OC HIGH: STUDENT NEWS AND VIEWS : A Shopping Guide for Road Scholars : Schools: Price isn’t the only consideration when choosing a driving academy. Check out class size and ask friends for recommendations.
There are a number of factors--such as class size and price--to consider in choosing a driving school.
When you shop for a driver training course, ask others who have attended the school if they would recommend it. Make sure the school is licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles. And remember to ask if there are any specials or price breaks for students from your school.
Here is what Villa Park High School students had to say about their experiences at five major academies--AK-1, Thrifty, Drive Time, Sears, and Teen Driving Academy.
* Teen Driving Academy charges $199 for classroom and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training. Villa Park senior Jennifer Andrade said: “Teen Driving Academy is very popular because of their low prices and funny instructors.” Class size averages 20 students.
* AK-1 driving school has lower prices than its four major competitors. Together, classroom and BTW cost $165. “I really liked both my teachers, and the classroom part was thorough,” said senior Dana Nielson. Class size runs from 10 to 15 students. “The prices are the lowest, but my behind-the-wheel car was old, un-air-conditioned and didn’t have power steering,” Nielson said.
* Thrifty driving school offers a package deal for $199. Class size ranges from 20 to 30. “I liked my teacher a lot, but I think the program was kind of expensive,” said senior Kelly Vipperman.
* Although Drive Time’s prices are higher, $239 for classroom and BTW together, many options are available. A pickup service for classroom instruction is offered, and classes are open seven days a week. “Being able to attend class any day of the week was helpful, and the car was in good condition,” said senior Trevor Neiman. The maximum number of people per class is 20.
* Sears driving school was the most costly at $279 for classroom and behind-the-wheel training. However, all classes are smaller than 10. “The price didn’t matter to me,” said sophomore Daren Gress. “I just needed the most convenient location since I needed to ride my bike to classes.”
