What You Will Learn in Driving Class
The Champions Driving School experience is not just about putting your foot on the accelerator and operating the vehicle, but it goes beyond this and getting to grips with so many other components that will make you a better driver:
Understanding State Traffic Laws
State traffic laws differ from state to state. There are a number of essential components of Texas traffic laws that are there to ensure your safety. These include speed limits, the importance of wearing safety belts, and learning about road signs, traffic signals, as well as dangerous distractions, such as cell phone conversations or texting.
Basic Vehicle Safety & Maintenance
A well-maintained vehicle will always ensure you stay safe behind the wheel. It is crucial to understand that if you do not look after your vehicle, such as by keeping the right tire pressure, changing the engine oil filter or coolant, and maintaining headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers, these can have an impact on your ability to operate safely on the road.
How to Handle Emergency Situations
Operating safely behind the wheel is about ensuring that you don’t just know how to drive safely, but about handling emergency situations. Common emergencies on the road can include the following:
- The engine stalling.
- The potential for a collision, either due to another driver pulling out in front of you, “cutting off” your vehicle, or a pedestrian or wildlife on the road.
- Severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, which can carry the risk of hydroplaning, where the vehicle is riding on the water instead of the road.
- Icy conditions. Winter accidents can be avoided by the driver learning to stay in control of the vehicle.
- Driving in darkened conditions, such as roads with no lighting.
Road Safety Techniques
Operating safely on the roads covers a number of key areas, such as defensive driving. Driver’s Ed encompasses essential road safety techniques that every individual getting behind the wheel for the first time should understand completely before they take their driving test. These include:
- Knowing How To Change Lanes Safely. Changing lanes on a freeway involves a number of key skills, such as ensuring you match the speed of the traffic, not slowing down before you change lanes, and understanding the vehicles’ positions all around you, as well as using your mirrors.
- Signaling Properly. You must make sure you inform the other drivers of your clear intentions by signaling with enough time and being smooth with your maneuvers. A very basic component to Driver’s Ed, but a vital one, because the signal is there to show your intentions, and is something every driver should understand. Not signaling with enough time, leaving the signal on for too long, or not signaling at all can be detrimental to everyone around you.
- Entering and Exiting Roadways. Whether it’s merging with traffic on a highway or ensuring you get up to speed to match the traffic, entering and exiting any roadway is an essential skill to guarantee the safety of yourself and other drivers around you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should We Bring to Class?
Before your first driving course, you will need to bring a pen/pencil, paper and your good attitude, as we help you pass your exam. Also, make sure you’re dressed in comfortable clothing so you can operate the car, wheels, and pedals safely.
What Kind of Car is Driven in the Lessons?
While all Champion Driving courses are automatic transmissions, we can accommodate manual transmissions by special request. In most cases, 99% of our students prefer to learn using the automatic transmission because it is easier for them and most common. Additionally, all of our driver’s ed vehicles are either sedans or small SUVs, to ensure students has driving experience with both vehicle types.
How Long is the Lesson Each Day?
A typical lesson will last 2 hours. Classroom sessions also last 2 hours.
It’s Time to Work with a Trusted Driving School
If you are looking for a smooth and successful driver’s Ed program, you need to work with a driving school that you trust. Having confidence behind the wheel can make a big difference to your overall skills. Choosing a trusted TPST facility like Champions Driving School will ensure that, whether you are a teenager or an adult, you can prepare for the DPS-authorized road test with peace of mind.