Originally Posted On: https://brentwooddrivertraining.com/how-to-start-your-drivers-ed-journey-without-a-learners-permit
How to Start Your Driver’s Ed Journey Without a Learner’s Permit
It’s estimated that nearly one out of five individuals aren’t considered fit to drive and would fail a driving test if they took one today. This alarming statistic emphasizes the need for a well-rounded, comprehensive driving education.
Unfortunately, knowing where to begin on your driver’s ed journey can be a challenge. For example, if you don’t even have your learner’s permit, then how can you learn without getting behind the wheel?
The starting line for responsible driving doesn’t begin with your learner’s permit, but rather with the education that comes before it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get your learner’s permit so you can be a safe, competent driver.
Get a Driver’s Manual
Most would-be drivers are eager to get behind the wheel. However, remember that there are over six million car accidents per year. And that’s with people who know how to drive!
Plus, without your learner’s permit, it’s illegal to operate a vehicle. As such, it doesn’t matter if you’re just cruising around – you need to learn the basics. To do that, you will need to study your driver’s manual.
Different states typically have different types of driver’s manuals. The good news is that you can often get a free copy online, so you won’t need to buy anything. For example, here in Tennessee, you can find the official manual here.
Your driver’s manual will be your best friend when you’re learning how to drive. It will teach you the basics, like the rules of the road and traffic signs. However, it will also teach you essential fundamentals, like operating a vehicle.
Study the Manual and Quiz Yourself
Many people make the mistake of thinking it’s just enough to read through the manual. Unfortunately, a simple read-through doesn’t reinforce the important material that’s found in the document.
What’s more, you aren’t going to be able to memorize anything by just browsing things. Remember that to get your driving permit, you will need to pass a quiz. As such, you’re going to need to put some time aside to study.
The good news is that there are plenty of online quizzes and flashcards you can use. It doesn’t matter what study method you prefer, just make sure you know the material forwards and backward.
Sign Up for a Classroom Course
Some people prefer to learn and study all on their own. While this is a perfectly valid way to prepare for your learner’s permit quiz, it’s not for everyone.
Many individuals learn better in a traditional classroom setting since there are fewer distractions and they can ask questions if they have them. If you fall in this category, consider looking for a teen driving school that prepares you for both the learner’s permit and your eventual driver’s license.
Many instructors cater to both of these demographics. While they will cost money, it can help ensure that you don’t need to take the learner’s permit quiz multiple times.
Apply for the Learner’s Permit
Once you’ve studied, you’ll be ready to apply for your learner’s permit. Keep in mind that you’ll need to be at least fifteen years old to apply for it. When you’re ready, find the nearest local driver services center.
To apply, you’ll need to bring some relevant documents. These include:
- Proof of your name
- Proof of your date of birth
- Proof of your citizenship
- Proof of your school attendance
- A birth certificate
Once you provide these documents to the individual helping you, they will administer an eye exam. To get a driver’s license, you need to have 20/40 in at least one of your eyes.
Once you’ve passed, it’s time for the knowledge exam. The exam will ask you thirty questions that test your knowledge of road signs and core driving skills.
To pass, you will need to get 80%, or twenty-four of the answers right. If you fail, you can always study and take it again. If you pass, you’ll be asked to pay a fee of $10.50. Then they’ll take your picture and give you a permit that’s valid for one year.
Begin Practicing
The fastest way to learn how to drive with confidence is through practice. When you’re first startingout, every new experience can seem terrifying. Things like merging onto a busy freeway or parallel parking can seem like impossible tasks.
As contradictory as it sounds, the key to getting over this fear is to just do it. And don’t just do it once – practice it over and over again. The more you successfully drive, the more confidence you’ll have.
Plus, you’ll get a feel for the muscle memory that’s required to operate a car. Make sure you’re not just practicing during nice weather during the day.
You need to be exposed to all types of driving conditions. Driving at night, or during the rain, can ensure that you’re not overwhelmed when faced with these conditions for the first time.
Sign Up for Driving Lessons
In-car driver’s ed lessons are another great way to learn some tips for driving safely. There are plenty of options out there. The most common form will start with an in-class section, before moving on to practical driving lessons with other teens.
However, if you don’t work well in a group setting, you can sign up for individual driver’s ed lessons.
This is also a good option for people who have failed their lessons multiple times. Individualized attention can help ensure that you ace your lessons and get your license.
Ready to Start Your Driver’s Ed Journey? Sign Up for Brentwood Driver Training
We hope this guide helped you learn more about how to start your driver’s ed journey. Here at Brentwood Driver Training, we know how stressful learning how to drive can be.
When you combine a potentially dangerous activity like driving with an angry teacher, it’s a recipe for disaster.
That’s why we do everything in our power to prioritize a stress-free learning environment. So if you’re ready to get behind the wheel, get in touch with us today.
