Best Driving Schools in St. Louis County

Owning a vehicle opens up a world of possibilities. No longer are you confined to the limits of public transportation or reliant upon others for rides. However, before you can buy a car and hit the open road, an essential first step is to learn how to drive. 


For new drivers, the idea of changing lanes on highways or navigating congested St. Louis traffic conditions can be nerve-wracking. Plus, they have to pass the written portion of the test, based on Missouri's driving manual. To increase their odds of success, people of all ages elect to hire an instructor from a licensed and insured driving school. However, not all schools are created equal. If you dive into reviews, you'll see multiple accounts of disinterested driving coaches, harsh critiques, and overall lack of professionalism. 


Luckily, we researched on your behalf! Below are our picks for the best driving schools in St. Louis County, based on customer feedback. 

 

The Best Driving Schools in St. Louis County 


Coach Harder Driving School - Located in Maryland Heights not far from the St. Louis airport, this driving school has earned its fair share of reviews from happy Missourians. Customers highlight the team's ability to calm their students' fears while providing helpful tips. The school acknowledges that not all student-drivers are the same; they offer flexible timing to accommodate adults' busy schedules, as well as lessons that cater to the barriers faced by international drivers. 

Savedriver Services Driving School - Positioned in the very heart of St. Louis, SaveDriver Services receives praise for its instructors' balance of encouragement and discipline. The result? Reviewer after reviewer notes that they were able to pass their driving test after only a few classes. 


Mid America Academy of Driving - What do students appreciate about this St. Louis driving school? Their patience and support, as well as their detailed instruction. Best yet? The founder and head of Mid America Academy of Driving is a retired police officer. Who better to teach you about the laws of the road? 


Mr. D's Driving School - Cross the Mississippi River and drive 30 minutes from Downtown St. Louis to find Mr. D's Driving School. This small team brings ample experience, and offers courses for teens, adults, and remedial drivers. Though they are located very close to St. Louis, they focus on Illinois driving manual rules. 

Why Should You Sign-Up for a Driving School in the First Place?


Parents, you may be excellent drivers, but that doesn't mean that you are necessarily the best individual to teach your teen. Reasons to engage with a St. Louis County driving school include:

  • Teaching requires a special set of skills and lots of patience. A seasoned driving instructor will create a calm environment, no matter what mistakes may arise. However, as humans, it's most of our natural inclination to panic when in the passenger seat next to a poor driver. If you're someone who is prone to raising your voice or panicking, it's best to hand over the reins to a driving instructor in the St. Louis region. 

  • Instructors will teach your kids with the driver's test in mind. An experienced teacher has crafted a curriculum designed to set your child up for success. They most likely blend theory with real-world application to assist with the written portion. 

  • It separates family dynamics from the learning experience. Learning to drive can bring out anxiety in both teens and their parents. This can cause drama behind the wheel that spills over into home life. The emotional detachment of a stranger can remove preexisting relationships from the learning experience to keep the focus on the road. 

What to Ask When Choosing the Best Driving School for Your Teen

When choosing from the above-listed St. Louis County driving schools or doing your own research, it's important to ask some questions prior to booking the first lesson. These include:

  • Is there a set lesson plan you follow and can share with us in advance?
  • How would you describe your teaching methods? 
  • What type of vehicle will the student use while training, and does it have dual controls?
  • Will your teen be the only student-driver in the car?
  • When are classes available? 
  • What is your first-time pass rate? 

Some of these questions can help you narrow your list for practical reasons? No availability on the weekends? Will the student be sharing the car with another? Pass, and pass! Other questions can help you gauge their professionalism. If they can't confidently describe their curriculum or tell you their pass-rate (don't expect perfection), they clearly are not dedicated to their craft. These talking points can also help you get a feel for whether or not the instructor would be a good fit for your teen. Learning to drive on a St. Louis freeway can be stressful, so it's important that the student can trust and connect with the instructor. 

Once You Get Your License, Treat Yourself to a Ford!

Congrats, your teen passed their St. Louis driving test! No doubt, they're eager to climb behind the wheel. A Ford may be the best bet for new drivers. Newer models come with comprehensive driver-assist technologies, including lane-keeping systems and automatic emergency braking. 

Schedule a VIP test drive with Bo Beuckman Quality Ford to explore a variety of vehicles. You can take your time to decide which feels most comfortable, as well as discuss with our experienced sales representative the features you care about the most.