Learning by Doing is Best and Fastest Way to Learn to Drive

How Experiential Learning Prepares New Drivers for a Lifetime of Safe Driving, Faster

Everybody learns differently. Some of us are visual learners, others learn best by listening, reading or writing about something. A fourth learning style, experiential learning or “learning by doing”, is the best and most effective way to learn.

Not only is experiential learning effective for all types of learners, it’s been proven to increase retention and facilitate a deep understanding of a subject faster than other learning types on their own. Learning how to drive is no exception.

The best and fastest way to learn to drive is by actually driving, but on the road driving lessons on their own aren’t the only way—nor the best way—to learn how to drive safely.

Why is learning by doing so effective?

In a nutshell, experiential learning is effective because it’s engaging and it sticks. It connects what is learned to what is felt and makes subject matter relevant and meaningful to the learner.

Instead of passively consuming knowledge, students are actively creating knowledge and discovering how it can be applied in the real world. For a new driver with little or no experience behind the wheel, this can be especially important.

Experiential learning also creates opportunities for problem solving, critical thinking, and learning by trial-and-error. Being able to make and learn from our mistakes accelerates our ability to refine and put theory into practice, which is why DriveWise incorporates driving simulators into our new driver training programs.

How and why simulation-based training works

Simulation technology is widely used in aviation, health services and military applications—and for good reason. Simulators make it possible to expose trainees to risky situations in a safe, controlled environment.

DriveWise is the only driving school that uses simulator technology to train new drivers for a lifetime of safe driving. Students develop safe driving habits and decision-making skills with our award-winning simulators, and practice reacting to challenging road conditions like black ice, snow and strong winds.

They learn to share the road with other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, who often behave unpredictably. These scenarios teach new drivers how to drive defensively, and to identify and react to hazards.

Getting behind the wheel is a high-risk activity; by gaining experience in a risk-free environment, new drivers develop the confidence and intuition they need to pass their Ontario driving test, and to feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel.

When it comes to driving practice, the more the better. If your summer plans include getting in the driver’s seat, register now for our March break SafeStart new driver training program.

What’s included in the SafeStart new driver training program

DriveWise’s SafeStart program is one of the most respected new driver training programs in the country. Our standard program includes 40 hours of training, which includes:

• 14 hours of interactive classroom learning;

• 6 hours of simulator training;

• 10 hours of online learning, and;

• 10 hours of private one-on-one in-vehicle training.

Every aspect of our program has been optimized for student engagement, including interactive classroom sessions with games, quizzes, case studies, discussions, and other learning activities to test their knowledge.

Online learning modules help new drivers review and reinforce what they’ve learned in the classroom, while on the road driving lessons allow students to put theory into practice.

SafeStart driving instructors are backed by decades of experience and are some of the most qualified instructors in the country; as one of the top-rated driving schools in Ontario, new drivers can trust that they’re in good hands.

For more information about our award-winning training, or to register for an upcoming SafeStart course, contact DriveWise today!