More and more options for online driver’s education have cropped up. Today, we’re putting a spotlight on First Time Driver.
We’ll take an in-depth look at what this online driving school can offer. We’ll look at:
- A quick overview
- Why it works
- Why it doesn’t work
With this, you’ll be able to determine if First time Driver is the online driving school for YOU.
So let’s get to it!
Quick Overview
First Time Driver’s online driver’s ed course is on-demand, allowing students 27/4 access. Being mobile-friendly, students can use the device of their choice when going through the material.
They also provide round-the-clock support through a customer service line.
The American Safety Council, which specializes in online driver education, continuing education, and online business among other things, is First Time Driver's parent company. This means that their state-approved driver’s ed courses meet all requirements and standards.
What’s more, they’ve earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
And, you can get all that for a very affordable price!
With that in mind, let’s now look at why it works and why it doesn’t work. In other words, the pros and cons of First Time Driver.
Why It Works
If you take First Time Driver, here are some of the benefits that you can expect:
- Self-paced learning
- Progressive autosave
- Reviews after each module
- Free DMV practice test
- Online Permit Prep
- “Ask the Examiner” feature
- Affordable price
Let’s look at each of these schools one by one.
Self-Paced Learning
You don’t need to go through all 15 units in one sitting. As with most online driver's ed courses, you have the option to study for as short or as long as you want. No pressure!
Note: Some states place course timers, in which case, you have to do the minimum hours required.
Progress Autosave
If you choose to complete the program in segments, you can pick up right where you left off. First Time Driver’s course automatically saves your progress.
Reviews After Each Module
At the end of each module is a 5-question practice quiz. This is designed to check if you’ve retained important information from the module you just finished.
Having regular checks also improves learning as it breaks down the course into bite-size, more manageable segments.
Free DMV Practice Test
Their website offers you a glimpse of what the DMV exam will be like.
All questions are multiple-choice, and the test gives the correct responses as you go through the items. Answers come with short explanations, which can help you understand that material better.
The only concern is that no matter how many times you retake the exam, the questions are always the same. This may prevent you from learning anything new.
Click on the link for the DMV Practice Test, and you can take a 20-point exam.
Online Permit Prep
Aside from the online driver’s ed course, you can also avail yourself of their Online Permit Prep course. This focuses on road rules and road signs while using colorful visuals to help you prepare for the DMV exam. Included in the package are several short animated videos.
You also get a 20 question practice exam. The practice exam is made to look and feel like the actual thing. Similar to the DMV Practice Test on First Time Driver’s website, you’ll immediately know whether you answered correctly or not.
“Ask the Examiner” Feature
At the end of each segment of the online Permit Prep course, there are references to a feature called “Ask the Examiner."
It gives “insider” information and tips from a former Driver’s License Examiner Supervisor, which can be beneficial to many students.
This feature helps you overcome any anxiety you may have and boost your confidence regarding traffic laws and road signs. Students can even email the Examiner directly if there is anything they want to clarify.
Affordable Price
You can take First Time Driver’s online driver's ed course for teens at just under $25, while their online permit prep is south of $15.
If you want to do both courses, you can save money by buying their package for a little over $30. Prices, of course, may vary depending on what state you are in.
Compared to other online driver's ed providers, First Time Driver comes out to be one of the most affordable.
Why It Doesn’t Work
Now, let’s look at the downsides to this online driving school:
- Limited availability
- Quality of content
- Requires multiple accounts
Let’s dive deeper into each of these.
Limited Availability
Unlike other online driver’s ed courses, First Time Driver only offers it to 11 states – California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia.
Even if you like their packages and find them affordable, if they’re not available in the state you’re in, you’ll have to look for a different provider.
Quality of Content
One downside to taking any class online is that it limits the amount of interaction you experience, possibly making things uninteresting. Some providers compensate by ensuring their content is interactive and gamified.
Although First Time Drivers delivers content in a straightforward and informative way, a non-interactive platform may cause students to have lower engagement.
Requires Multiple Accounts
Those who have chosen to purchase their online driver’s ed with First Time Driver have experienced inconvenience with having to set up multiple accounts. One is for the course, another for the online exam prep, and the last for the actual exam.
Most buyers have said that it would have been more convenient to have a single account for all products they purchase.
Where Else Can I Go?
If you’re looking for other options, you can check out either DriversEd.com or iDriveSafely.com.
DriversEd.com
A 4.6-rating from Trustpilot makes DriversEd.com an online driving school to consider. They offer a driver’s ed course that is informative and engaging to both teens and adults.
Although it isn’t available in all states, DriversEd is approved in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. This makes it a bit more accessible than First Time Driver.
Using interactive features such as 3D simulations and games to check your learning, you get a first-hand experience while doing coursework.
You also get unlimited practice tests with the course, increasing your chances of passing the final exam!
Another online driving school with a stellar reputation is iDriveSafely. Their driver’s ed course is divided into eight chapters. Each one centers on a single topic, so you only have to focus on one thing at a time.
iDriveSafely uses interactive lessons to help you learn the material, such as 3D graphics, animations, and slideshows.
To officially pass the course, you have to get at least an 80% in their 50-item test. If you don’t pass it on your first try, don’t sweat it - iDriveSafely gives you unlimited retakes.
Unlike First Time Driver, iDriveSafely doesn’t offer a separate exam prep option. Their driver's ed automatically comes with a free 50-item DMV practice test. You can even upgrade it to a 100-item practice test to make sure you’re ready for the real thing.
If you’re from California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, or Virginia, you’re in luck - iDriveSafely is approved there!
Conclusion
Want to avail yourself of the convenience of studying your driver’s ed online?
Looking for a good, reputable online driving school?
If so, you should definitely check out First Time Driver!
Sure, it isn’t a perfect online driving school. It might not even be the best of the best. But it teaches you everything you need to know about driving in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way.
And what more do you need, right?
If interested, go check out their website today!