BBB Tip: Finding a good driving school near you

Parents and teens seek a good driver education program when it comes time to get a license. In addition, some adults are seeking online driving schools to help boost their driving records or fulfill a court requirement.

Finding a quality driver training program can be a challenge; however, with a bit of research, you can find one to suit your needs.

What to consider

• Requirements: Be sure to check your local DMV requirements for driving resources. AAA offers customized resources by state, and the Driving School Association of the Americas (DSAA), an international association of driving school owners, offers a DMV resource page that can help Canadians find resources as well. If you’re looking to fulfill a legal requirement or help lower your insurance bill, be certain that the school you choose is one of the approved programs. Your DMV should have a list of approved programs, and your auto insurance company will be able to tell you if completing the program will help lower your payments.
• Safety: Obviously, safety needs to be a top concern when choosing a driving school. The American Driver & Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA) has a credentialing system for driver education teachers. Check to see that your driver’s ed instructor is properly credentialed.
• Reputation: Check out a company on BBB.org, or see a directory listing of driving schools near you or driving lessons near you. A BBB Business Profile can show you whether the school or instructor is BBB Accredited, their BBB Rating, any complaints filed against the business and how they were handled, and customer reviews. Your local AAA club can also give recommendations.
• Policies: Find out if you have to sign a contract and what the make-up policy is if you have to miss a class. Check to see if you can get a cancellation refund.
• Quality: If you are searching for your teen, check that the training program includes at least 30 hours of instruction and six to 10 hours of behind-the-wheel training (the minimum recommended by AAA). Avoid short courses that may not provide enough instruction.
• Type of Instruction: If you’re already a licensed driver and are looking for driving school, you may desire to have an online-only experience versus spending a Saturday in a classroom. Check out the company to see if they have an online option, and ensure that your insurance or court system will accept the program.
• Certificate or credentials Once you find the best driver training program for you or your teen and complete it, make sure you receive a certificate of completion or other credentials that you can submit to DMV or the appropriate agency.

For more information

Find driving schools near you or driving lessons near you.

Look for businesses that adhere to the BBB Standards for Trust. Read more about BBB's Accreditation Standards.