After receiving your driver’s permit, there are two options to choose from: driving school or being taught to drive by your parents. Students around Stamford High School each have their own opinions on what the best decision is. I spoke with six students, three of whom did driving school, and three of whom learned from their parents. Here’s what they think about their respective ways of learning how to drive.

My first question for the group was why they made the particular choice that they did. Senior Billy DeVito said, “I decided to wait six months instead of four (you can get your license after four months of having your permit if you go to driving school or after six months if you learn from your parents) because I heard driving school is the most annoying thing in the world.” Not only have I heard this from DeVito, but many students have the same reason for not going. I also got an opinion from junior Matt Labella who attended driving school. Labella said, “I went to driving school because it was [a] shorter [wait] to get my license. Driving instructors taught me a lot and it [lowered] my insurance.” These are all great advantages of driver’s education programs.

My next question was whether these students were happy with their choice. Junior Jenna Sharkey, who attended driving school, told me that she was satisfied with her choice. “I’m happy because now I can get my license earlier,” Sharkey said.  This is one of the main reasons students such as Sharkey take driver’s ed. The two month difference can really influence their choice. This isn’t true for all students, though. Junior Nicole LoRusso said, “I was fine with not doing [driver’s ed]. I didn’t mind waiting two extra months.” Apparently, this decision is greatly dependent on how much patience a teen has.

The last question I asked was how the person they practiced driving with acted. Junior Tarra Mallozzi told me about her driving instructor. “He was very understanding and helpful in guiding me on how to improve. They allow you to learn on your own,” Mallozzi said.  Some parents, on the other hand, tend to get nervous and freak out while driving with their child. Not all parents act this way, though. Senior Tom Molgano told me about his parents, saying, “They weren’t nervous because I had two older brothers and we all were pretty good at driving because we owned ATVs and dirt bikes growing up.” When learning to drive, driver’s ed guarantees a calm instructor, but parents are all different.

As you can see, each student I interviewed was happy with their choice. Everyone has their own opinions about what was or wasn’t necessary for them when learning to drive. The decision is yours, just remember to stay safe and share the road.