Afraid you'll need your entire bag or backpack for your lesson? We have good news for you!

The checklist of items you will need to bring to every lesson is quite short. Before you leave the house, work, or school, make sure you have the following:

A valid, physical learner's permit (phone photos or paper copies do not count and cannot be used to take a lesson)

If you're 18 or over, it's also a good idea to bring a piece of identification with you.

We know that everyone carries their cellphone around with them 24/7 these days. While you may be allowed to bring your phone in case of emergency, you will have to do one of the following before the lesson begins:

Allow the instructor to place your phone in the glove compartment or other secured area

Keep your phone in a bag or backpack, which will be stored in the backseat or trunk

You may not drive with your cellphone handy. Even keeping a phone in your pocket can be a distraction, as any buzzes or sounds from notifications may take your attention away from the road. Put your phone on silent and keep it away from your person during your lesson. Remember, cell phone use while driving is not only dangerous, but illegal.

Nope! We'll handle everything else for your lesson, including bringing the car, the curriculum, and the teaching experience to help you become a safe and confident driver for life.

Haven't booked with us yet? Book your driving lesson today.

A checklist of items students need to bring to each lesson

The time has come. Maybe your teen has just turned fifteen and is ready to get behind the wheel. Perhaps a family member who has just moved back to Austin from New York suddenly finds themselves needing a car - and a license. You might find yourself sitting behind your laptop at your local Summer Moon, iced latte in hand, trawling through Google and Yelp reviews as you consider which driving school best fits the needs of the teens and adults in your family.

There’s a lot to think about when choosing the best driving school in Austin. What are the costs? Are the vehicles insured? Who is going to be teaching my children? Will my teen learn about the road test? And this is all on top of the nerves of getting behind the wheel and navigating the licensing process while balancing school, work, and family.

When it comes to driving lessons in Austin, you want to choose a driving school that is reliable, transparent, and responsive. You also want a school that makes safety their top priority. Coastline Academy’s mission is to eradicate car crashes and teach safe and confident drivers - for life. This mission is the foundation for everything we do, from our exceptional, top-rated driving instructors to our all-star customer support team and our mechanical experts in the fleet and maintenance department.

Thinking about signing up with Coastline? Here are the top 10 reasons why a course of driving lessons with Coastline Academy could be the best fit for you and your teen.

With the majority of our busy lives and schedules planned on our phones, who has time to visit an office to set up driving lessons? Coastline integrates the latest technology to provide a smooth and easy customer experience, from online booking and payment to digital lesson reports and automated text reminders of your upcoming appointments. With Coastline, booking driving lessons in Austin is as easy as picking up your phone!

Coastline is one of the only driving schools in the country to run independent drug and background checks on every instructor we hire. We know your child’s safety and comfort is a top priority, which is why all of our driving instructors are licensed and undergo a rigorous classroom and behind-the-wheel training program before they get in the car with a student. And the best part? Our teachers are there to teach, meaning your teenager will spend their full lesson learning how to be a safe and confident driver.

Driving safety starts with safe vehicles. Coastline’s fleet of driving instruction vehicles is comprised of late-model cars manufactured by trusted brands like Toyota, and undergo regular safety inspections by our BAR-certified mechanics. In addition, every Coastline vehicle is equipped with a second instructor brake and mirror, and is clearly marked with Coastline’s student vehicle decals. Our expert team of fleet technicians monitors all of our vehicles to ensure they are performing up to standard, and all of our certified driving instructors receive training in basic vehicle maintenance.

We know that the cost of driving lessons can make or break the decision to sign up with a driving school. Coastline is proud to offer multiple choices for lesson packages and payment plans, including installment and buy-now-pay-later options. Contact our friendly Support Team for more information!

While Coastline strives to offer each and every student the highest quality experience behind-the-wheel, sometimes things go wrong. If you are in any way dissatisfied with your lesson or booking experience, our Support Team is here to make it right! Our team of customer specialists will work with you to rebook a lesson with the same or different instructor, or in some cases, issue a refund for driving lessons purchased. 

The last thing anyone wants to do is drive an hour in Austin traffic just to get to their driving lesson. Not only is it inconvenient, but the further you have to travel for your lesson, the fewer options there are in your schedule! Coastline offers convenient pick-up and drop-off locations near your house, meaning you and your teen won’t have to go from Round Rock to Franklin Park on a Thursday afternoon. 

Reason 7: Personalization (And the Driving Test!)

At Coastline, we believe driving lessons are personal! From the start to finish of the lesson process, we offer students and their parents an individualized behind-the-wheel experience. Coastline not only allows you to pick the instructor who works best for you with our instructor profile pages, but also provides a personalized lesson report to every student after every lesson containing helpful advice on what skills to practice and study resources! And if you're worried about that driving test - not to fear! Coastline's lesson plans ensure every student takes a mock driving exam, meaning you'll be prepared and confident the day of your test.

Our Support Team is here for you! Our local experts are ready to receive your call, text, or email and answer any questions you may have about booking driving lessons or the licensing process in Austin. 

We take safety seriously. That’s why each Coastline vehicle is equipped with a state-of-the-art Samsara camera, which records all of our driving lessons inside and outside the vehicle. 

Reason 10: Our Reviews Speak For Themselves!

Coastline Academy is backed by over 86,000 5-star reviews - a testament to our dedication to quality and safety in our driving lessons! Read more about Coastline success stories on our reviews page.

Coastline Academy Driving School - The Verdict Is In!

If you are searching for a high-quality driving school in Austin, consider Coastline Academy! From day one of driving to road test preparation to navigating the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration on your road test day, our knowledgeable and patient support staff and instructors are ready to guide you and support your goals, whether you're a teen getting their first driver's license or an adult looking to boost their skills. Coastline is here to help you become a safe and confident driver - for life.

If you're looking to start driving lessons in Austin, Coastline is here for you!

Top Reasons to Choose Coastline Academy for Your Driving Lessons in Austin

Whether you’re new to driving or new to Austin, getting your driver’s license is an essential first step to expanding your horizons, meaning you’ll be able to explore the best the city of Austin has to offer in neighborhoods like South Congress, Westlake, and Hyde Park! Driving lessons are an essential part of getting your license, and can also ensure that you will be a safe and confident driver for years to come!

This article will help you navigate the licensing process in Austin from driver's ed to driving lessons - all in a quick and easy manner!

Do I Need a Texas Permit If I Live in Austin?

Yes! All applicants for a driving license who are under 18 will first need to earn a Texas Learner’s License before being eligible to take the behind-the-wheel test. We’ll break down the permit process below.

The first step to getting a Learner’s Permit is to enroll in and begin a 32-hour driver’s education course. First-time drivers in Austin have a few options when it comes to driver’s ed:

A traditional classroom driver’s education class may be offered through your local high school or an authorized private driving provider such as Coastline. In a classroom setting, you will attend regular class on site, given in two-hour blocks over the span of a minimum of sixteen days. In your classroom driver’s education course, certified, experienced driving education instructor will lead lectures, discussions, and activities relating to Texas road law, safe driving practices, and how to operate a motor vehicle. The class will culminate with a final exam which you must pass in order to move onto the next step in the licensing process.

For those students who do not live near a driving school site or need to manage their Austin driver’s education with a busy schedule, there are many options for an online driver’s education course, which you may complete from the comfort of your own home, on your own schedule. Like the classroom format, online driver’s education will cover the same topics of driver safety and road law, and will test your knowledge of these topics with periodic knowledge checks as you progress through the material. Your online driver education will wrap up with a final exam which you must pass in order to move onto the next step in the licensing process.

Some families with new drivers may prefer to enroll their child in a parent-taught driver’s education course. With this format, students will learn their classroom material from a parent using state-approved materials or enroll in an online, state-approved course before continuing with behind-the-wheel training. Some authorized driving schools, like Coastline, offer online material that is approved for the parent-taught driver’s education format, a convenient option for those families who pursue this driving course option. Like the classroom and online formats, the parent-taught class will wrap up with a final exam which you must pass in order to move onto the next step in the licensing process.

New drivers 18-24 will need to take a 6-hour Adult Driver’s Education course before being eligible to apply for their license. For busy adults who need a convenient option, driving schools like Coastline offer a Texas department-approved online course which may be completed according to your own schedule. Drivers 25 and older are not required to take any form of driver’s education before applying for their license.

Getting Your Learner’s License in Austin

All new drivers must complete a paper application for their learner’s license. This form may be printed using the link from the Department of Public Safety website or may be picked up from any DPS driver license office. 

In order to complete the license application process, you will need to visit a DPS Office. You must schedule an appointment online through this website. Note that same-day appointments are available in limited quantities at some offices, but are not guaranteed. 

Bring Your Documents and Prepare for Testing

Be certain you gather all of the required documents you will need before you visit the DPS office. These will include:

Proof of:
• U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence
• Texas Residency
• Identity
• Social Security Number

Payment for any application fees. Note, the DPS will accept cash, credit card, check, and money order.

Texas Driver Education Certificate proving driver’s course completion (is usually sent electronically to the DPS)*

Verification of Attendance and Enrollment form*
• This form must be signed by your school
• This form is only for 30 days after issuance, unless it is between June and August, in which case it is valid for 90 days
• Students may need to supply a current report card

Evidence of passing the driver knowledge exam if taken through your local high school or private driving school such as Coastline

Don’t forget to bring a parent or legal guardian with you!*

You will also be required to have your photo and thumbprint taken and pass a vision exam. more information regarding the knowledge test may be found below. 

*Only required for drivers under 18 years of age

The DPS uses a Snellen chart to test for visual acuity. Applicants will be asked to accurately read certain letters from a 20-foot distance. If you wear corrective lenses, please bring these to your exam and be certain to wear them for your vision test. The examiner will note that you require corrective lenses to drive and this restriction will be added to your license. This means you must always wear your glasses or contacts when driving!

How Many Questions are on the Texas Knowledge Test?

As a new driver, you have two options when it comes to taking the Texas Knowledge Test. 

You may take your test through your driver’s education course provider, which may be your local high school or a private driving school.

If your provider does not offer the knowledge test, you will be able to take it at your local DPS office at the time of your license application.

In both cases, the test format will be the same. Remember, you must pass the Knowledge Test within three attempts in order to earn your license!

The written test is based on information found in the Texas Driver Handbook and will test your mastery of state driving laws and safe driving practices. This test is mandatory for all new license applicants, regardless of age.

There are 30 questions on the knowledge test. You need to answer at least 21 correctly in order to pass your test. 15 of these questions will test you on your road sign knowledge. The other 15 questions will test you on your general road rules knowledge.

Each question on the Texas Knowledge Test is a multiple choice question. Be certain to read through the questions carefully and consider your options before answering. You must score at least 70% on your Knowledge Test in order to pass and move onto the driving skills portion of your testing. If you fail the written test more than three times, you will be required to pay the application fee again. 

There are a variety of resources available to help you study for your knowledge test. We suggest you read carefully through the Texas Drivers Handbook in order to prepare for your in-person Knowledge Exam. 

After you have passed your Knowledge Test, you will receive your Learner’s License and be able to start practice driving! As a Learner’s License holder, you are subject to certain restrictions as to who you must drive with. In addition, you will be required to take driving lessons with a certified, approved driving school and practice driving with a parent or other adult for a certain number of hours. We’ll break down the requirements below.

Teens under 18 years of age holding a learner’s license must take 14 hours of driving lessons with an approved driving school. You may want to sign up for lessons in Austin with one of Coastline's certified driving instructors!

Students will take a minimum of 7 lessons, which will be split as follows:

This means you will be sharing your driving lessons with another student! While new drivers are often nervous to get behind the wheel, as a new driver, you can learn a lot from watching your peers drive, so be certain to pay attention during the observation section of your lessons!

In addition to driving lessons, all new drivers under 18 must also undertake documented driving practice with a parent, guardian, or other adult who holds a valid driver’s license and is 21 years of age or older. New drivers must practice for at least 30 hours with the accompanying adult. 10 of those driving hours must take place at night. 

When practicing, don’t forget to log your practice hours using this TDLR form and be sure to have your accompanying driver sign the form and provide their driver’s license number after each session.

Remember, your learner’s license does not give you permission to drive alone. You must always be accompanied by another adult driver who holds a valid driving license and is 21 years of age or older. This driver must sit in the front passenger seat when you drive.

All teens under 18 holding a learner’s license must hold their learner’s license for at least 6 months and turn 16 years of age before they are eligible to take the behind-the-wheel test. While this may seem like a long time, this is your opportunity to practice and refine your safe driving skills with your parents and Austin driving instructor so you are best prepared for the driving test!

New drivers who are adults 18 years of age and older are not required to enroll in driving lessons. This being said, we highly recommend taking lessons with a school like Coastline to help you become a safe driver! In addition, there is no mandatory waiting period between acquiring the learner’s license and eligibility for the behind-the-wheel test. Any driving practice undertaken while holding a restricted learner’s license endorsement must be completed with another licensed adult 21 years of age or older being present in the front seat of the car. Restricted License holders are not allowed to drive alone, including any transport to or from a DPS or Third-Party testing site.

Getting Your Driver’s License in Austin: Road Test Preparation

The next step to getting your driver’s license is to take and pass your skills test! Before scheduling your appointment, you must make sure you have completed all of the following steps:

Take 14 hours of driving lessons with a certified driving instructor

Take 30 driving hours of documented driving practice, 10 of which must be at night

Ensured 6 months have passed since you were issued your learner’s license

Take and finish an Impact Texas Teen Driver Course within 90 days prior to your appointment

Once you are certain you have completed all of the above steps, it’s time to schedule your test! We recommend taking the time to familiarize yourself with the Road Test format before making your appointment. More information about the driving test may be found in the Texas Driver Handbook. You may also refer to this document in preparation for your driving skills test.

When taking your driving exam, you have two options:

To take your road test with the DPS, you must first make an appointment with Driver License Services at your most convenient Austin location. Prior to your arrival on test day, you must be certain to have the following documents with you:

Proof of:
• U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence
• Identity
• Payment for any application fees. Note, the DPS will accept cash, credit card, check, and money order
• Texas Driver Education Certificate proving course completion (is usually sent electronically to the DPS)
• Certificate of Completion for ITTD Program (within 90 days prior to the testing date)
• Vehicle insurance and registration

Don’t forget to bring a parent or legal guardian with you!

Adults 18-24 who are applying for their driving exam must provide proof of completion of the 6-hour Adult Driver’s Education course (form ADE-1317, which is usually sent electronically by the school to the DPS). All applicants 18 and older must show proof of completion of an Impact Texas Adult Drivers Program within 90 days prior to their testing date.

Remember! You may be tested not only on your driving skills, but also your car’s condition and your knowledge of your car, including demonstration of the operation of dash controls such as your headlights, windshield wipers, emergency brake, hazard lights and defroster. Your vehicle must have two license plates (front and back), functioning horn and turn signals, and operational seat belts.

Texas allows for license applicants to complete their Driving Skills Test requirement through a Third-Party Testing site. A TPST site is an approved program run through a Driver Education provider certified by the DPS to administer the driving test for Class C non-commercial driver license applicants.

What are the advantages of taking the test at a TPST site?

Familiarity with the driving school if the test-taker is a current or former student

If taking your Austin driving exam with a third-party tester, you must be certain to bring your license, Impact Texas Drivers completion certificate, and proof of motor vehicle insurance and registration with you on test day. After passing your test, you must visit a DPS site to complete your application for your license, which will include proof of driving exam completion provided by the third-party tester.

Getting Your Provisional Austin Driver’s License

Once you pass your road test, your learner’s license will be upgraded to a provisional driver license. Congratulations, you may now drive alone!

If you are under 18, there are still certain restrictions to your license you must keep in mind when driving:

You may not drive with more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member.

You may not drive between 12am and 5am unless driving to and from a job, school activity, or medical emergency.

Once your turn 18, you will need to reapply for your full, unrestricted driver license through the DPS.

After passing the road test, you will automatically be issued a full driver license. Remember to always drive according to the rules of the road!

Driving lessons are an essential part of the application process when getting your driver's license in Austin. Not only will completing your instruction from one of our patient and knowledgeable certified driving instructors help calm any anxiety about getting on those busy roads, but also set you up to be a safe and confident driver for life!

Want your driver's license but not sure how to do it? Follow the steps in our handy guide to get your driver's license in Austin.

Want your driver's license but not sure how to do it? Follow the steps in this handy guide to getting your driver's license in Austin.

How to Get Your Driver’s License in Austin: Step-by-Step Guide

Can't wait to get behind the wheel? We know many new drivers are anxious to get their first experience on the road by signing up for driving lessons. Here's what you need to know about signing up for driving lessons with and without your Instruction Permit in California.

If you are 15.5-17.5 years old, you will need to successfully pass your Knowledge Test at the DMV before scheduling your first driving lesson. In order to take your Knowledge Test, you will need to show proof of completion of a 30-hour classroom driver's education course (either in-person or online) before making your appointment at the DMV. Once you've passed you written test, you'll be issues your permit!

Remember! Your instruction permit is not valid until a certified driving instructor has signed the second page. At your first lesson, your driving instructor will sign your permit for validation purposes, allowing you to practice driving with a parent, guardian or licensed driver over the age of 25. 

If you are eager to book your lessons in advance, you may certainly do so! But please keep in mind, you will need to bring your physical instruction permit (no photos, even phone photos!) to each and every lesson. 

Special Note For Students Between 17.5-18

Students signing up for lessons who are 17.5 to 18 year of age do not have to show proof of classroom driver's education before applying for their permit. You must, however, acquire your permit before your first driving lesson and have a qualified driving instructor sign the second page before that permit is considered valid for practice.

If you are 18 years old or older, you may sign up for driving lessons without an instruction permit. Coastline Academy may issue a Student License to those drivers who wish to practice driving only with a certified instructor during an official driving lesson. A Student License does NOT permit you to practice driving outside of official driving lessons given by a certified driving instructor.  If you wish to practice with a loved one or another licensed over the age of 25 outside of driving lessons, you must acquire your Instruction Permit by passing the Knowledge Test at the DMV. Note, no driver's education is required for anyone over 18 to test for their permit.

While prospective drivers in California over 18 may sign up for driving lessons at any time, we encourage all drivers to get their permit before their first lesson. This way, you can immediately practice all the great skills you learned with your qualified driving instructor. Happy driving!

Learn about the rules and regulations for Student Licenses in California

I Don't Have an Instruction Permit, Can I Still Sign Up For Lessons in California?

When you are learning to drive, it can be a very nerve-wracking experience. Because of this, people are either required or choose to take professional driving lessons. This time with a professional driving instructor can be so vital, as they are there to provide as much information and help as possible. This is brand new for people though, as many people want to know what to expect from your driving instructor at Coastline Academy and we address that topic today.

When it comes to driving instructors, they are professionals who teach people how to operate motor vehicles. Depending on the state you live, many first-time drivers have to meet a certain number of hours behind the wheel with a professional driving instructor. In California, that time is six hours. During that time, these driving instructors will be teaching a variety of techniques to make you a better driver.

What To Expect From Your Driving Instructor

A driving instructor should provide a safe and comfortable learning environment, explain and demonstrate the proper techniques for operating a vehicle, provide constructive feedback and support and help you pass the required driving tests. It's also important that the instructor is patient, knowledgeable and able to effectively communicate with their student.

At Coastline, we understand that every student is different and will learn at a different pace. Also, depending on where the lesson is taking place, there can be a different set of practice opportunities available. For the lessons, it depends on your state requirements, but in California they require you to take six hours of behind-the-wheel training with an approved professional driving instructor. Those six hours need to be broken down into three 2-hour lessons and cannot be completed in one lesson. Because of that, we have a format for those three lessons and what a student can expect to learn and work on during each lesson, which can be seen here!

Qualities To Look For In Driving Instructor

While it may be an exciting time for teenagers, it can also be a stressful time for parents. You are sending your child away in a car with a complete stranger. All that anxiety can be eased by enrolling in a driving school and having a professional driving instructor work with your child. You want to make sure you are working with a high-quality instructor, so there are qualities to look for when choosing a driving instructor, which include clear communication, friendly demeanor, patience and extensive training.

We know it can be a hard decision when picking a driving school and instructor to work with. We want you to be confident that you are learning with the best when you contact Coastline Academy. With so many successful students and great reviews coming in, we know our high standards are being met by our driving instructors.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.

Taking a driving lesson can be a scary time, as you aren't sure what to expect. To ease some of that anxiety, we are sharing some details on what to expect from your driving instructor at Coastline Academy.

Learning to drive can be scary, but your driving instructor is there to help and guide you. Find out what to expect from your driving instructor at Coastline Academy right here.

What To Expect From Your Driving Instructor At Coastline Academy

When taking driving lessons with Coastline Academy, our driving instructors are working to make you a safer, more confident driver for life. They are also helping you get ready to take your road test at the DMV office, so making sure you know how to do all the driving maneuvers the examiner will test you on. One thing you may be tested on is using a slip lane and merging into traffic. Our Driving Lessons video series continues today, as one of our driving instructors will show you how to properly turn right using a slip lane.

A slip lane, also known as a right-turn lane or a right-turn pocket, is a lane on a roadway that is specifically designated for vehicles to turn right at an intersection. Slip lanes are typically located to the right of the through lanes on a roadway, and are used by drivers to safely and efficiently turn right at an intersection without having to merge with traffic in the through lanes.

Slip lanes can also be used by drivers to access on-ramps or off-ramps on a highway or freeway, or to enter or exit a driveway or parking lot. Slip lanes can help to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow at intersections by allowing vehicles to turn right without having to wait for a gap in the through traffic.

If you are trying to turn right while using a slip lane, the breakdown of our video is here:

Yield means allow to pass and to stop, if necessary.

Slip lanes are designed to allow drivers turning on to a new street to merge into traffic.

Drivers using a slip lane must yield to other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

For this slip lane turn in the video, the driver in the slip lane yields to the driver on the new street.

You can watch everything in action by checking out our driving instructor turning right using a slip lane here:

Driving Lessons Video Series: How To Properly Perform Parallel Parking

Driving Lessons Video Series: Steering Wheel Control - Hand-Over-Hand and Push Pull Methods

Driving Lessons Video Series: How to Properly Perform Curbside Parking

Many people don't know the proper procedure when using a slip lane. In today's Driving Lessons Video Series, we show you how to make a right turn while using a slip lane.

Today's video for the Driving Lessons Series shows you how to turn right using a slip lane.

Driving Lessons Video Series: How To Turn Right Using A Slip Lane

As you make your way through the drivers license process, you will be taking Driver's Ed and driving lessons. During that time, you will be learning the techniques of defensive driving. You may be wondering what that is and how it can help you, so we address the topic of defensive driving with you today.

Defensive driving is a term used to describe a driving style that focuses on safety and prevention of crashes. It involves anticipating potential hazards and taking action to avoid or minimize their impact. By learning and practicing defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their risk of being involved in a collision and help make the roads safer for everyone.

There are several benefits to learning defensive driving techniques. These include:

Reduced risk of crashes: By learning how to anticipate and react to potential hazards on the road, you can reduce your chances of being involved in a collision.

Improved driving skills: Defensive driving techniques can help you become a better and more confident driver, which can make driving more enjoyable.

Lower insurance premiums: Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have completed a defensive driving course, which can help you save money on your car insurance.

Avoid traffic violations: Defensive driving can help you avoid getting ticketed for traffic violations, which can save you money on fines and help you avoid points on your license.

Better fuel efficiency: Defensive driving techniques can also help you save money on gas by teaching you how to drive more efficiently. For example, by maintaining a steady speed and avoiding sudden acceleration and braking, you can improve your car's fuel economy.

Defensive driving is a type of driving that is focused on safety and preventing crashes. It teaches drivers how to anticipate potential hazards on the road and to respond to them in a safe and effective way. This can include topics such as:

How to maintain a safe following distance

Additionally, when new drivers are being taught defensive driving techniques it will often cover topics such as:

The effects of alcohol and drugs on driving

How to handle emergency situations on the road

Defensive driving is a driving technique that involves being aware of potential hazards on the road and taking action to avoid them. This can include things like maintaining a safe following distance, staying alert and focused on the road, and avoiding distractions like cell phones. By practicing defensive driving, you can reduce your risk of getting into a car crash and keep yourself and others on the road safe.

As Coastline Academy is working to eradicate car crashes, teaching new drivers the benefits of defensive driving is part of that mission. By being aware of potential hazards on the roads and taking action to avoid them, we are all working together to make the roads safer.

What is defensive driving? How can defensive driving help you when behind the wheel of a vehicle? Find out today!

What is defensive driving and what are the benefits of learning it? Coastline Academy lets you know today!

Defensive Driving: What It Is And How It Can Help You?

Taking the road test at your local DMV office can be nerve-wracking, as you want to make sure you know how to do all the driving maneuvers the examiner will test you on. One thing to help you during the testing process is to have proper steering wheel control. Our Driving Lessons video series continues today, as one of our driving instructors will show you the hand-over-hand and push-pull method for steering wheel control.

One of the biggest mistakes new drivers make during the driving test is with steering wheel control. While you do want to demonstrate confidence when behind the wheel of a vehicle, you don't want to be so confident that you are driving one-handed. You will want to keep both hands on the wheel when possible and make hand-over-hand turns or use the push-pull method for turning.

Being able to turn the car sharply in a short amount of time is important for negotiating tight turns and u-turns. There are two strategies for controlling the steering wheel: hand-over-hand and push pull. While there are arguments for which is better, becoming proficient at one of them is key. Work with your driving instructor to determine which strategy is best to learn first.

Hand over hand steering is just how it sounds. Both hands work on moving the vehicle with one hand crossing over the other to continue the turn. The hands are continually taken off the wheel and placed back on. 

Push-pull steering involves alternating gripping and pulling down with one hand on the steering wheel while sliding the other hand down to meet hands near the bottom of the steering wheel. 

You can watch both methods in action by checking out our driving instructor demonstrating the steering wheel control methods here:

Driving Lessons Video Series: How To Properly Make A Yield Left Turn

Being able to turn the car sharply in a short amount of time is important when making tight turns and U-turns. We demonstrate these steering wheel controls in today's Driving Lessons Video Series.

Today's video for the Driving Lessons Series shows you two different methods for controlling the steering wheel: hand-over-hand and the push pull method.

When the colder, winter weather arrives, it wreaks havoc on drivers with the dangerous road conditions, like black ice and snow-covered roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 374 fatal crashes and an estimated 25,000 injury crashes in 2020 that took place during wintry conditions. We want you to stay safe out there, so here are some winter weather driving tips to keep in mind.

The first thing to remember when driving in winter weather is to slow down. When driving on slick or snow-covered roads, it is hard to control or stop your vehicle. The NHTSA estimated 119,000 police-reported crashes in 2020 during wintry conditions.

You are also going to want to increase your following distance when driving. You need to give yourself enough time to stop for vehicles in front of you, which takes longer with icy roads. When snow plows are on the road, make sure to not crowd them or drive right next to them. They make frequent stops and turns, so give them the space they need.

If you happen to get stopped or stall in wintry weather, you should remember to stay focused and do the following things:

Stay with your car and don't overexert yourself

Make sure your car can be seen. Do this by putting bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light on.

Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning, if your car is still running. Do this by making sure the exhaust pipe is clear of any snow and make sure to run your vehicle only sporadically (just enough to keep warm).  Do not run your vehicle for a long amount of time, especially with the windows up or in an enclosed space.

Your Car Will Change During Winter Months

With colder temperatures, you may start to notice some changes happening to your vehicle. Keep these things in mind and follow the tips for each:

Tires - Lower temperatures mean lower tire inflation pressure. Make sure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended inflation pressure. Check the tires when they are cold (you have not driven on them in at least three hours). Make sure you have a spare tire available.

Batteries - Lower temperatures mean lower battery power. With colder temperatures, gasoline and diesel engines take more battery power to start. Electric and hybrid-electric vehicles can have their driving range reduced in colder temperatures. Have a mechanic check your battery, charging system and belts in case any repairs or replacements are needed.

Floor Mats - The wet snow and slushy conditions get tracked into your vehicle and end up on the floor mats. The winter months may be a good time to start using a thicker material floor mat or even rubbery ones. The mats can move around and impede on your use of the gas or brake pedal, which is not a good thing.

Your best bet is to be prepared for those winter weather driving conditions. To do that, here are some tips to help you get your vehicle ready for the colder months.

Make sure your wipers are working and in good condition, as keeping that windshield clear and visible is key. Also, you will be using a lot of windshield wiper fluid during the winter months, so keep that stocked and full.

Make sure to check all your lights: headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights.

If you get stuck somewhere, you may have to run your car more than you would like. Making sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle is key. Check the cooling system for leaks and make sure to drain and replace the old coolant.

Whether you are going out on a road trip or just a drive to work, you should make sure to do the following things, especially during the winter months in case an emergency comes up on the road:

Whenever possible, try to keep the gas tank as full as possible. Also, for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, decrease the drain on the battery. Keep your vehicle as warm as possible during freezing temperatures, this will help minimize the drain.

Plan your route and map it out before leaving the house. Check the weather and road conditions, as well as traffic. Having a plan will help reduce any chance of emergencies coming up on the road.

Stock Your Vehicle -  Make sure you have all the supplies you may need to handle those winter emergencies, like a snow shovel, broom and ice scraper. Have some sand or kitty litter to use in case you get stuck in the snow. Jumper cables, flashlight and warning devices to make your car be seen. Blankets to stay warm. Cell phone, charger, water and food because you never know how long you may be stuck in that spot.

It can be scary driving in winter weather conditions, but being prepared can help ease that tension. Always remember to slow down and take your time. Better to get their late than never!

With winter weather changing the traffic conditions, Coastline Academy is sharing some winter weather driving tips with you today to keep you safe this winter season!

The snow has arrived and with this colder weather we get a mix of road conditions some of us are not used to, so here are some winter weather driving tips for you to use on those slick roads!

Winter Weather Driving Tips To Stay Safe This Winter Season

If you are getting ready to head to the DMV office to take your road test, then you want to make sure you know how to do all the driving maneuvers the examiner will test you on. One thing you may be tested on is parallel parking, which makes even experienced drivers nervous to do. Our Driving Lessons video series continues today, as one of our driving instructors will show you how to properly perform parallel parking.

Will You Have To Parallel Park On The Driving Test?

While parallel parking may be nerve-wracking to a lot of people, most states do test you on your parallel parking skills during your driver's license test. In fact, failing to parallel park could even mean an instant fail on the driving test in some states.

However, some states have decided to take out parallel parking from the road test, like California and Ohio. It is a maneuver you will find yourself doing often though, so learning these skills is critical.

If you are trying to park your vehicle and you will need to parallel park, there are proper steps you need to take to complete the task safely and properly. Here are the steps to perform parallel parking:

When parallel parking, look for space 3-6 car lengths ahead.

Your speed should be no more than 5-10 mph.

When you have found a space, turn on the right turn signal and pull alongside the front car such that you can see the car's windshield wipers.

While looking out the back window and side windows, roll straight back until your rear bumper is next to the front car's rear bumper.

Turn the steering wheel all the way towards the curb.

Continue turning until the car is pointed about 45 degrees into the space and then turn the steering wheel straight.

Continue into the space until the front bumper has cleared the front car and the rear of the car is about 2 feet from the curb.

Turn the steering wheel all the way away from the curb.

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