Parents vs. Professional Driving Instructors: Who Should You Choose?

Wondering, “Can your parents teach you how to drive?” Or unsure, “Are driving schools worth it?” 

Short answer: Yes, your parents can teach you how to drive, but you still require learning how to drive with professional driving instructors. Why? We’ll explore it all in this insightful blog. 

If you’re a teen in California, especially in a traffic-heavy city like Los Angeles, it’s important to know that learning to drive involves more than just hopping into the passenger seat with mom or dad. 

By law, California requires behind-the-wheel training with a certified driving school in Los Angeles, like Click2Drive, if you’re under 18. So, while parents teaching driving can offer support, they can’t replace what a professional car driver instructor provides or what the law mandates. 

In this blog, we’ll explore, 

• What are CA DMV license application requirements? 

• The real difference between driving with parents vs. instructors 

• When should you choose each of the behind-the-wheel training options? 

• Answers to the most Googled questions like “Are driving lessons worth it?” and “Who can teach you to drive?” 

Let’s get started!

California’s Legal Requirements for Teen Driving License

Before you choose who teaches you, know this: you don’t get to skip driving school if you’re under 18. 

Here are the minimum DMV requirements for applying for a teen driving license in Los Angeles, 

• 30 hours of Driver’s Education (online or classroom) for the permit test 

• Mandatory permit license that verifies you have cleared the DMV written test 

• 6 hours behind-the-wheel training with a licensed driving instructor 

• 50 hours of car driving practice with a parent or guardian 

• 10 of those 50 hours must be nighttime driving 

So, while your parents can teach you how to drive during practice, it’s mandatory that you also complete 6 hours behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor to even be eligible for your provisional license.

Driving with Parents vs. Professional Driving Instructors

Let’s compare the two methods of learning to drive and how they stack up,

Criteria	Learning with Parents	Learning with Driving Instructors
Legal Requirement	Optional (for practice hours)	Mandatory 6 hours (under 18)
Teaching Experience	No formal training	Specially trained to teach teens
Car Safety Features	No dual brakes or mirrors	Equipped with dual controls
Knowledge of DMV Exam	May be outdated	Up-to-date and DMV-aligned
Teaching Style	Can be stressful or emotional	Patient, calm, and structured
Lesson Plan	No curriculum	Structured lesson progression
Insurance Benefits	None	Some insurers offer lower rates after lessons

When to Choose Driving Instructors in Los Angeles?

If you’re asking, “are driving lessons worth it?”, especially in a complex city like L.A., then the answer is a solid yes. 

Driving instructors aren’t just certified, but they’re trained to teach first-time drivers and spot risky habits. They provide training in the best places for learning to drive both freeway and city driving. They’re also experts in what DMV examiners are looking for and can help you avoid the little mistakes that cost people their license on test day. 

Choose a professional instructor if,

• You’re just starting out behind the wheel 

• You want to feel confident driving in busy Los Angeles traffic 

• You want to pass your DMV test on the first try 

• You need a structured curriculum and measured progress 

• You want to reduce your risk of accidents early on 

Also, remember that many cars used by instructors are equipped with dual brake pedals, so they can help avoid accidents while you’re learning.

When is Learning How to Drive from Parents Helpful?

While driving instructors cover formal education and DMV readiness, parents are still important during your learning journey. In fact, after your professional lessons, your parents help you complete the 50 hours of required practice. 

So yes, your parents can teach you to drive, but only as a supplement and not as a replacement. 

Learning with parents is helpful when,

• You’ve already completed your 6 mandatory hours with a licensed instructor 

• You want more time behind the wheel training to enhance your comfort level 

• You’re driving in familiar areas or practicing everyday routes 

• Your parent is patient, knowledgeable, and good at giving calm feedback 

That said, it’s important that your parents stay up-to-date with current laws and driving practices because many of them haven’t taken a driving test in decades.

Why Are Both Behind-The-Wheel Training Approach Important?

You don’t have to choose one over the other. In fact, the best approach combines certified driving instructors for structured, legal, and safe learning and parents for casual practice and confidence building. 

Think of it this way, 

• Driving instructors = Safety, curriculum, expert preparation 

• Parents = Real-world practice, mileage, comfort 

Together, they form the complete package that helps you become a skilled, confident, and legal driver in California.

FAQs: Behind-the-Wheel Training in Los Angeles

Can your parents teach you how to drive?

Yes, but only for practice. California requires that teens under 18 complete 6 hours with a certified instructor. Parents can help fulfill the 50 hours of additional practice time but cannot replace the official training. 

Who can teach you to drive?

Legally, you can only drive with a, 

• Licensed adult of age 25+ or a parent for 50 hours of practice  

• Certified driving instructor for the 6 required DMV hours 

Only driving schools in Los Angeles with DMV-licensed instructors can issue the certificate you need to apply for a license. 

Are driving schools worth it?

Yes. Driving schools are worth it for multiple reasons, 

• They’re required by law for teens 

• Instructors teach proven driving methods 

• You learn defensive driving and risk management 

• You increase your chances of passing the DMV test 

• You may qualify for insurance discounts 

Is Driver’s Ed worth it for teens?

Yes. Driver’s Ed is not only mandatory but also foundational. It teaches traffic laws, DMV road signs, safety rules, and the basics of car operation, like pavement signs and meaning, 3-point turns, and more, even before you start driving. 

What makes a good driving instructor?

A good driving instructor is, 

• DMV-certified 

• Patient and professional 

• Experienced with teaching teens 

• Familiar with DMV exam formats and expectations 

• Skilled in techniques like defensive driving and parallel parking 

Looking for driving instructors in your area? Choose one with a strong reputation and high pass rates.

Conclusion: Parents vs. Driving Instructors – Who Should You Choose 

So, coming back to the question, can your parents teach you to drive? Yes, but not entirely. 

California requires driving school even if your parents can teach you to drive. 

California law requires driving lessons with certified instructors. And in cities like Los Angeles, where traffic is hectic and road rules are strictly enforced, professional training is more than just a checkbox. It’s you building your safety net for the road. 

So, to answer, “who should you choose?”, the best approach to learn how to drive in Los Angeles is learning from both driving instructors and parents.  

Ready to get behind the wheel with confidence? Book your mandatory 6-hour behind-the-wheel training with Click2Drive, trusted by thousands of Los Angeles teens. 

Enroll for 6 Hours Behind-The-Wheel Training with Click2Drive

Whether you’re looking for a trusted online driving school in Los Angeles for free drivers ed or expert behind-the-wheel training, Click2Drive has you covered. Our DMV-certified driving instructors make the learning process easy, supportive, and focused on helping you pass your test with confidence.  

With flexible scheduling and proven teaching methods like specialized training for reversing, parking, and traffic signs, you’ll be road-ready in no time. Wondering about the 6 hours behind the wheel training cost? We offer affordable packages tailored for teens and first-time drivers. 

• Free Drivers Ed (Online) 

• Certified 6-Hour Training 

• Friendly Instructors 

Ready to clear your DMV provisional license test in one go? Book today and pass with confidence!