Ready to Drive? Meeting Driver’s Ed Requirements
Getting behind the wheel for the first time can be a daunting experience. Thankfully, driver’s education can turn this pivotal moment into a safe and structured journey. By providing essential knowledge and hands-on experience, driver’s ed programs lay a strong foundation for new drivers.
Here’s why every new driver should invest in one, and what you need to know about getting started.
Why Is Driver’s Education Valuable?
Driver’s ed isn’t a box to check off. It’s a critical step for anyone who wants to become a safe and responsible driver. A reputable driver’s education program gives you:
Essential driving knowledge
Driver’s ed teaches you the ins and outs of traffic laws, safe driving practices, and how to handle emergencies. And it’s all taught in an intentional, structured format, so new drivers know they’re getting the right skills to drive safely.
More confidence
If you’re nervous about driving, you’re not alone. Driver’s ed offers both classroom lessons and practical experience to help you feel more confident behind the wheel. This confidence, in turn, makes you a better driver!
Impaired driving awareness
Hearing “don’t drink and drive” is one thing, but actually taking lessons on its devastating effects is another. Driver’s education courses stress the impact of impaired driving, often showing real-life testimonials of the harm it can cause.
Insurance benefits
Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete a certified driver’s ed course — a nice bonus on top of becoming a safer driver.
How Can You Get Started?
Ready to enroll in a course? If your end goal is to obtain your license, you’ll need to meet a few requirements. First, you must be at least 15 years and six months old. You also need a learner’s permit, which involves passing a written knowledge test at the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (Need help getting your permit? There are separate driver’s ed courses for that, too). Finally, if you’re under 18 years old, your parents’ permission is required to enroll in a professional driver’s ed program.
The Next Step: Getting Your License
Completing driver’s ed is an important part of your journey to getting your license in Arizona, but it’s not the only step. Here’s what else you’ll need to do.
Learner’s permit
Whether you completed a driver’s ed course or prepared at home, you need to be at least 16 years old and have held your learner’s permit for at least six months before you can apply for your graduated driver’s license,
Practice hours
Arizona law requires new drivers under 18 to complete at least 30 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night) before applying for a license. You can complete these hours with a parent or guardian, or substitute these hours by completing an approved driver’s education program.
Road Test
Finally, you’ll need to pass an MVD-approved road test to show you’ve mastered essential driving knowledge and skills. Many driver’s ed programs, like ours here at Stop & Go, will allow you to take this test with your course instructor rather than at the MVD.
How Stop & Go Can Help
We’re here to make your journey to becoming a safe, licensed driver as smooth as possible.
- Comprehensive driver training: Our program includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training, during which students learn everything from basic driving concepts to more advanced skills.
- Expert instructors: All MVD-certified, our experienced instructors ensure every student feels comfortable and confident.
- Road test waivers: Students can take an MVD road evaluation on the last day of their course. Passing with a minimum score of 80 lets you bypass the MVD road test.
- Flexible scheduling: We get it; life is busy. That’s why we have multiple course locations and flexible scheduling options to fit driver’s ed into your everyday schedule.
Ready to take the next step toward becoming a confident, licensed driver? Enroll in a driver’s ed course and let us guide you through every twist and turn.
