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What Should I Expect from a Driving Class?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

Some people want to drive but they do not know how. Other people may know how to drive but are unable to pass licensing tests. This means they either do not maneuver vehicles according to the law or they do not have all of the knowledge a driver should have. There are also people who have already been licensed but who have a tendency to commit traffic violations, which suggests they need to be reminded of the road rules. If you fall into any of these categories, you will likely benefit from a driving class.

A driver’s license is generally needed to lawfully operate a vehicle on public roads. A driving class may not be a requirement before getting a driver’s license. There are usually manuals available from the licensing authority designed to prepare those who plan to apply for driving licenses, but these may not be sufficient.

Students will learn about different types of road signs during driving class.
Students will learn about different types of road signs during driving class.

If you do not know how to drive, you are likely to have a great deal of difficulty passing your licensing tests if you rely only on printed materials. Driving lessons usually cover various aspects of what you will need to know. This includes information about the vehicle, information about the road, and information about driving.

Before you get on the road, you need to understand your vehicle. A good driving class should help you in this regard. Your instructor should teach you what the most common dashboard indicator lights mean. He should teach you how to identify if there is an obvious problem, such as a blown out taillight, that makes your vehicle unroadworthy. Sometimes driving instructors go into basic maintenance lessons such as how to check your oil or change a tire.

Students will learn about various highway markings during a driving class.
Students will learn about various highway markings during a driving class.

A good driving class should also teach you about the roads. Your instructor should help you to learn what the various markings on a highway mean. He should teach you to understand what the symbols on various road signs mean. He should also teach you road rules that are not depicted on signs but which you will be responsible for knowing. This could include laws such as you may not park within a certain distance of a fire hydrant or you may not pass in an intersection.

Courses at a driving school should include real-world driving practice.
Courses at a driving school should include real-world driving practice.

The driving class should also make you a safe and conscientious driver. If you know how to drive or you have received your driver’s license already but were told to take a driving class, this may be the biggest benefit for you. Your driving instructor will identify and correct bad habits that may cause you trouble with law enforcement or cause you to fail your driving tests. He should teach you how to properly drive, stop, and park.

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    • Students will learn about different types of road signs during driving class.
      By: Aleksandar Mijatovic
      Students will learn about different types of road signs during driving class.
    • Students will learn about various highway markings during a driving class.
      By: maksymowicz
      Students will learn about various highway markings during a driving class.
    • Courses at a driving school should include real-world driving practice.
      By: peshkova
      Courses at a driving school should include real-world driving practice.
    • People that commit traffic violations will likely benefit from a driving class.
      By: LukaTDB
      People that commit traffic violations will likely benefit from a driving class.
    • Driving classes are starting to cover phone use and avoiding other distractions.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Driving classes are starting to cover phone use and avoiding other distractions.