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Top 3 Safe Driving Apps

Warning: Voice Texting is NOT Safer than Type-TextingOur society can be characterized by near-complete reliance upon our gadgets and technology. But it’s weird — these very things which make our lives so much more convenient, and which connect people so much more to the [even mundane] details of each other’s lives, can also be dangerous — even life-threatening.

It’s all about balance, right?

Well, even though the law of the land (and let’s face it, good sense!) would have us turn off our phones and stash them away in the trunk or glove compartment while we drive, thereby avoiding even the slightest temptation to update Facebook or check Instagram or respond to texts while driving, we know that’s not always realistic. We’re a technology-addicted society.

So the next best thing — and what’s brilliant about technology — is that we can actually use technology in order to NOT use it while we’re driving! There are a number of safe driving apps that will:

  • prevent your phone from receiving texts, calls or other notifications while driving (or will read them aloud),
  • respond with an “I’m driving now” type message,
  • report to another user (such as a parent) if you’re violating some parameters such as boundary, speed limit, curfew, unlocking phone, etc.,
  • and perform many other functions as well.

Parents: For the first time in well, the history of the world, you can actually KNOW what your teen drivers are up to behind the wheel. You can know where they are, what time they are there, if they’ve exceeded the boundaries you’ve set for them, if they are driving too fast or erratic, and if they are unlocking their phones while driving, or otherwise driving distracted.

(You can use these apps to hold yourself accountable to safe driving. Many apps have family packs so everyone can participate. And hey, what better way to teach your kids safe driving than to MODEL it for them!)

There are lots of apps available — your car insurance company most likely has one also, and it might include a discount, so be sure to check that out. Here are 3 safe driving apps we have chosen to highlight.

Top 3 Safe Driving Apps

1. TrueMotion Family

IMG_9612Cost: FREE

What it Does: “This app tells you where your family members are and how they got there, with details on exactly how they drove including phone use, texting, aggressive driving, and more.” It also scores and ranks each driver in the group and shares the results among the whole group.

You do have the ability to turn off your location if you wish to keep that private. (We’re thinking of something fun like holiday shopping — nothing sinister!)

Note: This app used to be called Canary, but was purchased by TrueMotion. This app runs GPS continuously, which can decrease your phone’s battery life.

2. DriveSafe Mode

IMG_9611Cost: FREE

What it Does: According to the app, there’s full parental or third-party monitoring of all phones under the account (not sure if there’s a limit). You’ll receive an email notification if your driver is using their phone while driving. This includes calling, texting, going online, or using Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, or any other social media channel.

It does, however, allow the driver to set certain numbers to be used in an emergency.

Note: This app also runs GPS continuously, which can decrease your phone’s battery life. The app’s developers are working to minimize such problems.

3. Automatic Pro

IMG_9610Cost: $129 for the Automatic Pro adapter, available here. Then the app is free.

What it Does: Automatic Pro connects your car to the internet and features Crash Alert, which connects you to first responders in the event of a serious accident. You’ll always know where the car is — whether in a crowded parking lot or when your teen is out driving. It will also diagnose issues with your car! The app will silence all incoming calls, texts, and notifications, and can auto-reply with a text if your teen is behind the wheel. (It will also keep track of your teen’s driving style and will offer tips for safer driving.)

Note: Obviously this one is quite pricey, but for the cost, you get a lot of features that help ensure your whole family is safe behind the wheel.

Step 1. Complete our online driver’s education course

Register for our online driver education course. After you complete the required chapters and tests, we will then send you the DMV Certificate of Completion (DL387) that you can take to the DMV when you are ready to take the written test for your learner’s permit.

Our online driver ed course is available to all California residents. You can take our course at your own pace, in your own home in your own time.

Step 2. Study for the DMV written test

You will need to study for the DMV written permit test by reading through the DMV California Driver Handbook. It will benefit you if you take your time and study the handbook so you are comfortable with the information that will be on the test.

Take your time, you don’t want to have to go back to retake the test.

Step 3. Make an appointment at the DMV to take the written exam

It is important that you call ahead of time and schedule an appointment at the local DMV so you can go in and take the written test.

The lines at the DMV are usually very long so you don’t want to waste your time waiting in line. Make sure that you are well prepared for your appointment.

Most DMV’s are open Mondays through Fridays until 5 pm; Some are also open on Saturdays for a few hours so call ahead of time and see which date and times are best for you.

Step 4. Bring necessary documents to the DMV office

  • Complete the application form DL 44, remember the DMV always requires An original to be submitted. Copies will not be accepted in any form, so make sure you have exactly what you need. You can get this form from your local DMV.
  • Have your parents or guardians sign the application form DL 44.
  • Give your right thumbprint.
  • Have your picture taken.
  • Provide your social security #
  • Verify your birth date and legal residence
  • Submit the proper form(s) for Driver Education and/or Driver Training (see below for details)
  • Pay the $28.00 application fee (This fee entitles you to three exams of any type within the 12-month period and pays for both the instruction permit and the driver license. If all requirements are not met within the 12-month period, the application becomes void and all steps must be completed again.)
  • Pass a vision exam, if you need glasses, wear them.
  • Pass a written test, there are 46 questions on the test.
  • You need a passing score of at least 39 correct answers.
  • You have three chances to pass the test. If you fail, you must wait 7 days before taking it again.

 

Driver Education and Driver Training Form Requirements:

If you are 15  years of age, you will need to bring with you:

  • Form DL 356 or OL 237 (Completion of Driver Education) with form DL 391 (Driver Training Enrollment ) if your school has a contract with a driving school.

OR

  • Form DL 356 or forms OL 237 and OL 238 (Completion of both Driver Education and Driver Training)

OR

  • Submit form DL 391 or OL 239 (Simultaneous Enrollment in Driver Education and Driver Training)

 

If you are over 15 but under 18 years of age, you will need to submit:

  • Form DL 356 or OL 237 (Completion of Driver Education)

OR

  • Form DL 391 or OL 239 (Simultaneous Enrollment in Driver Education and Driver Training)

 

If you are over 17  but under 18 years of age, you may get your permit without the driver education and driver training certificates however, you will not be able to take the driving test until you turn 18.

Once you pass your written test, you will be issued a provisional permit. You can be issued a permit at age 15, but you cannot take the driving test or be issued a driver’s license until you are 16 years of age.

A parent, guardian, spouse, or adult 25 years of age or older, who has a valid California driver’s license, must be with you when you drive. They must sit in a position that allows them to take control of the vehicle, if necessary. It is illegal for you to drive alone at any time.

Before being eligible to take the driving test you must:

  • Be 16 years old
  • Have had your permit for a minimum of six months
  • Have completed driver education
  • Have completed 6 hours of professional driver training
  • Have completed 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver’s license and certify to the 50 hours of practice. At least 10 of the 50 hours must have been done at night.

 

If driver education and driver training were taken in a state other than California, DMV will accept either a Secondary Schools Other Than California Schools form DL 33 completed by the out-of-state school or a letter on the out-of-state school’s stationery signed by a school official stating that the courses are equivalent to California’s requirements. Instructional permits issued by another state are not acceptable

Step 5. Complete behind the wheel training

When you pass the written exam:

  • You are required to take your first 2 hours of behind the wheel training with a professional driving instructor.
  •  You may start behind the wheel training with your parent/guardian or other licensed drivers who are 25 years of age or older.
  •  You must further complete four (4) more hours of driving school instruction.
  • Complete fifty (50) additional hours of behind the wheel training with a parent/guardian or any other adult who is 25 years old or older. The adult must have a valid California driver license and certify that you’ve had the 50 hours of practice. It is required that 10 of the 50 hours of training is done in the evening.

Step 6. Take the driving test at the DMV

To be eligible to take your driving test you must:

  • Be 16 years old
  • Have had your permit for a minimum of six months
  • Have completed a driver education course
  • Have completed 6 hours of professional driver training
  • Have completed 50 hours of practice with an adult who is 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver license and certify to the 50 hours of practice. At least 10 of the 50 hours must have been done at night.
  • You will also need to show registration and proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be taking your drive test in.
  •  If you fail your drive test, you must wait two weeks before you can take the test again. You have three chances to pass.
    • Driving (behind-the-wheel) retest fee is $6.00.
    • Motorcycle driving (behind-the-wheel) retest fee $6.00.

 

After you pass your drive test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Double-check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect.

If you have not received your license after 60 days, call (916) 657-7790 and they can check on the status for you. Have your interim license with you to provide information when requested.

Step 7. Receive provisional license upon passing the driving test

After you pass the Driving Test, you will be issued a provisional license. Your license will have the following restrictions for the next year: During the first 12 months, you are licensed to drive you must be accompanied by a driver 25 years of age or older if you drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. or if you have passengers under the age of 20 in the car at any time.

Persons under 18 may not be employed to drive a motor vehicle. When you become 18, the provisional part of your license ends. You may continue to drive as an adult using your photo license, which will expire on your 5th birthday after the date you applied.