ARIZONA DRIVING CLASSES AND SCHOOLS

Driving classes are available in Phoenix, AZ and other Valley cities to help new drivers pass their test and to provide refresher sessions to various different groups that might require them. If you want to drive a vehicle in Arizona, you will need a clean driver's license. Attending classes at an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) approved school will help you obtain a license and keep it free of penalty points.

There are over 50 ADOT-approved schools in Arizona offering classes aimed at different groups of drivers. This page provides info on who needs to take classes in Arizona, what is covered in the driving courses, and who else might benefit from driving classes.

Who needs to take driving classes?

Drivers who have committed traffic violations

If you have committed a minor traffic violation (e.g. speeding) in Arizona, you can have the violation or ticket dismissed, and thus avoid penalty points on your license, by completing a Defensive Driving course at a driving school. These courses are available to both local and out-of-state drivers but must be approved by the Arizona Supreme Court.

If the court gives you the option of taking a Defensive Driving course, it needs to be completed at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance. These classes are a good way of keeping licenses points-free and avoiding fines, but bear in mind that you are only eligible for a Defensive Driving course for a single traffic violation within a 12 month period. Codes for eligible violations can be found on the Arizona Supreme Court website.

Defensive Driving classes are only for those who have committed minor offenses. If you are found guilty of a serious violation or accumulate too many points on your license, you will be instructed by the court to complete a Traffic Survival School to avoid suspension of license.

Teen drivers

In Arizona, you can begin the process of learning to drive when you're 15.5 years old by completing a written test and applying for an Instruction Permit (or Learner's Permit). Once you have this, you will need to complete a state-approved Driver's Ed course - which consists of both practical driving classes and classroom-based learning - or complete a minimum 30 hours of supervised driving practice with a licensed driver. If you successfully complete a Driver's Ed course, you may be eligible for a Class G graduated license at the age of 16 (followed by a Class D full adult license at 18) without having to take a driving test.

Learner drivers in Arizona who are aged over 18 are not legally required to take driving classes or a Driver's Ed course but will need to pass a driving test to obtain a full license.

What is covered in driving classes and schools?

Arizona driving schools offer different packages aimed at learner drivers and those that want to improve their driving skills, as well as Defensive Driving classes. Most schools will offer both online and classroom-based options. If you are taking a Defensive Driving course to nullify a ticket or avoid points on your license, this is a written course that lasts approximately 4 - 4.5 hours. Topics covered include:

• Driving responsibly
• Safe driving strategies
• Traffic signs, signals and roadway markings
• Turning and passing
• Driving on different types of road
• Driving in different types of weather
• Vehicle safety and vehicle maintenance
• Hazard prevention methods
• Dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Arizona traffic laws and violations

A Driver's Ed course consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction covering the below topics and more in greater depth, plus 6 hours of practical behind-the-wheel learning with a certified instructor covering areas such as:

• Speed control
• Driving in high volume traffic
• Defensive driving
• Parallel parking and 3-point turns
• Driving on the freeway
• Lane changing
• Parking maneuvers
• Uphill/downhill parking
• Scanning

Other reasons for attending driving classes

Driving classes aren't just for teenage learners and those looking to avoid points penalties. Others can enroll for courses or individual sessions voluntarily. Many Phoenix driving schools offer refresher packages, both written and practical, and will usually also offer individual driving lessons. Reasons for enrolling in driving classes can include:

If you're an adult learner - although classes are not compulsory for those aged over 18, it makes sense to learn and hone your driving skills through a registered driving school to give yourself the best possible chance of passing the road test. Some driving schools will offer Driver's Ed packages tailored for adult learners, consisting of similar content to the one offered to teen learners (e.g. mix of classroom learning and practical sessions, learning about traffic rules and defensive driving techniques, etc.)

To improve your driving skills - you may simply feel that you could benefit from brushing up on your driving skills and road knowledge. Perhaps you didn't attend such a course when you learnt to drive, or didn't attend a very good one, and feel that you could do with updating your road signage learning, driving in traffic, using signals and lane changing abilities. You can inquire at a local driving school to see what sessions and packages they offer.

To reduce your insurance - if you voluntarily attend and complete a Defensive Driving program, you may earn a discount on your vehicle insurance. It's worth checking in with your insurer about this to find out whether the reduced insurance costs would be worth the outlay for the Defensive Driving course.

If you're moving to Arizona from another state or country - traffic laws and regulations vary not only between countries but from state to state. If you are new to Phoenix or AZ, it might be wise to familiarize yourself with the laws and customs of the road with a few driving classes to boost your confidence behind the wheel.

Costs of driving classes

Costs vary depending on factors such as class type, state county and driving school. Defensive Driving courses are usually around $50, although there will also be state fees and surcharges of around $65 and additional court fees to consider. Driver's Ed packages usually cost around $100 but again will vary.