For many students, driving is one of the most exciting high school experiences.  Yet the prospects of learning how to drive can be overall overwhelming, so to alleviate this process, here is your brief guide to all things driving.

The first step to driving is getting your learner’s permit.  The process mainly begins your sophomore year when your start taking Driver’s Ed classes in place of one marking period for Phys Ed.  Driver’s Ed is a part of the school curriculum and the course revolves around learning how to drive, mainly the mechanics, but also heavily on the content you will need to know for your written driving test.  This test is actually taken in school as the final grade for the class. If you pass the test you get a certificate as proof that you have fulfilled this requirement.

Once you turn 16, you can then sign up for your six hours of driving.  Essentially, you are required by state law to take driving lessons with a certified instructor who will from then teach you how to drive. The program is six hours of learning how to drive, from how to turn on your car, to driving on the highway and even parallel parking. These sessions are offered through the high school or through private companies like The Academy School of Driving. Pricing for this can range quite dramatically depending on the season and availability they have. In spring especially, many students opt to take their driving lessons as opposed to during the harsher winter weather. Typically, I have seen pricing for this range from around $200-600.

For those who turn 16 before they take Driver’s Ed in school, you are available to take your written test and driving hours at any time. You’re always allowed to wait until you have class, but if you would like to get a jump on this process you can take the written test at your local DMV, for a small fee. You can study online and state certified driving books are available for free at your DMV. Once you have completed your six hours, you are free to drive and you receive your learner’s permit. With this, you are allowed to drive wherever between 5 AM to 11 PM, as long as you are accompanied by a licensed driver over 21. During this time period, permit drivers are also required to have a red sticker called a reflection decal on the front and back license plate of your car to indicted that you are a learner. These are available for $4 at the DMV.

Once you have completed your six hours, you are free to drive and you receive your learner’s permit. With this, you are allowed to drive wherever between 5 AM to 11 PM, as long as you are accompanied by a licensed driver over 21. During this time period, permit drivers are also required to have a red sticker called a reflection decal on the front and back license plate of your car to indicate that you are a learner. These are available for $4 at the DMV.

After a year of driving with your permit, once you turn 17 you are allowed to take your driver’s test at the DMV for your probationary license. Your driver’s test is usually scheduled for your birthday when you get your learner’s permit at the DMV once you complete your six hours.

On the day of your driver’s test, you will need to provide six valid pieces of identification and your valid examination permit.  You must use a registered car with a current inspection sticker and insurance card, as well as reflection decals on your license plates.  Your car is also not allowed to have a center console unless the emergency brake is accessible from the passenger seat. The examiner must be able to reach either the foot brake or parking brake during your test.

If you pass your test, you will now be able to drive unsupervised, during the 5AM-11PM curfew with the inclusion of one additional passenger.  However, if you fail, it’s no big deal because you can schedule to take it again in two weeks.

Learning how to drive can be difficult, but the more you practice, the easier it gets. Regardless of if you pass or fail, driving is one of the most exciting parts of high school life. So, don’t forget to practice and enjoy the ride!