Whether learning to drive or refreshing driving skills learned years ago, it is important to select the correct driving school. In any given area, consumers can choose from several schools but all of these are not created equal. In fact, some driving schools break the law on a regular basis in order to save time and earn more money. To prevent being taken for a ride, literally and figuratively speaking, learn the law and select a driving school that follows it.
The law being referred to is the following:
13:23-2(c) the only occupants allowed in the instruction vehicle during the required 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving instructions are the school instructor, the student receiving the instruction, a parent or legal guardian, an instructor-in-training, or an instructor supervisor, (d) no more than 3 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction may be provided to any one student in any one calendar day.
In a practice called piggybacking, some driving schools end a scheduled appointment at the home of the next student being instructed. The student who just finished a driving lesson gets into the back of the car, while the new student begins his or her lesson. An instructor may ask the initial student for consent to do this. Few students object because most are not aware of the law.
Though this process reduces gas consumption and saves the instructor time so more appointments can be booked within a day, resulting in higher daily income, the law does not permit it. A driving student should never be inconvenienced in order for an instructor to squeeze more appointments into the daily schedule. A driving lesson should begin and end at the home of the student and the instructor should provide undivided attention to that individual.
New drivers should learn from the best and that means a reputable driving instructor who would never break the law. This professional is aware of all current driving regulations and is qualified to instruct drivers of all ages in a safe and respectable manner. Lessons involve driving on actual roadways, not sitting behind simulators, and teach skills that prepare students to take their driving tests.
Learning to drive makes an individual independent and refreshing driving skills keeps licensed drivers safe. A driving instructor should never compromise this by violating the law through piggybacking appointments. Look for a driving school with instructors who do not engage in this practice, making your convenience the top priority.
*Photo Courtesy of Stephen Fulljames via Creative Commons License