Behind the wheel instruction will be taught through verbal instruction, observation and demonstration. Students at Needham Driving School will be exposed to all types of driving conditions before completing their driver education course. Driving in urban, rural and highway environments can all present different problems and it is crucial to expose the students to all situations possible. Instructors will guide students to make proper mirror,seat,and steering wheel adjustments to provide maximum safety, visibility and comfort while driving. All lessons will also apply the concept of SIPDE (Search,Identify,Predict,Decide,Execute). This concept will train students to always be aware of their surroundings and realize the dangers of distractions while driving. Students will learn and practice all skills listed above. The order in which they will be taught will be based on the students progression and skill level
Students can begin the classroom portion of driver's education at 15 years and 9 months. At 16 students are eligible to receive a learner's permit. Once a student has a learners permit behind the wheel instruction and observation can begin.
Junior Operators Law Applies to drivers age 16 1/2 - 18 years old
Drivers between the ages of 16-18 must obtain a Drivers Education Certificate of completion to become eligible to take a road test and obtain a MA license. In order to obtain a drivers education certificate you must complete the following:
- You must successfully complete a drivers education program which includes 30 hours of classroom instruction, 12 of behind-the-wheel training, 6 hours observation of another student driver, and a 2 hour orientation attended by your parent or guardian on the content of driver education program;
- You must complete at least an additional 40 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving as shown by a certified statement provided by your parent or guardian;
- You have had a learner's permit for at least six (6) months with a clean driving record.
- Vehicle On-Road Instruction and classroom instruction components can be completed separately, and do not need to be completed at the same school.
Students will learn to:
- Complete a Pre-Driving Vehicle Check
- Familiarize themselves with vehicle controls and how to adjust mirrors, seat and steering wheel accordingly
- Apply the concept of SIPDE (Search, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute)
- Recognize and obey traffic signs, signals, and road markings
- Use directional effectively
- Back up in a straight line for a distance of over 50 feet
- Share the road with pedestrians and bicycles
- Make right and left hand turns
- Make U turns
- Three point turns
- Change lanes and when it is safe to do so
- How to safely pass a vehicle
- Merge into traffic
- Parallel park
- Park the vehicle in a parking lot and on the side of the road
- Drive on hills
- Apply common sense and good decision making when driving
- How to react to emergency vehicles
- How to safely pull off the road for an emergency
- Learn braking techniques used for vehicles equipped with and without ABS brakes
- Navigate roundabouts and rotaries
- Drive in all weather conditions, and the carrying speed to accommodate all road conditions
- Navigate safely through road construction and detours
- Enter and exit a highway
- Travel safely on the highway
START DRIVING TODAY!
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday 10am-6pm
Friday 10am-4pm
Saturday and Sunday Closed
July & August Monday- Friday 9am-5pm
Driving available 7 days a week.
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Behind The Wheel Instruction
Driving hours can be scheduled 7 days a week. We will pick you up and drop you off at your home or school. Needham, Wellesley, Dover, Natick, Weston and Westwood.