What is the cost of driving school?

If you are preparing to get your driver’s license, you might be required by your state to receive training from a qualified driving school. Even if you aren’t, it’s often a good idea to get you ready for the testing. Is it worth it?

Driving lessons can cost between $50-200 per lesson. A package deal might allow you to receive the lessons at a discount rate. Any additional costs such as a road check or transportation for lessons could increase the total cost. 

This guide will explain how costs are calculated. You will also find practical advice that will help you to save money when you take lessons. 

Factors that Influence Driving School's Cost

1. Hourly rate

You might find a low or high hourly rate depending on your location. You might be charged as low as $50 an hour in some states. Of course, you aren’t going to take just one lesson, so you must multiply this by how many you plan to take. For $300, six lessons would cost $50 each.

It’s important to check with your local state to see what’s required. It is possible that you will need hours of training prior to taking the road test. Additionally, it’s important to see what’s included with every lesson. If you are paying $100 for a lesson, but it’s two hours long and comes with online materials for reference, you might be getting a better deal than the lesson that’s an hour for $50. 

2. Flat Rate Package

Because you may need multiple lessons, many companies will offer flat rates at a slight discount. It doesn't matter where you reside, most instructors have a pre-arranged package for your state. 

You might be able to get slightly lower per-lead rates if you sign up for a package. The instructor could charge $75 for each lesson, which is $400 for six lessons. This would save you $50. 

However, on top of the lesson package, you might need to pay extra for anything that’s not included. This can add $100 to the cost of practicing for the road exam. Additional money can be paid to help you focus on areas of concern. If you have trouble parallel-parking, for example, spending a little extra time in this area could be beneficial. 

3. Frequency and Duration of Lessons

The number of lessons that you sign up for will impact the overall cost. A one-hour lesson will cost you a lot more than scheduling 10 lessons. Companies prefer you to take lessons together. 

You will feel more at ease the more you drive, particularly in the lead up to your test. It’s also important to choose a school that takes you on roads comparable to what’s around you. If you will be spending a lot of time on the highway, that’s where you want to practice. It is also important to consider the road test, and in what conditions. 

4. Includes Vehicle

Some driving schools allow you to use your vehicle during lessons. Sometimes the company offers the car. You might be allowed to test the car on your own roads for an additional fee. This might work better for your teenager if they are going to driving lessons. The service may cost more than you think, particularly if they pick you up after your lessons and drop you off.

The other benefits to using the provided car include having an up-to-date vehicle that’s fully insured. The vehicles have dual controls. The instructor can also use the pedals and wheel on this setup. The instructor is able to quickly assume control and protect all involved if the driver does something that might cause an accident.

READ MORE: Car driving tips for beginners (Driving license tips) 

The Best Driving School Deals

1. Compare All Available Schools

There could be several driving schools in your locality, with each having its own price. It’s important to call all of your local options to find out what your choices are. However, you don’t want to simply choose based on the price alone.

Instead, compare what’s being offered and what’s included with the rate. There’s no reason to pay for services you don’t need, but also wise to bundle services if you need something beyond basic. Write all of the options out, weighing the differences between prices vs. what’s provided. 

2. For Discounts

When you call to get prices, it’s unlikely that the company is going to offer up every discount it has. It is up to you to inquire. 

Talk about packages first. Some of them offer reduced per-lesson rates. Many companies offer discount coupons for veterans, among other things. You aren’t out anything by asking, but you could save a lot of money by taking the chance. 

3. You can check the local areas

You should do a cost analysis on schools outside your immediate area. It might not be worth the effort to travel 20 minutes just to get to school, but it could save you $50 each lesson.

Get out a map and pen to chart out what’s available near you. It won’t take long until you find out what regions are providing better rates, and you can focus your attention there. 

4. Find out about the refund policy

If you choose a driving school without a good refund policy, you could be out all of the money you pay when the service isn’t what you expected. Ask for information about the policy on refunds before you make your decision. No matter how cheap the lessons are, it’s not wise to pick a company without some sort of guarantee. 

You want to be completely satisfied with your company. If you do fail your test, you will also need additional lessons. The extra expense for these lessons is well worth it, even though you will have to spend a bit more.

Be careful with the company that you select, even if it offers the most guarantees. To ensure that they are true to their promises, take the time to do some online research. If they do not, then the guarantee will be meaningless. 

RELATED : How many times can you fail a driving exam?

How do you choose a driving school?

These are some factors to consider before you decide on the driving school that will be paid.

• In-person visit: Go to the facility to see what it’s about. Visit the facility to learn more about its culture. Meet the instructors and you can make sure that you are compatible.
• Check involvement: If you are enrolling your teenage driver, you want a provider that’s going to keep you involved in the process. Discuss what parents are entitled to, whether it’s regular updates or the chance to observe. So your child can be successful, you should keep them informed about any driving difficulties and progress.
• Time required: You want to choose a school that’s going to take the time needed to ensure complete understanding. It is better to choose a longer program, with more instruction, if the program feels rushed. You should also allow for more time behind the wheel. It’s impossible for an instructor to learn every area that needs to be worked on in a shorter timeframe. 
• Safety first: You don’t want to work with programs that include emergency driving maneuvers. You don’t need this or lessons in skid control. Even though these classes are not necessary, they can increase your chance of being involved in a crash, particularly with young drivers. 
• Verify reputation. Check the Better Business Bureau for information about the ratings of local schools. To see the opinions of other customers, you can do an internet search. The company must respond to negative reviews and make efforts to correct them.
• Get in touch with your insurance company. These classes may be required in order to receive an insurance discount. Make sure that you choose the right company. Talk to your agent to discuss the plan you want to pursue to get the discounts you desire.

It is possible to find the perfect provider for your needs by doing some research.