Over the last year, your BBB recorded more than 80,000 inquiries nationally about driving instruction schools. Locally, about 1,300 inquiries were filed with your BBB about this industry.
Your Better Business Bureau offers tips for finding a reputable driving school:
• Get recommendations from friends and family. If they’re pleased with their driver’s education school, most likely you’ll be too.
• Call several schools. Ask questions about the quality of its operations.
• Ask for references. A reputable driving school will have nothing to hide and would be happy to do so.
• Choose a school that covers all aspects of driving. Students must complete the required hours of classroom time. Make sure the class curriculum covers such items as on-road driving lessons, car mechanics, emergencies, insurance, etc.
• Make sure you’re comfortable with driving instructor.
• Make sure your driving course meets insurance company requirements, if the driving class is being taken to receive a discount on insurance.
• Visit several facilities when students are present. This will allow you to see how the staff interacts with the students.
• Is the organization a member of professional associations such as American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association and Driving School Association of America.
• Make sure school is clean and well-maintained.
• Ask about the student-to-teacher ratio, how staff are selected and screened and what their credentials are.
• Make sure the facility is licensed, carries appropriate insurance and meets local and state requirements.
• Ask about costs and if there is financial assistance available.
Remember, in Ohio drivers need to complete a driver’s education course as part of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles licensing requirements. This can be done at either a driving school, your child’s high school or through online driver’s education courses.
You can always contact your BBB for a list of BBB Accredited driving instruction schools and reviews on ones you’re considering. Also, be sure to click the trust button on business reviews of companies you trust and work with. Visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.
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