Young drivers today usually take some form of basic driving education before getting their license. However, some experts suggest that teen drivers could benefit from more classes and especially more practical experience. These experts note that additional, practical training can dramatically reduce car accidents involving new drivers and can help prevent resulting personal injuries, such as brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. For your teen’s next birthday or holiday, consider giving the gift of these classes:

1) Defensive Driving Classes. Defensive driving classes go beyond basic driver’s education and teach drivers how to actually react in collisions and how to avoid accidents. These classes can help save your teen’s life. In many states, they can also help reduce the cost of your teen’s car insurance.

2) Additional In-Car Classes. In many states and in many driver education programs, young drivers are given classroom training as well as behind-the-wheel training. The problem is that in many cases, in-car training comprises only a few hours – 10 hours or less in many cases. In addition, many classes have several students in a car at the same time during in-car training, so teens don’t get personalized one-on-one in-car training. Additional in-car training for your teen can help give your teen more practice behind the wheel as well as more personalized instruction from a qualified teacher.

3) Accident Classes or Seminars. Local chapters of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) as well as some police authorities organize seminars or workshops about car accidents. Often, these workshops warn teens against dangerous driving behaviors – such as drinking and driving or texting while driving. These seminars often include graphic reminders of what can happen when drivers take risks on the road. These workshops and presentations can be an effective way to show your teen why safety is important. In many cases, you can arrange for your teen’s school to offer these instructional programs for free.

4) CPR Classes. CPR or first-aid classes are useful for your teen, whether your teen is interested in becoming a lifeguard or a babysitter. CPR training is useful for anyone, but it can be especially useful if your teen is in an accident. If your teen is in an accident and has CPR training he or she can help people at the scene and can help treat some personal injuries on the scene until paramedics arrive.

5) Racing Classes. Many teens love the idea of racing cars and would welcome racing classes. Racing classes are also an effective way to teach your teen additional driving skills.