As drivers become comfortable behind the wheel, they tend to pick up bad habits. Some are harmless while others are very dangerous to themselves and others on the road. Luckily, these bad habits can be corrected. Here are six of the most common habits drivers have and how they can be corrected.

1. Right of Way Errors

Approaching an intersection is dangerous when not everyone knows who has the right of way. The laws were written to help everyone proceed through these traffic patterns safely, but too many drivers do not know who should go and just enter the intersection. Correct this mistake by reviewing the rules and then always proceed cautiously. It is always better to be observant and yield to anyone who enters the intersection, even if you feel you have the right of way. It is better to be alive.

2. Using Turn Signals

Drivers who become too comfortable behind the wheel often get lazy when it comes to using their signal. It is vital to use them when changing lanes, making a turn, pulling off the road, or even when waiting for a parking spot. This lets other drivers and passengers know what your intentions are and help them plan accordingly. Correct the bad habit by committing to signal, making a conscious effort to make signaling second nature.

3. Driving with Proper Documentation

Any time a driver is operating a vehicle, they are required to have their driver’s license with them. One bad habit many drivers pick up is that they run to the car without their license. Try to always remember to bring your license with you. Other documents to keep in the car are your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

4. Observing Signs

Even when drivers are watching the road, they aren’t always observing. A bad habit that drivers pick up is driving in auto-pilot mode and not paying enough attention to important warnings and information on posted signs. Notice signs that indicate speed limits, upcoming turns, and warnings that are up ahead on the road. It can make all the difference in keeping you and your passengers safe.

5. Driving Drowsy

While most drivers are aware of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, but there is another danger just as great; driving drowsy. When drivers are becoming tired, they often commit to pushing through and just getting where they need to go. Instead, if you notice that you are getting too tired, pull off and find ways to wake up or find a place to sleep.

6. Distracted Driving

Becoming comfortable behind the wheel means that drivers can get reckless. When cargo isn’t secured and spills around, a phone is dropped under a seat, or a conversation with passengers becomes heated, drivers become distracted and don’t pay proper attention to the road in front of them and their surroundings. Limit distractions in the car. Pull off the road to pick up dropped items, make a call or send a text. Don’t let yourself become so negligent that you take your eyes off the road and risk crashing your car.

Making a commitment to stay safe on the road includes not picking up some of these bad habits. Try to do a self-evaluation each year on your driving and notice what you can improve. Go back to your teen driver’s education notes and remind yourself about the laws and defensive driving tips. By always recommitting to be a safe driver, you are already working on being a safer driver.

Driving anxiety is a common problem where a person feels hesitant or anxious to drive. This can be simply an irrational fear or anxiety or a full-blown diagnosed phobia. Having this anxiety can be difficult if you don’t live in a large city with a great public transportation system in place. The upside to this fear is that this can be conquered when given some simple tools. Here are 5 such tools to help yourself overcome adult driving anxiety.

1. Don’t Stop Driving

Like all fears and anxieties, avoiding the activity can make the situation worse. This is especially true if you have gotten into a car crash and feel scared to try again. Instead of going to extreme lengths to avoid driving, start small. Get behind the wheel and drive to the nearest grocery store, park, or shopping center. Keep your location close enough that you are driving, but not getting on a freeway or busy highway. Also, try to only drive during daylight hours so you can have a clearer view of your surroundings. As you improve, increase the distances to include roads that have more drivers and higher speed limits. This way, you slowly conquer your fears instead of avoiding it altogether and making it worse.

2. Have a Trusted Passenger

Ask a trusted family member or friend to sit in the front seat while you drive. You can either talk through your fears with this person while you drive or let them offer support and encouragement. Either way, this can help relieve some of the pent-up anxiety when driving.

3. Take an Online Driver’s Ed Course

Whether your fear has kept you from ever having a license or the anxiety has set in later in life, taking a driver’s ed online can help calm some of your nerves. Refreshing your driving skills or learning to drive from a professional can help you feel more confident behind the wheel.

5. Create a Peaceful Driving Environment

External factors like noise smells, and a lot of clutter can increase anxiety and fear, even if it is subconsciously. Try playing peaceful music in the car to help calm the nerves. Find an air freshener that makes you feel calm and happy to use in the vehicle. Another great tool is to keep your car clean. Pick up trash and organize your belongings so that there is less clutter weighing you down mentally.

6. Manage Your Stress

Practice saying positive affirmations out loud while you are driving. Use phrases like “I can do this” and “I am a good driver” to help boost your confidence. Saying it out loud can help fortify these statements in your mind. If you are experiencing a lot of stress in your life outside of driving, work on decreasing those before getting behind the wheel. Typical tools include exercising, taking breaks, and meditating often help control stress.

Keep on Practicing

For many people, anxiety can hit at any time or place, with no way to predict it. Keeping a toolbox of practical tools for dealing with it in your mind is a great way to find a solution for each situation. Practice driving and using these different tools for decreasing anxiety and fear. Soon, you will learn how to manage, cope with, and conquer your fear of driving.

Getting your driver’s license is a big step in life that most teenagers anxiously anticipate. The process of completing the necessary steps to become licensed can be a little confusing though. One of the most confusing parts is that every state is a little different. If this is the first time helping a teenager get their license, here is a guide to the process.

Common Requirements

Even though each state will have its own process for getting a license, each requires certain requirements. For instance, Washington, California, and Florida all require the following steps:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Teen students require practice driving with a limited permit before licensing. A licensed parent, legal guardian or experienced licensed adult must be in the passenger seat during these practice drives.
• Pass a vision screening
• Must have signed permission form from parents or legal guardians
• Provide documentation with birth certificate, social security number, and residency in the state
• Complete a teen drivers education course
• Driver must pass an official, administered test on the laws at an official location
• Driver must pass a driving test, administered at an official location
• Have a photo taken and pay licensing fees
• Each state has stipulations on who is allowed in the car with a newly licensed driver and each requires no passengers under 20 in the car during the first 6 months without a licensed adult in the car too, excluding family members from this restriction.

These similarities are great common ground to build from, but each state has extra steps or different requirements to these steps for teens to get their driver’s license. Here are some variations through the states of Washington, California, and Florida.

Washington

In this state, teen drivers are required to practice driving for 40 hours with 10 of those hours being at night. While a parent or legal guardian is the ideal person to be in the passenger seat, Washington law allows for anyone to be the responsible driver, if they have been licensed at least 5 years. Another difference is that Washington allows an online registration process option for new drivers while the other states do not.

The stipulations for new drivers under the age of 18 include the above-mentioned commonality of no one under 20 in the car during the first 6 months, but there is also a restriction on passengers for the next 6 months too. There are no more than 3 passengers under 20 allowed in the car. The state also restricts driving between 1 and 5 a.m. during the first year unless accompanies by a licensed adult or if it is for agricultural purposes.

California

Permitted drivers are required to practice 50 hours, with 10 being at night. The only adults allowed to drive with a learning permit holder are parents, legal guardians, licensed drivers age 25 or older, and driving instructors. Also, before licensing, signatures for permission are required by all parents or guardians with custody, not just one.

Restrictions for newly licensed drivers include no driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the first year. Also during the first year, it is not allowed to drive any passengers under 20 years old who are not immediately related unless there is a licensed adult age 25 or older in the car unless it is for work, school, or medical reasons. Drivers under 18 years old are also not allowed to use cellphones or wireless communication devices while driving, including hands-free devices.

Florida

The state of Florida has a more formatted version of driving rights called Graduated licensing laws. Before licensing, a permit driver must complete 50 hours of practice driving with 10 of those hours at night, with a responsible adult 21 years old or older present. During the first three months of licensure, drivers can drive in daylight hours only. After those three months, drivers are only allowed to drive until 10 pm and not before 6 a.m. unless it is for work or with another driver who is 21 years of age or older. After a driver is 17 years old, there is no driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by someone 21 years of age or older.

Driving Safely

Each state has its own modifications, but the laws are all very similar. These have been proven to help give teenagers the freedom to drive while also helping to minimize the dangers that are common with new drivers. Another thing that all states have in common is that if there are too many at-fault collisions, traffic violations, or any alcohol or drug use when driving, drivers could lose all driving privileges for varying amounts of time.

Few things are as exciting as getting your driver’s license. It means more freedom, responsibility, and power. Once you have your California license, you are probably itching to start hitting the road and seeing all the amazing things the state has to offer. Luckily, there are many options for terrains and experiences that are all contained in this one great state. To get you started, here are five places you should add to your list to see in California.

1. San Diego

This is a popular tourist spot for good reason. There are plenty of soft, sandy beaches to play on with great access to the ocean. Try some surfing here or just play in the waves. Want more structure or venues to visit? There are plenty to choose from here like the zoo, Sea World, and the old missions. You can even check out the USS Midway Museum. There truly is something for everyone in this city, which makes it the perfect destination for a road trip no matter your age.

2. Yosemite

No California road trip list is complete without mentioning this world-famous national park. This bit of the state offers hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and plenty of places to camp. Some of the most famous landmarks in the country are in this park, including El Capitan and Half Dome. This area is a bit more spread out too, so if you have recently finished your Online Drivers Ed courses, this is a great beginning point with less traffic than the bigger cities.

3. Anaheim

Disneyland is one of the most popular theme parks in the world and it is great for visitors of all ages. Since you live in California and have more freedom to get there, consider buying an annual park pass and check out the many different events offered throughout the year. It’s also great for coming up with plans for dates or just something to do on a weekend. Even better, it is closely situated to some awesome beaches, like Huntington Beach, so you can pack a lot into your visit.

4. San Francisco

Another big city to visit is more north and offers a lot of experiences too. Check out Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, or go see a Broadway play. Many restaurants and cafes in the city have been featured on food shows and received awards. There is certainly a lot of culture to experience in this city.

5. Lake Tahoe

One place in California that offers different kinds of fun depending on the season is Lake Tahoe. During the summer months, the lake is great for swimming, water sports, and mountain biking. Hiking is another popular summer activity, with well-maintained trails and varying levels of difficulty. If you get your license in the winter and want to head somewhere, this is still a great destination to downhill ski, snowshoe, sled, or even try cross-country skiing.

While these five locations are all great to add to your road trip list, there is so much more California has to offer. Now that you have your driver’s license, you can really get out and explore, with your parent’s permission, of course. Show that you are responsible by double-checking that you carry your car’s registration and proof of insurance, an emergency kit, and that sparkly new driver’s license. Then get out there and discover for yourself while California is considered the Golden State.

Working through an online driver’s education class is a lot of work. Once you have completed the work and taken your driving test, it’s important that you take some time to celebrate. Exploring your home state is a great way to practice your driving skills while also doing something fun. If you are going to explore the state of Washington, here are 6 places to make sure you put on your road trip stops.

1. Seattle

While this can be a very intimidating place to drive, it is the most popular city in Washington. There are plenty of sites to see, including the Space Needle. There are some fun stops, including coffee shops, food stops, and the infamous gum wall. Pike Place is famous for its farmer’s markets, shops, and views. For a Washington road trip, this is a must-see.

2. Mount Rainier National Park

The tallest peak in the state, you can find it just south of Seattle. There are things to see in the Mount Rainier National Park. Year-round there are activities, including hiking in the summer through the Sunrise and Paradise regions, admiring waterfalls and enjoying the peace of the forest. During the winter, you can snowshoe around the parks and take in the excellent views.

3. San Juan Islands

Washington has plenty of islands, including clustered areas. North of Puget Sound, you can find the San Juan Islands and are reached by ferry. There are destinations that you should see here, including galleries, parks, and restaurants. Of course, there are plenty of water activities to do too, like boating, whale watching tours, and kayaking.

4. Olympic National Park

There is no shortage of scenery in this area of Washington. There are scenic drives that allow you to practice your driving while also taking in the incredible views. Stop in at the hot springs for a fun experience or hike up to a glacier. This is a stop you will use your camera a lot, so make sure it has a full battery.

5. Mount St. Helens

This volcano brought worldwide attention when it erupted in 1980. A monument was created, along with a visitor’s center, observatory, and science center. Schedule a stop to hike up to the top so you can see what remains and peer into the crater. Learn more about the disaster or get a permit to explore the area more in-depth.

6. Leavenworth

This town used to be known for its logging industry, but during the 1960s had a lull. To increase tourists and keep the town going, annual festivals and a Bavarian-theme were introduced. You will feel like you are in an authentic European city with the buildings, alphorn serenades, and residents wearing lederhosen.

These are just starting points for fun stops on a road trip. Don’t forget to pack your shiny, new Washington driver’s license and bring some extra cash. You might want to bring some money for souvenirs, a charger to keep your camera ready for anything, and some extra snacks for the car. Washington is a beautiful state with plenty to explore.

Once you have just finished your testing and have your Florida driver’s license, it might be time to go on a road trip. The good news is that Florida has a lot of fun destinations to visit. If you are finishing up your Drivers Ed classes and planning where you can take a drive to, here are six of the best places in Florida to visit.

Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society

For a truly unique animal experience, take a drive to this stop in West Palm Beach. With over 700 animals from all over the world, visitors can get an up-close view of many different habitats. Take an extra special trip on the Lion Country Safari through the African animal areas. There are also opportunities to feed giraffes and interact with animals in the petting zoo portion.

The Colonial Quarter

This living history museum is in St. Augustine. It highlights the history of the state during the 1500s to 1700s. One of the best features is the replica of a 16th-century boat. Other places to consider that are close to the Colonial Quarter are the Ximinez-Fatio House Museum, Maritime Museum, and the Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Key West is written about in songs and movies because of its beaches, food, and entertainment. It is home to another great treasure though with Dry Tortugas National Park. This park is home to seven reef islands that form an archipelago. It is a great place to visit if you are interested in ocean ecology or just want to check out a cool landmark for Florida.

Daytona

Known all around the world, this city is famous for the Daytona 500 Nascar Race. Whether you are a fan of racing or just want to witness the popular event, this is a fun road trip to make. The fans are always as entertaining as the race with everyone cheering for their favorite racers and all the excitement in the air. This is best for mid-level drivers because the crowds can draw a lot of traffic. Sit on the beach afterward to complete the road trip destination.

Miami

This city is iconic for culture, entertainment, and just being one of America’s hippest cities. The beaches are sandy and warm. The city center features both the old and new side of Florida. There is a wide range of restaurants that feature different levels of sophistication. Visitors can find Caribbean food, Latin flavors, southern cooking, and more.

Disney World

Orlando is home to some of the best theme parks around- Disney World being the king of them all. While the ticket might be expensive, it is well worth the cost for the rides, experiences, and amazing food options in the park. This is a perfect road trip for a driver with a little more experience since there is more traffic and bigger, wider roads. What’s more is that this park caters to visitors of all ages, so it’s a great option no matter who joins you on your trip.

If you are ready to hit the road with your new Florida driver’s license, these six destinations are just the beginning. Whether you choose to visit one of the other big cities, National Parks, or attractions in Florida or venture beyond state lines, road trips are a great opportunity to get more experience driving.

If you have a teenager that is getting ready to learn to drive, you might be wondering what the better option is: teaching them how to drive by yourself, or enrolling them in a driving school?

A parent-led program seems like it will be easy to do, but that isn’t always the case. Learning to drive can be very tense for the teen behind the wheel and for the parent trying to get them to listen.

Here are the top five reasons a driving school is a better option for learning to drive.

1. The instructors have experience teaching

Not everyone is a gifted teacher, and some instruction is harder to impart than others. Driving instructors have been doing this for more than one child. They have worked with different personalities, abilities, and experience levels, and they know how to make complex techniques and procedures more understandable.

Professional instructors have been trained on how to teach others to drive and have a set curriculum, so they don’t have to guess if they are covering all the material or going in the right order. This means they can do the job efficiently and thoroughly.

2. Instructors have fresh eyes

Sometimes, parents have a harder time teaching their child a skill because there is too much comfort between them, and the child doesn’t always feel the need to listen. Many new teen drivers think they already know most of the material and might not bother listening before acting.

When new drivers are working with instructors, they are not in the same comfort zone and are less likely to just ignore prompts while driving or deadlines for completing work.

3. It will get done

Many parents have the best intentions to make time for extra activities, but when life starts getting busy, they are often just too tied up or tired. This can cause tension between a teen and their parent if they are both busy and there isn’t enough time dedicated to driving lessons and completing driving hours fast enough for the teen.

Don’t add something else to your plate when you can enroll them in a driving school. This way, it will get done and you can support while not carrying the bulk of the responsibility.

4. Structured experience

Enrolling in a driving school creates opportunities for the student to have an instructor-led classroom experience as well as the necessary time behind the wheel. This creates a solid balance while ensuring that every student receives the necessary information and experience to pass their tests. The structure of the curriculum also ensures that each student can master all the basics that are required before more complex maneuvers can be mastered.

5. You still get to be an ally

Rather than trying to teach your teen to drive alone, use a driving school as a resource to help them learn the basics. As a parent, you can still be very involved with the process. Take your teen out driving for their mandatory hours. Review subjects for the driving tests. Do pop quizzes every now and then to keep the facts fresh in their minds for the driving test.

When your child is ready to drive, the right teen drivers education course can set them on a path to safe and defensive driving the rest of their lives. In some places (such as Colorado and Ohio), students have the option to take the classroom portion online. In other states (where online courses aren’t certified) a professional classroom setting with structured behind-the-wheel lessons remain the preferred course of action over parents teaching their own children.

Driving schools ensure that your child’s education behind the wheel will be done in a timelier manner and, most importantly, your new driver will still get top-notch driving lessons.

Be the best cheerleader you can and support their progress. Remember, their independence is a great thing for both of you.

One of the reasons people are hesitant to sign up for the new driver training courses is because of the cost. Driving lessons cost more money than a parent or friend teaching a student to drive, but the extra cost is worth it. Learning to drive is an adventure, so why not start off on the right foot? Here is why driving school is worth the cost.

What is Included?

There are many elements involved in teaching a student how to drive. Classroom instruction, quizzes, and learning the laws is an important part of learning to drive, but it isn’t enough alone. When students pass through the driving school, the fees do help pay the instructor, but they also require:

• Practice driving a car
• Supplies for the class
• Road testing & knowledge testing (**This is not always included in the price and is offered in some states)
• Practice tests

These costs help ensure that each student receives a full, comprehensive education. Having a firm understanding of the laws and how to operate a car means better driving throughout life. This can save money down the line with fewer tickets for parking and traffic violations.

Driving school can also save money for parents and students every month. Many insurance companies will offer a discount for drivers who have enrolled in a driving school that covers defensive driving skills. This leads to insurance companies processing fewer claims allowing them to pass the savings down to you. Take into account that discounted savings each month, and it starts to add up fast.

Other Benefits of Paying for Driving School

There is more worth to an education than just paying a driving school. Driving hours are required to get a driver’s license once a permit is obtained.

These practice hours are done during daytime and nighttime hours for plenty of practice with a licensed driver in the passenger seat. This helps students feel more prepared once they get their license to drive without supervision and drive alone with confidence.

Driving for the required number of hours together can make or break a relationship. For parents and teenagers, trying to teach the teen how to drive can cause frustration for both parties. Having a neutral, third-party teacher in charge of teaching can ease the tension, putting parents in the role of cheerleaders. This helps parents and teens keep a more positive relationship during driving lessons.

Another benefit of having a driving instructor instead of a parent teaching a teen student to drive is that sometimes it is hard to listen to and take instruction from someone you are comfortable with. Teens are often less likely to listen to their parents’ advice or brush constructive criticism off as overbearing and controlling. Having a driving instructor as the teacher shows clear lines of authority and an expectation of respectful behavior.

For adult driving lessons, learning to drive through a driving school is ideal too. It can all be done quickly and without the help of a friend. Self-study for driving from a manual is difficult, knowing which areas to focus on and having practice questions to run through. Having someone to give helpful advice and instruction is beneficial for new adult drivers.

Experience Matters

Teaching a new driver how to operate a car safely and to really know the rules of the road is a big task. Driving instructors are better equipped to teach students because they have been trained on the best ways to teach and have experience doing it.

Rather than just trying to figure things out as they go, instructors are a helpful resource for driver’s education and the licensing process. They stay up to date on changes in laws too. Using a driving school to learn to drive really is the best way route to take.