Affordable driving schools are highly sought-after by teenagers and adults yearning for their first driver’s license. Students and young adults who are at the nascent stage of their career can’t spare a significant sum of money for student driving lessons. However, a driving license is an essential requirement for most jobs nowadays and is no less than a rite of passage for teenagers stepping into adulthood.
How Much Can You Expect To Pay At Affordable Driving Schools?
The number of driving schools that can be termed as truly “affordable” has seen a decline. As the fees for driver’s lessons have shot up in the past few years, it is a major detriment for aspiring drivers. Learners should expect an expenditure of around $400-500 for a basic package. It generally covers 5 to 6 hours of car lessons and the pre-required 5-hour educational training course. A few schools may include a simulated road test and car rental for the DMV road test in the package. Individuals who need more practice behind the wheel may have to pay extra for more lessons. They may have to shell out anywhere from 60 to 100 bucks for each additional hour.
Many private instructors charge significantly more while offering extensive services. You can choose from a wide assortment of cars ranging from an economical sedan to a flashy sports car. Their services extend beyond the driving lessons. They will pick you up from your home for the lesson and drop you back afterward. Some of them may even bring food and beverages for students who take driving lessons immediately after school, albeit at an extra cost.
Reducing Driving School Expenses
If you are looking for affordable driving schools, don’t be disappointed. Many privates schools offer lessons for significantly less money. You can reduce driving school expenses and make the lessons budget-friendly through a few considerations.
Opt for Affordable Driving Schools
Many private institutions are among the most affordable driving schools. They don’t impart lessons on flashy cars or pick you up from home. Their timing may not be as flexible as some of the expensive private schools. However, they get the job done. The charges for 6-hour classes may be as low as $250-300. They stick to the necessary lessons and don’t provide any additional services in the base package. However, buyers can still avail themselves of supplementary services by paying extra. Enrolling in such a school will reduce your expenditure on driving lessons.
Consider Sponsored Driving Lessons
Many authorities or government bodies of districts offer classes to individuals who want to apply for a driving license. They are among the most affordable driving schools. The fee for the classes is less as compared to some of the private driving schools. Some district adult education centers and school districts may also organize lessons for residents or students. You can inquire about the same from your local administration.
Skip Pick up and Drop off Services
A few affordable driving schools may offer free pick up and drop off services, while others may charge extra. It will depend on the distance of the institution from your home, school, or office. If you want to reduce the cost of driving lessons, choose a school that offers free pick up and drop off. Otherwise, you may have to spend extra for a subway ticket, bus, or cab to reach the school. Alternatively, consider an affordable driving school close to your office, home, or school. Go to the driving school yourself and minimize the expenses.
Use Your Own or a Family Car
Some driving schools may offer a discount if you use your car, although most don’t. The savings made on fuel costs may still be passed onto the student. It will bring down the cost of the lessons. However, if you are getting behind a car’s wheel for the first time, then paying the full price and learning on the school’s car will be safer.
Why Enroll in an Affordable Driving School At All?
New drivers often ask why they need to enroll in a driving school when a relative can teach them driving just fine. They can save some money by skipping school and learn driving at the same time. Well, there are certain advantages in favor of an affordable driving school.
Certification
First of all, you require a certificate for the 5-hour compulsory pre-licensing class. It must be presented to the DMV authority when you are going for the driving exam. Only a certified driving instructor may issue the certificate. You will have to take this class at a driving school anyway and should enroll in one nonetheless.
Space Availability
To learn driving from a relative, you will need a large space such as an empty parking lot. First-time drivers rarely ride on a public street until they are comfortable driving in a private area. It reduces the chances of an accident. Metropolitan cities rarely have large lots that may be available to the public. If you live in a locality without a large space open for driving lessons, enrolling in a driving school may be the safer option. The schools have access to a dedicated space for imparting lessons. It allows students to learn car driving in a safer environment.
Dual Control System Vehicles
Affordable driving schools generally impart lessons on cars with a dual control system. The vehicle may have two steering wheels, brakes, and gas pedals for safety purposes. The second set of controls is located on the passenger side, enabling the instructor to control the car. It offers a safer learning experience for the student as the instructor can control the vehicle in emergencies. It is vital when imparting lessons on busy streets with extensive vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Passenger vehicles don’t have dual control systems and may be unsuitable for beginners from a safety aspect. Dual control systems are highly recommended for individuals who are sitting behind the wheel for the first time.
Certified Instructors
Professional instructors are well-versed with road rules as compared to individuals. They are better equipped to teach correct and confident driving to students. Instructors do not skip any steps and advance lessons as the skills of students progress. They are familiar with the different road test locations and will take students for driving practice in areas that are similar to the actual test route. Drivers will gain a firsthand experience of conditions that resemble the road test, which improves their chances of acing the test.
Vehicle Availability
A majority of new drivers don’t own a car. They either have to borrow a car from a relative or hire one from a rental agency. Affordable driving schools have a fleet of cars for imparting lessons to students. The cost is included in the driving lesson package. They may even provide the vehicle for the DMV test. Learners who don’t own a car may want to rent one for their road test. Using the same vehicle for the test and lessons will boost the students’ confidence as they will be comfortable with the car. It will improve their chances of acing the test.
Road Test Simulation Lesson
Many affordable driving schools may offer a simulated road test review. Their instructor will pick you up before your road test and hold a review session along with parallel parking practice. It will give you a rehearsal of the test and be a morale booster. The instructor may drive you to the test center and also act as a licensed driver for the road test. However, you may have to pay extra for these services.
It is not necessary to enroll yourself in an expensive driving course. Many affordable driving schools provide lessons at an affordable price. Consider the cost of programs offered by institutes in your area and find one that provides the most value for your requirements.
