Teens are nine times more likely to be in a car crash than their parents.
Licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education
Driver Education Options Comparison Chart
The Driving Academy of Northwest Arkansas is driver education with a difference. Check the comparison chart below to make sure you're making the right choice for you or your teen.
| Driving Academy of NWA, licensed by ASBPCE Summer Program | Non-licensed Schools & Individuals | Your Public School Driver Ed Program | Arkansas State Standards for Public School Driver Education Programs* | |
| Following State law/codes/standards | yes | no | you decide | N/A |
| Classroom Instruction | ||||
| # of classroom instruction hours | 30 | zero - 3 | 30 | |
| # of classroom hours per 24-hr period | 30 | N/A | 2 | |
| # of days required for classroom instruction | 5 or 10 | N/A | minimum of 15 | |
| Current books/curriculum | yes, 2007 copyright textbooks | not required | ||
| Implements current video & guest speakers | yes | not required | ||
| Purpose of instruction just to pass the tests | no | no | ||
| Flexible scheduling of class instruction | yes | not required | ||
| Choice of locations for classroom instruction | yes | not required | ||
| Purpose of course just to obtain insurance discount | no, but can be a nice bonus | no | ||
| Technology | ||||
| Use of driving simulator (virtual trainer) with latest technology | optional, for additional charge | no | not required | |
| Simulate dangerous situations without being in harm's way | optional | |||
| Monitor and report on student progress throughout the simulated training process | optional | |||
| Behind the Wheel Instruction | ||||
| Min # of hours BTW with coach on actual public streets and highways | 6 | 2 | ||
| # of hours actually driving in car with coach | 6 | 3 to 6 | 6 (but 4 can be on parking lot) | |
| # of hours required to ride in back seat observing | 0, but may at no additional charge | 6 | ||
| Min # of days required for BTW certification | 6 | 12 | ||
| # of hours of extra driving experience student is required to log | 4, but recommend at least 50 | 0 | ||
| Car clearly identified as having a student driver | yes | yes | ||
| Written objectives & tasks to achieve during BTW coaching sessions | yes | not required | ||
| Scoring system for driving tasks | yes | not required | ||
| Progress reports & recommended driving practice assignments sent home | yes | not required | ||
| Flexible scheduling of driving lessons | yes | yes | not required | |
| Max time allowed to complete all driving sessions | none, may take however long the student needs | not designated | ||
| Choice of pick up points for driving lessons | yes | yes | not required | |
| Vehicles | new company cars | new loaner cars | ||
| Extra brake on instructor side | yes | yes | ||
| Gas and comp/collision insurance included in price | yes | yes | ||
| Instructors | ||||
| FBI & ASP background check of all instructors | yes | by whom? | ||
| Moral character of driving coaches verified via scan of home computer | yes | ? | not required | |
| Some instructors hold Ark Teaching Certificate in driver education | yes | most | required | |
| Some instructors have police training and experience | yes | |||
| All instructors have recent training in proven methods of driver education | yes | not required | ||
| Program in General | ||||
| Valid certificate given for insurance discounts, when applicable | yes | yes | ||
| Program held accountable by a state agency | yes, ASBPCE | no | Ark Board of Education | |
| Written & approved class policies & expectations | yes | |||
| Mastery required to pass course | yes | varies | ||
| Written grievance policy | yes | no | ||
| Cost | $350 | $125 - $450 | ||
| Cost per hour of complete package | $9.72 w/ 6 hours BTW | $41.66 - $75/hr | ||
| Available for adults | yes & with more options | yes | only high school students | |
| Meets strict requirements to keep Professional Teaching Liability Insurance | yes | no | ||
copyright 2008 Driving Academy of Northwest Arkansas