Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage for teens everywhere, and it’s every bit as exhilarating for teens as it is scary for their parents. Not only are teens notoriously bad at driving, but millennials have more distractions behind the wheel than any generation before them. With teens glued to their smartphones, it is more important than ever for parents to ensure they have the best driving education available.
At Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley, we know that the first step to becoming a safe driver is going to driving school. But how do you make sure your teen is getting the best education possible long before they pose for their first embarrassing driver’s license picture?
Choosing the Right Driving School
It is important to note that every driver’s education program in Illinois must meet certain basic legal requirements.
First, every driving school must be licensed as a Commercial Driver Training School by the Illinois Secretary of State. To do so, they must provide proof of insurance. The instructors themselves also have to meet strict requirements to get the job. Driving schools must demonstrate that all of their driving instructors have had a valid driver’s license for at least three years. The instructors must also pass a physical examination of fitness by a doctor, a written exam of state driving laws, and behind-the-wheel instructors must also pass a practical road test of their driving abilities.
Even so, parents are right to wonder if all driving schools in McHenry County, IL are created equal. In 2013, one of the most well known driving schools in the suburban Chicago area suddenly closed its doors due to financial problems, leaving many teens and parents out in the cold. Many students were just a few classes away from completing their driver’s education when the school closed its doors without explanation.
In order to help you keep your teens safe as they learn to drive, we’ve compiled a short list of the top driving schools McHenry County, Illinois has to offer.
Top Benefit: The Go Slow Driving School is owned by a former firefighter and police officer, who served their community in Algonquin and Lake in the Hills respectively. Many parents feel reassured taking their teens to a driver’s school founded by public servants committed to keeping the public safe.
Driver’s Ed Courses Offered: Go Slow Driving School offers classes for teens, adults, and seniors. Their courses include Certified Teen Programs, a Beginner/Nervous Student Driver course, Refresher courses for adults, Defensive Driving courses, and feature 12 hours of behind-the-wheel learning.
Top Driver (Various Locations)
Top Driver is another local driver training company, but one that’s expanded around the McHenry, IL region in recent years. According to the company website, “Since our founding in 2003, Top Driver has helped over 230,000 students become safe, intelligent drivers.” Even better, Top Driver has an online resource center for parents who want to help their aspiring teen drivers stay safe on the road.
Top Benefit: Check the Top Driver website to find local driving schools near you with home pickup services.
Driver’s Ed Courses Offered: Silver and Gold Programs for Teens ($425 to $500; features 30 hours of classroom time and six to eight hours driving time); online courses for adults, and in-vehicle mentoring courses.
Ride Chicago Driving school specializes in both driving classes and motorcycle certification. While the words “safe teen driving” and “motorcycles” might not seem to go together, this driving schools is one of the few such schools in the region with a long list of positive online reviews for parents to check out.
Top Benefit: Flexible scheduling, personalized instruction, and new model vehicles for all behind-the-wheel instruction.
Driver’s Ed Courses Offered: Motorcycle certification, scooter courses, teen driving classes, and adult courses available.
At Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley, we want you, your teen, and all other drivers on the road to feel as safe as possible. However, if you do find yourself in a car accident of any kind, do not hesitate to contact us.
