We’ve been getting a lot of phone calls from customers complaining about how long it takes to get an appointment at the DMV to take the permit test.  The average wait time right now is 3-4 weeks,  and we think that sucks.

But,  we do want everyone to know that you DO NOT need an appointment to take the written test!  In fact,  the DMV’s appointment system is so redundant that it really doesn’t save any time at all.  Government efficency at its finest!

Walk-in visitors are allowed to take the written test,  provided that they arrive before 4:30pm,  and they have the required documents. You can even use the DMV website to find out what the current wait time is at your local DMV!  (Click here for the current wait time at the Temecula DMV)

If you need to what the required documents are use the following links:

Teens (15 1/2 – 17 1/2)  Adults 17 1/2+

Lately, we have had people inquire about a special defensive driving course or package. At Drive Happy every lesson is a defensive driving lesson.  We teach only defensive driving!  We believe that if you learn to drive defensively from day one, it will become a lifelong habit.  If it ‘s all you know, it’s all you do…

There can never be any harm in taking lessons beyond the requirement, there is always something to learn, and more experience to be had.  However, beware of schools who try to up sell an ‘advanced defensive driving package’ in addition to the ‘regular lessons’.  If it is a good school, defensive driving is the standard.

Each student is unique, and learns at their own pace.  We feel that a set hour program is, well, stupid!  We don’t make the rules, but we do the best we can to make sure each student gets the most out of each lesson. You should too!

Josh and I noticed that last week when the temperature dropped, so did the pressure in our tires. In both our personal, and the driving school cars we have a feature that alerts us when the tire pressure gets low. We found it interesting that after a cold night, both cars sensors indicated that our pressure was low. After some inspection, we found that all four tires on each car were about 5lbs below optimum level. Coincidence? We think not.

With the fuel crisis, and the economy, we have been hearing numerous warnings from experts about how proper tire pressure will not only extend the life of your tires, but improve fuel mileage too! This pressure sensor indicator is a relatively new feature, that many people don’t have. You may not even be aware that anything is wrong… How many people regularly check the tire pressure any way?

At Drive Happy we strive to provide the highest quality of service at a reasonable price. We know that a few extra minutes at the gas station, is one of the cheapest ways to keep your car in tip top condition. Most gas stations offer free air to customers, you just need to ask, the cashier will give you a code to punch in, or tell you the location of a button to turn it on. A tire pressure gage can be purchased anywhere, even the dollar store! Some gas stations even have one attached to the air pump! Check out local your station, and the surrounding, to see who is the most accommodating.

As much as you spend on gas, you owe it to your self to take advantage of the perks gas stations have to offer!

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill today banning texting while driving.  This bill closes a loophole in the current cell phone bill that bans holding the phone to your ear,  but somehow allows you to type into a tiny keyboard.  We always thought that this type of bad driving habit was reckless driving,  a law that has been on books for many years,  but apparently not.

The bill signed today will go into effect on January 1st of 2009.  The fine is $20 for the 1st offense and $50 for subsequent offenses.  So,  GET OFF UR FONE N DRIVE! LOL

One more thing,  if your under 18 years old,  texting and driving is already illegal.  It is covered under the teen cell phone law that went into effect July 1st of this year.  DUDE U R BUSTED!  ROFL!

Drive Happy!  

The California DMV requries all new drivers under the age of 18 to complete 50 hours of supervised practice with an adult 25 years or older before getting their California Driver License.  To help teens and parents log these hours we have created the free Drive Happy Practice log.  You may download this pdf document and print,  photocopy, fax,  and share it.

Download the free Drive Happy Practice Log here.  drive-happy-practice-log.pdf

Did you know that the fine for dumping trash / littering on a California roadyway is a $1000?

Putting this in perspective with other violations,  littering is:

• 1000% more than failing to wear a seat belt.
• 500% more than a typical speeding violation.
• 300% more than running a red light.

Not only is the fine completely out of sync with other violations, but questions about the  littering law are also commonly found on the California Driver Permit test license.

Is this vital knowledge to a new driver?  Does littering cause a significant number of traffic fatalities?

Read the rest of this entry »

Synergy is defined as:

A dynamic state in which combined action is favored over the sum of individual component actions.

Last week my wife Amber and I were discussing teaching new drivers how to control the vehicle.  We both agreed that the most important aspect of vehicle control is synergy:  brake,  gas,  and steering wheel. When a new driver is able to grasp this concept,  their control of the car is immensely improved. 

Read the rest of this entry »

Now that the school year has started our teen schedule has slowed down a little bit. Normally during this time of year we shift the bulk of our teen student appointments to afternoons, evenings, and weekends. Keep in mind that are pick-up and drop-off is very flexible and we have no problem picking you up after school in the afternoon and dropping you off at home when your lesson is finished.

If your an early morning person we also offer driving lessons before school. We can even drop-off at school when the lesson is over. If your only available on weekends, we can do that to! However, keep in mind that everyone wants to drive on the weekend and appointments do fill up quickly.

So, don’t let the busy school year prevent you from learning to drive!

How is this going to work?

We will be organizing weekly trips to the Temecula DMV every Thursday. We have 4 slots available every week for students currently enrolled in our Behind-the-Wheel program who have not yet passed the DMV written test to get their permit.

What is included?

How much will this cost me?

This service is offered free of charge to all students who are currently enrolled in our Behind-the-Wheel program who have not yet passed the DMV written test.

How do I sign up for this?

Because we only have 4 spaces a week, we do require students to reserve their spot in advance. You can do this by contacting us:
e-mail:office@drivehappysocal.com
phone:951-805-8666

Do I need to bring anything with me to the DMV?

Yes, please click here to view the list of thing to bring with you.

What happens if you run out of spaces?

We’ll be running this every Thursday, if our current trip slots are full we’ll assign you to the next available trip.

Believe it or not the DMV says that over 70% of people taking a California Drive Test fail the first time. Yes, you read that right, 70%. If you happen to be part of that 70%, this article is for you.

First and foremost you need to remind yourself that this is NOT the end of the world. Failing the test does not mean that you are a horrible person. It means that you were not prepared.

Good question! The next step is to take a look at your score sheet and find out why you failed. Take a good look at that section in the lower right hand corner that says “Commments”. DMV examiners are required to write down the specific errors that caused you to fail the test.

When it comes to getting a driver license the ONLY person who’s opinion of your driving skills truly matters is the DMV. Think of it this way, your doctor says you have a tumor. Your mom says you look fine. Who are you going to believe?

Get back in the car and practice the skill that caused you to fail. Dig that Driver Handbook out from under your bed and study the skill. Practice, practice, practice.

Contact your friendly driving school and request a Drive Test Prep lesson. We know EXACTLY what the DMV is looking for on the Drive Test and for most students, a single driving lesson will allow us to cover every driving skill that will be on the test.

No problem. You can take the Drive Test in our car. Your instructor will not only go with you to the DMV, we’ll also do a 1 hour warm-up lesson right before your test to make sure that you are ready.