Learning the rules of the road is the first step in getting a driver’s license, regardless of your age. Many states don’t require first time drivers who are 18 and older to take a driver’s education class. However, it's smart for older drivers to look for a driving school in their area. Even people who have been driving for many years sometimes enroll in driving school to refresh their skills.

Many states have private driving schools. The best way to locate one would be to look in the telephone directory under “Driving Instruction.” Most DMVs maintain a list of certified driving schools. You could also contact your insurance company and see if they offer discounts for taking certain driving classes. Another option is an online driving school where the classroom time is done at home and you schedule driving times at your convenience.

Most driving schools offer a driver evaluation test with 30 hours of classroom training, which includes the safe driving practices and six hours of private driving time. If you just want to brush up on driving, keep in mind that most driving schools don’t require you to take the classroom training unless it is legally necessary in your state.

Be sure to check with your state for your laws regarding driving school attendance. Policies can vary significantly in this area. For example:

• New York requires a new driver, regardless of age, to complete a NYSED-approved driver education course or a DMV-approved pre-licensing course. You must have the certificate to schedule your road test. Most classes are offered through local high schools and colleges.
• Florida requires first time drivers to complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course before applying for a temporary driving permit.
• Connecticut law requires all applicants 18 years or older who have not previously held a license within the past two years to take an eight hour course on safe driving practices. They offer a Home Training Program which includes classroom training and practice driving. Driving practice must be given by a qualified trainer age 20 or older who has held a driver's license for at least four years with no suspensions during the past four years.

If you need a driving school completion certificate to earn your license, you should always check with your state's DMV to see if the course you want to take is acceptable. You don't want to waste time and money on a driving school that won't meet your state's requirements.