed, as well as the reasons certain hand signals are not approved by the DOT, and you know the ones I’m talking about.

Driver’s Ed classes have extensive resources available for teaching road skills and practical driving knowledge. They’re taught by professionals so all the important aspects of driving are touched upon. You’ll learn a lot during driver’s ed and you’ll become proficient behind the wheel, making yourself and those sharing the road with you much safer.

Oh man. It’s today. Your palms are sweaty and your face just broke out because you’re so stressed. You get to drive with a complete stranger, watching your every move and judging you to see if you are worthy of a drivers license. Oh man, oh man, oh man.
Hey, don’t worry. You can do this!

The road test is the last hurdle you’ll have to clear to get your driver’s license. The testing officer will ride with you in your vehicle and will assess the skills you’ve learned and practiced. It can be nerve-wracking, sure, but if you’ve studied carefully and practiced sufficiently you should be well prepared for this. And no, it’s not a good idea to bring your Rules of the Road pamphlet with you for quick, easy reference during the test, even though you really want to. Reading during driving is discouraged.

Your examiner will go through a short routine before you hit the road, making sure that your signals and brake lights are working properly. Double-check these before you leave home. This would be a bad time to find out that your rear tail light is busted so you have to reschedule.

Once you’re under way remember to use your signals at all appropriate times. You will also likely be asked to use hand signals to ascertain whether you know how to use them if your turn signals don’t work. Always be certain the hand signals you use with other drivers are the ones in the book. And breathe. Remember to breathe.

Your examiner will ask you to do routine maneuvers such as changing lanes and merging with other traffic. Use your rear-view mirrors and look over your shoulder when doing these. Show the examiner that you’re aware of the traffic around you. Stay within the speed limit at all times and listen carefully to his instructions. This is not a good time to answer your cell phone if it rings; in fact you should turn it off or leave it home altogether.

Be aware of all traffic signs and obey them. Come to complete stops at stop signs and know the routine for four-way stops. Keep in mind that most people have forgotten how to navigate these, and you must still be careful even if you have the proper responses down pat and it’s your turn to go first at a stop sign.

Parallel parking is traditionally the hardest part of the test. You can perfect your parallel parking by setting up cardboard boxes in a deserted parking lot somewhere and practicing until you can do these with your eyes closed. Remember to open them for the actual test.

During the exam you’ll have to demonstrate that you can back up, do a three-point turn, and park correctly on a hill. Before you know it your test will be over and you will have earned your driver’s license. Congratulations! Celebrate your achievement, but remember that it’s harder to get your license back than it is to earn it in the first place. Keep your record clean and clear of points and you will never have to go through this again… until you are seventy years old.