Driving School

Asking About a Driving School

Caller: Hello. I would like some information about your driving school.
Receptionist: Hello! Sure. What would you like to know?

Caller: How much is the course?
Receptionist: Our basic driving course costs $500.

Caller: How long is the course?
Receptionist: It is 4 weeks, with two lessons per week.

Caller: Do you provide both theory and practical lessons?
Receptionist: Yes, we do. You will learn driving rules and practice driving with an instructor.

Caller: Thank you. How can I register?
Receptionist: You can register online or in person at our office.

Caller: Great! I will register online. Thank you for your help.
Receptionist: You’re welcome! Have a nice day.

When choosing a driving school, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure that you receive quality instruction that meets your needs. Here’s a list of key questions to ask a driving school:

Instructor Qualifications and Experience

Are your instructors certified and licensed?
Confirm that all instructors are certified by the appropriate local or national driving authorities.
What is the experience level of your instructors?
Ask about the instructors’ experience, including how long they’ve been teaching and any additional qualifications they may have.
Can I request a specific instructor or change instructors if needed?
Find out if you have the option to choose or switch instructors based on your comfort and learning style.

Course Details

What does the driving course include?
Get a detailed overview of what the course covers, such as classroom theory, behind-the-wheel training, and any additional components like night driving.
How many hours of in-car and classroom instruction are provided?
Ask about the total hours of both practical and theoretical lessons included in the course.
What is the student-to-instructor ratio for in-car lessons?
Understand how much individual attention you will receive during practical driving sessions.

Scheduling and Flexibility

What is the schedule for classes and driving lessons?
Inquire about the timing of both classroom and in-car sessions to see if they fit your availability.
How flexible are you with scheduling lessons?
Ask if the school offers flexible scheduling options, including evenings, weekends, or rescheduling policies.
What happens if I miss a class or lesson?
Find out about the school’s policy for making up missed classes or driving lessons.

Pricing and Payment

What is the cost of the driving course, and what does it include?
Ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs, including any materials, exams, or additional fees.
Are there any hidden fees or extra costs?
Confirm if there are any additional costs for things like rescheduling lessons, extra practice, or using the car for the driving test.
Do you offer any payment plans or discounts?
Inquire if the school offers payment plans, discounts for paying upfront, or special rates for students, military personnel, or groups.

Testing and Certification

Do you offer the road test as part of your program?
Ask if the driving school is authorized to conduct the road test or if you need to schedule it separately through the DMV.
What is the pass rate for your students on the driving test?
Find out how successful the school’s students are in passing the driving test on the first attempt.
Do you provide a certificate of completion?
Confirm that you will receive a certificate upon completion of the course, which may be needed for insurance discounts or meeting licensing requirements.

Safety and Vehicles

What type of cars do you use for training, and are they equipped with dual controls?
Ask about the make, model, and safety features of the training vehicles, especially dual controls for brakes.
How often are your vehicles inspected and maintained?
Ensure that the vehicles are regularly inspected and well-maintained for safety.
What is your policy on COVID-19 or other safety protocols?
Inquire about current health and safety protocols, such as cleaning procedures, mask requirements, or social distancing measures.

Additional Support and Resources

Do you provide any online resources or practice tests?
Ask if there are additional materials, such as online quizzes, videos, or study guides, to help with learning.
Do you offer any additional services, like defensive driving courses or advanced driving techniques?
Find out if the school offers specialized courses beyond basic driver training.
Can you assist with preparing for the written test?
Check if the school provides preparation for the written portion of the driving exam.

Reputation and Reviews

Can you provide references or testimonials from past students?
Ask for feedback from previous students to gauge their satisfaction and the school’s reputation.
What is your school’s reputation in the community?
Research or ask about the driving school’s standing in the community, including any affiliations or awards.

By asking these questions, you can ensure that you select a driving school that provides quality instruction, flexible scheduling, and the support you need to become a confident and safe driver.