In several states, driver’s education is a requirement to get your license. However, in the state of Tennessee, it is an optional and personal decision.
What are the benefits?
First and foremost, education is beneficial before hitting the road. Any time a child can learn about rules and driving scenerios, it’s a good thing. Also, most policies do offer a discount when you’ve taken a course. It’s typically a 3-5% discount that lasts from ages 16-21. There are even some courses that allow you to skip your driving test when you turn 16 and just head to the DMV for your photo ID.
How do I decide if it’s right for us?
This truly is a personal choice on how strongly you feel about the benefits.
I often suggest to parents that if driver’s education is offered at your school, then it’s a great idea. There is no cost that way, and typically it’s only a semester class which doesn’t take away from their other education goals.
If you are considering paying for a course, then it might change things. It’s not likely the discount savings is going to pay you back, and then some. Best case scenerio would be to break even over the 5 years, however, it’s not a guaranteed dollar amount as it’s given on a percentage basis.
If you have a teenager, jump over here to read a previous post to learn about additional discounts and details.
