After an overwhelming response to our virtual 5-hour pre-licensing course, the numbers are in. AAA Western and Central New York provided services to more than 2,000 young drivers in the month of August. More than 1,600 students enrolled in the 5-hour course or in the online defensive driving program. Others utilized in-car instruction, which is available on a limited basis right now due to demand. AAA was one of the first local driving schools to offer the 5-hour course virtually, guided by an experienced, trained instructor. AAA Driver Training is thrilled over the ongoing positive response!

AAA is now hiring driving instructors in Buffalo and Rochester. Interested applicants should have good communication skills and a desire to teach. AAA provides paid training for in-car and classroom/virtual instruction. You can find more information at www.AAA.com/Careers.

AAA instructors lead the 5-hour class remotely from a computer, sharing images and videos, and even answering questions from students. Unlike an online defensive driving class that can be completed at your leisure with no instructor, the virtual option has an instructor and is offered at a specific time like a classroom lesson. New registrations are being accepted for virtual classes, students simply register at www.AAA.com/DriverTraining. AAA member pricing for the 5-hour course is $42, while the non-member rate is $47.

Other self-paced online training options include defensive driving, which qualifies the driver for an insurance reduction. The self-paced online portion of AAA License To Learn (LTL) program is also available and provides young drivers with a good foundation before they become licensed. 

“It’s important for young drivers to have a strong foundation of driver education, coupled with in-car experience, before they attempt to become licensed,” said Mike Formanowicz, Manager of AAA Driver Training.

“The defensive driving course, which qualifies drivers for an insurance reduction, is important for motorists of any age to refresh their knowledge,” added Mike Treantis, Director of Insurance at AAA Western and Central New York.

AAA in-car driving lessons and driver evaluations are now being offered with proper car cleaning after each lesson, good hygiene, social distancing, and safety protocols in place.

Students who need more information can go to www.AAA.com/DriverTraining to enroll or call (800) 836-2582 for more information. Once classroom instruction can resume, AAA will also offer the 5-hour course in-person with safety guidelines.