Drivers ed class is a big rite of passage during your teen years - one that you have to undertake before you can zoom off in that hot ride you've been eyeing. (If you're over 18 years old, it's still a good idea to take one.. even though you aren't required to by law.) Now that it's become much less common for high schools to offer drivers ed classes to students, you're probably one of the many teens who need to look for a driving school.



Of course you'll want to choose a driving school that's within your budget and not too far from home, especially since you'll need to take gas fare to and from into account. But keep in mind that this is also an important investment towards your future driving safety. Many states will require you to take around 24-30 hours of classroom instruction and about 6 hours of on-the-road practice. So follow these four steps to find the best driving school for your time and money:

Step One: Scout Your Options

This is easy: search for schools in your vicinity. Flip through the yellow pages, do a search online, or ask a friend for their recommendation. When you've got a couple of schools on your list, it's time to narrow it down.

Step Two: Pare It Down

Make sure the schools on your list are accredited by your state's DMV: you can find this out by calling them or checking online. Ask about prices and lesson packages too. If everything's reasonable and the place seems credible, schedule a visit. You're going to be spending more than a couple of hours in the school you choose, so it's best to make sure it's one that you're comfortable in and actually like.

Step Three: Pay A Visit

Now it's time to check out the school. How do you feel there - at ease or nervous? Does the staff seem organized and helpful? You'll want a place with modern classrooms and student vehicles, classes that aren't overcrowded, and up-to-date extras like driving simulators. Are the instructors knowledgeable, and attentive to each student? Find out about their class curriculum - it should teach more than just DMV manual basics, but also useful skills like defensive driving and car maintenance. If a school just isn't up to par, keep going down the list until you find one that is!

Step Four: Getting the Finances Straight

Now you may have found the perfect school, but what if tuition is a little too high? Try asking if they can offer you a "new driver" discount or an installment plan to break up the cost. Many driving schools are happy to do this, so there's no harm in asking. Keeping customers happy is a good school's first priority, so they shouldn't worry about bending just a little!

That's it! It's a pretty simple process - although flipping through the yellow pages and picking a driving school at random is much faster, it really is worth the effort of finding the best one. Drivers ed class is where you'll gain the skills and knowledge that will help you for the rest of your driving years, and what you learn there could even save your life one day. Not to mention that sitting though drivers ed at the wrong school can be awful; wouldn't you rather be at one that makes the experience more fun, interesting, and useful?