I went to Northeast Driving School in the 1980s. The class time was filled with lectures on the dangers of drunk driving, tailgating other vehicles, idling with the windows shut for long periods, and drowsy driving. We reviewed the entire manual on road signs and their meanings, who goes first at four-way stops, what to do when someone follows you too closely or drives dangerously in your vicinity, etc.
The driving practice began with the persistent reminder to buckle up before putting the key in the ignition. Then, check your mirrors and make any adjustments before starting the car. Familiarize yourself with the location of all necessary buttons, switches, knobs, etc; for vehicles, you don't usually drive, you're not distracted when you realize you need the wipers, turn signals, or defroster.
By the time we started the engine and began moving the car, we clearly understood the basic expectations that I'm passing on to my son now--and he has said I'm teaching him well! (No small feat, that.)
I was picked up at my school and immediately told to drive to the steepest hill in the city, which was the scariest place to stop and have to start up after a red light. Mercifully, the car had an automatic transmission! After getting my permit, I learned how to drive manual transmission vehicles and mastered that hill driving stick. I still remember the thrill of getting to go 45mph! And the excitement of getting on the interstate for the first time...my friends and I swapped stories daily in class.
I'm sorry that some didn't have a good experience there. Northeast Driving School was great for me, and it may be the right place for my son, too, though I went there because my high school didn't offer it, and his does. If his school can't provide the right schedule, we'll go to NDS. Their price is certainly competitive! read more