Submitted by jdolan98 t3_11wfdtl in massachusetts

Hi, I am a Massachusetts resident who is older than 18 (m25), and still live with my family (so they could also help with learning how to drive)

I have never driven in my life, and am really unsure about the whole process of learning. While looking into finally getting my license/learning, I heard about adult lessons as opposed to the standard drivers ed.

Should I still take Driver's ed? I very much want to know as much as possible about driving for my own safety/others/to ease my anxiety. I know there's also a massive discount off insurance, which seems to just make it be incredibly worth to take.

Am I allowed to take Driver's ed as an adult? Like should I be taking the adult courses instead? It seems vague / all the drivers ed information is catered towards HS students (for obvious reasons). I don't wanna stroll into the class and get like kicked out for being too old lol.

I apologize if this is the wrong place to ask this, I just thought everyone here would be familiar with how our state is run / the MA Driver's ed experience.

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Comments

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mazzymazz88 t1_jcxogup wrote

Yes, you can take driver's ed as an adult! For ones in your area, you can google them, or call an insurance company and ask if they can refer you. Good luck!

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Candid_Abalone t1_jcxtx5w wrote

Download the driver's manual from mass.gov. Read that and take your driver's permit test. There are practice tests online. Google mass permit tests.

AAA (triple A) has a deal for 3 two hour driving lessons for around $360. Spread them out over a month and drive as much as possible with anyone brave enough.

Good luck!

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Lil_Brown_Bat t1_jcymde8 wrote

Always take a drivers' ed course. Take and pass the course once, and you will get an insurance discount for the rest of your life.

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idkhow2userddt t1_jcyrr5b wrote

Most companies only offer a discounted rate for drivers Ed for the first 3 years. But it is usually worth it as the rate for those 3 years will be exponentially higher not taking drivers Ed.

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Lil_Brown_Bat t1_jcyubja wrote

Still, if you switch companies a lot to chase lower rates (which you should always do), then you will get the discount consistently.

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idkhow2userddt t1_jcz3eyy wrote

You actually won't. It will show on your declarations page that you have had it, but it doesn't affect your rate class. I've been an insurance agent for almost 20 years and have worked with a dozen different carriers. Unless it is an advanced drivers Ed course, like defensive driving, etc. After 3 years it really doesn't matter.

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JWNAMEDME t1_jczw6xt wrote

Can I ask just how significant the rate reduction is for a new driver with vs. w/o lessons? ( ex. 18 year old driver with no lessons vs. someone with lessons?)

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idkhow2userddt t1_jd4cijm wrote

Its all relative to the vehicle, town, etc. But you are probably looking at about $600-$800 (again depending on the vehicle and territory you live in it coudl be more) more without drivers ed for the first 3 years (and that is with no moving violations or accidents).

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Roberto-Del-Camino t1_jcxy1mp wrote

Good for you. It’s awesome that you’re considering doing this. I wish more people would.

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SnooPeppers6081 t1_jcxw8t5 wrote

This is years ago but I did a drivers ed class when I got out of the Marines. I didn't need much road practice but did the class work to get current with the traffic laws. On road test day (This was when the Registry Police ran them) I just drove around the neighborhood shooting the shit with the registry officer.

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Shrek-It_Ralph t1_jczxoaz wrote

Yup, when I took it when I was 16 and there were a good amount of adults in the room so, by all means go for it

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ElegantSheepherder t1_jd180tf wrote

Yep! I took lessons when I was 23. Saved my marriage (ha). My now husband was trying to teach me initially. Also I was able to schedule the road test through the school and use their car for it. Worth the money.

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