Driving school is an important part of any teen’s (or adult’s) education. While not every state requires that new drivers complete state-approved driving courses before receiving their license, it is extremely important if you are concerned about the safety of your teen. Over 36 percent of all teen deaths are caused by motor vehicle crashes, so top notch driving instruction is vital if you want to protect your novice driver. Here a few tips to help you find the best driving school and ensure your teen’s safety.

The first five hundred miles that a teenager drives are the most dangerous for them. During this time they are 10 times more likely to crash. And, in general, teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 are 4 times more likely to crash than more experienced drivers. Drivers ed can provide a teenager with supervised time on the road that should significantly reduce their chances of getting into a fatal accident. Good drivers training focuses on all aspects of operating a motor vehicle, including traffic codes and laws, in addition to vehicle operation.

When looking for a driving school you should visit any facility in which you are interested. Ask specific questions about details of the program, including on-road practice and conditions; ask about the instructor’s credentials and the program’s accreditation status; and be sure to ask about how much parent involvement there is. You will want to make sure that the program you choose doesn’t rush the learning process. Driving school can include a lot of information, and everybody learns at a different pace.

The Driving school’s curriculum should cover every aspect of driving that it can in the required 30 hours of classroom instruction. Ensure that your teen is learning more than just the basics, including, but not limited to, car maintenance, how to handle emergencies, insurance issues, the dangers of driving under the influence, how to read road maps, what to do in case of an accident, and anything else that you may consider important.

While classroom instruction is vital to a teenage driver’s education, behind the wheel training is equally, if not more, important. Make sure that your teenager is getting enough time behind the wheel so they can become comfortable with handling a vehicle on the road. Also be sure to ask about what locations your teen will be driving in. While learning the basics of operating a vehicle on a road with little traffic is important, you will want to be sure that your teenager is also getting experience driving in various locations and conditions.

Finally, be sure that the driving school encourages face-to-face time between the instructor and parent. A good driving school will include parents as much as possible, with instructors advising how you can support and supervise training. A good relationship between parent and instructor creates safer drivers by ensuring parents reinforce the lessons taught during driving school.

The first traffic accident ever recorded occurred in New York City in 1899. Make sure your teenager isn’t one of the millions that have come since by finding the best driving school for them.