Driving instructors and driving schools

Plain guides for driving instructors, driver education and teaching new drivers

Good teaching builds safe habits that last a lifetime. This page brings together our guides for driving instructors, driving schools and parents who coach new drivers, from licensing rules and lesson plans to hazard training and refresher courses for adults and workers.

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Driver education and licensing

Learn how to choose a course, how dual control cars work, what graduated licensing requires in each state, and how to support students with ADHD, autism or health conditions.

Start hereChoosing driver education: how to find a course that builds safe driversWhat driver's ed can do, how to vet a school and why extra practice mattersRead the guideDual control training cars: how the instructor brake works and what to checkWhat states require of school cars and how parents can check one before lessonsRead the guideGraduated driver licensing: a parent's roadmap from permit to full licenseWhat each GDL stage is for, which limits matter and how to check your state's lawRead the guideTeen driver laws by state: how GDL rules compare in 2026How states set permit ages, practice hours, night limits, passenger rules and parent dutiesRead the guideLearning to drive as an adult: a step by step guide for first timersHow adults can get licensed, practice step by step and manage driving anxietyRead the guideADHD, autism and learning to drive: a parent's readiness guideWhat the research shows, how to plan practice and when to get a driving evaluationRead the guideMedical readiness to drive: a health guide for new drivers before the permitHow health conditions affect driving and what to ask the doctor and DMV before the permitRead the guide

Lessons, practice and hazard training

Plan practice in stages and teach the skills new drivers need most: scanning for hazards, turns, merging, lane changes and following distance.

Start hereSupervised driving practice plan: a 6 stage guide for parents and teensPlan every supervised drive with clear goals, calm coaching and a log that builds varietyRead the guideHazard perception for new drivers: how to scan and spot trouble earlyHow to look far ahead, scan intersections and parked cars, and practice with a commentary drillRead the guideLeft turns and intersections for new drivers: gaps, signals and habitsHow to read left turn signals, judge gaps in seconds and spot people in crosswalksRead the guideMerging and highway driving: how to enter, cruise and exit safelyUse the acceleration lane, pick a safe gap, keep right and exit smoothly on any highwayRead the guideLane changes and blind spots: a safe routine every driver can useSet your mirrors, check blind spots and change lanes safely around bikes and trucksRead the guideSafe following distance: the 3 second rule and when to add moreHow to count a safe following gap, when to add seconds and how to handle tailgatersRead the guideSharing the road with trucks and buses: No Zones, passing and stoppingWhere truck blind spots are, why trucks need more room and how to pass safelyRead the guideDriving simulators: what research shows about hazard training and where they fall shortWhat simulators can teach, where gains stop short and how to choose a programRead the guideDriver assistance technology for new drivers: what it can and can't doWhat each system does, where it falls short and how new drivers can learn it safelyRead the guideIs my teen ready to drive alone? A readiness checklist for parentsHow to judge solo driving readiness with a checklist, mock solo drives and staged rulesRead the guideA practice plan for nervous drivers: build confidence step by stepA step by step plan to face driving fears gradually and track your progressRead the guide

Refresher and workplace training

Experienced drivers benefit from training too. These guides cover defensive driving courses, training and road tests for workers, older drivers and new motorcycle riders.

Start hereChoosing a defensive driving course: goals, formats and what good courses teachHow to match a course to your goal, vet the provider and make the lessons lastRead the guideDefensive driving and hazard perception: skills every driver can sharpenHow to scan farther, read traffic, keep an escape path and spot hazards earlierRead the guideEmployee driver training: how to train and road test workers who drivePlan training that changes behavior, from orientation and road tests to retraining and recordsRead the guideOlder driver safety: how to keep driving safely and confidentlyHow aging affects driving and practical ways to stay safe and independentRead the guideMotorcycle licensing and rider training: how to learn to ride safelyHow to get licensed, choose a state approved course and keep building your riding skillsRead the guide

Programs for schools

Schools can reach students and parents all year. Learn how to build a teen driver safety program, run student led campaigns and get families involved.

Start hereBuilding a school teen driver safety program: a year round planHow to plan grade level lessons, parking rules, belt counts and parent nights all yearRead the guideStudent led traffic safety campaigns: a peer to peer guide for schoolsHow to train student leaders, skip scare tactics, run safe activities and measure resultsRead the guideEngaging parents in teen driver safety: a playbook for schools and groupsRecruit parents, run a 75 minute workshop and follow up through a teen's first yearRead the guide

More to read

Want to read more? Browse every driver education guide in our library, or see our guides for teen drivers and parents.

Browse driver education guidesTeen drivers and parents

These guides offer general education, not legal advice. Licensing and driver education rules differ by state and change over time, so check with your state’s licensing agency.

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Safe Driving Resource Center

Guides, self-checks and articles for drivers, parents of new drivers, and families recovering after a crash.

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