We have a love-hate relationship with the summer months. We love it because it is a busy time of year when students are out of school and start their driver training. We hate it because there are those that think they can “get it done” in the rush before school starts. A lot of it is driven by the “need” for a parking permit at school because a license is required to be eligible for one. The other reason we hear is: they are really busy during the school year. QUALITY driver training cannot be rushed!
There are schools that will “get you in and get you out,” but DrivingMBA IS NOT one of them. We have specific objectives that students need to meet and a rigorous road test to evaluate whether or not a student is ready to solo. DrivingMBA recommends 100 hours of practice while on a learners permit. You may ask “why” the state only requires 30? The reason is simple, to develop good skills and mastery in ANYTHING, it requires practice. Our goal is to put safe, confident and responsible drivers on the road, not to license students as quickly as possible. Think about it – if your student is involved in sports, dance, music, or drama – how much practice do they put in before they are “ready for the game, the recital, or the play?” Would you tell the coach, “we don’t have time to practice?” I think NOT, then why is driving practice ANY different?
School is starting in some districts in the next couple of weeks and almost all students will be back in school by early August. The hectic schedules of school, homework and extra curricular activities will begin in earnest and practice driving will fall to the wayside. Budget both time and money for driver training and the necessary practice time. If you can’t put the time and effort in now, then put it off until you do have time. Our Program Advisor has a saying: “we are not an easy-bake oven, you don’t drop off a student and we pop out a good driver.”
Our expectation is that you engage with us and do the necessary practice to get your teenager road ready. Don’t rush this and don’t cut corners, because “driving” is not something that should be taken lightly. It is a big responsibility that requires dedication on both the part of a student and the parent. We will do EVERYTHING in our power to help students develop the necessary skills and support you in your practice, but we can’t do it without your participation.
“Would you tell the coach, “we don’t have time to practice?” I think NOT, then why is driving practice ANY different?”
Great point! And a car can do a lot more damage than a baseball bat or soccer ball. Just like anything else in life, it takes time and practice to get good at it. Driving is something that you can’t learn overnight, nor should it be.
Thank you Mike!! I wish we could get through to more people about how important it is to practice driving.