A driver education course is designed to teach new drivers fundamental skills and basic knowledge about driving a motor vehicle. All Maryland MVA licensed and approved driver education schools are required to use MVA-approved standardized curriculum and all instructors are licensed by the MVA.
Note: Out-of-State Driver's Education certification(s) are typically not accepted by the MD MVA. Currently, the MVA has only approved certain specific certificates issued by the Delaware Board of Education, that physically state that the certificate has been Approved by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. No other out-of-state certificates are currently accepted:
Obtain a list of driver education schools.
Ask friends and neighbors.
Have they attended a school? Can they recommend one for you?
Call several schools.
Find out about course schedules, fees, registration procedures, and the next available course dates and times.
Visit schools.
Ask to see classrooms and if you could observe part of a course. Classrooms should be clean, orderly and set up to conduct classroom sessions. Ask to see the course textbook. (Note: The Maryland Driver's Handbook is not a textbook.) Is the text up to date? Are there enough textbooks for all students?
Check the Driver Education School License.
It must be displayed in the school's business office.
Ask how many fully licensed driver education instructors work for the school.
Determine how many instructors teach classroom, behind the wheel, or both phases of the course. The number of instructors may affect the time it will take to complete all the course requirements.
Check classroom vs. behind the wheel sessions.
See the average amount of time that's needed to complete the 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel. Make sure you don't have to wait a long time to start the behind the wheel phase of the course. The ideal course integrates behind the wheel and classroom training. Do not assume the fastest course is the way to go. New drivers need time to learn. Check details.
Check details.
Ask about refund policies, class make-up policies, and remedial training policies. Do you need to sign a contract?
Find out about complaints.
Ask how to file complaints and how the school resolves complaints.
Ask to see the driver education vehicles.
They should be clean, late model cars, and all must pass the Maryland Safety Inspection annually.
Find out if the instructor picks students up at home.
This is a convenience, but not a requirement, for the behind the wheel portion of driver education. It is very difficult to teach a behind the wheel session if the instructor is not familiar with the practice route.
Ask for references.
Get a few names of previous students of the school you may call as a reference. Remember, price is not the sole factor in choosing a driving school. You must compare instructional quality, class size and behind-the-wheel lessons. Choose your driving school with care, and drive safely forever!
Students With Disabilities:
Students with disabilities should choose a school with instructors and equipment designed for their specific needs. For instance, vehicles should include hand controls, an adjustable steering column, and other aids for disabled drivers.
For a listing of facilities, contact the MVA, or The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists
