Another driver’s ed question

[Anonymous]

New poster with a kid who needs drivers’ ed (Maryland). Does it matter when you take the class or should you time it so class is right before teen is ready for the in car sessions? DS just got his permit and we’d like to get the class done in the summer, but I know the in car experience is best saved for when they have decent experience driving. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I think it's better to take the theoretical classes, where they teach you the rules of the road, before getting behind the wheel, so you know what the rules are once you're actually ON the road. And yes, usually it's better to keep the info fresh. Your kid can take the theory and start with a few behind the wheel lessons, all this summer.

[Anonymous]

It doesn't matter.

The class is dull and boring (even the one taught by former cops who try to scare them), and they won't line it. In car is a little scary the first time (and the first time they drive on the Beltway or 270), but they get used to it.

[Anonymous]

In our area, the kids can’t do the driving instructor portion until the class was finished. It worked well for us. DS did the class right after he turned 15 last summer. Then we did driving hours with parents. Then driving instructor hours. Now he’s done.

[Anonymous]

You have to do the class first. But there is no specified amount of time between the class and the driving sessions. You can wait as long as you want.

Personally I’d wait until your child is pretty proficient at driving before the driving sessions. They have to certify that your kid can drive and if they don’t you’re going to have to pay for extra sessions.

[Anonymous]

Save one in-car session for right before your son’s going to go for the in-car driving test.

[Anonymous]

We did the class before getting the permit. Then scheduled the in-person driving during the last 3 months before the drivers test. You should have some driving experience before the first in-person driving lesson, maybe 10 hours. Low enough so the instructor can correct something before it turns into a bad habit, but high enough that you don’t kill the instructor in a fiery crash.

[Anonymous]

Whenever it's convenient.

The class stuff is just taking up time to say they did something to justify extorting all that money from you. It doesn't teach anything one cannot learn in 10 min with a booklet or online.