Driving School

Gary's Defensive Driving
2271 Ridge Rd
Schenectady, NY 12302

Gary's Defensive DrivingFAQ's

How do I know if Gary's Defensive Driving is licensed by New York's DMV to offer driver training courses?
While we do include Gary's Defensive Driving's contact information in our driving school directory, we cannot say with certainty as to whether Gary's Defensive Driving is certified by the State of New York.  We recommend that you either contact Gary's Defensive Driving directly or possibly the New York DMV to find out if Gary's Defensive Driving is a certified driver training school.
Somebody told me that I can skip out of attending a driver training school if my parents give me behind-the-wheel training instead. Is that permissible in New York?
Each state has its own laws regarding driver training.  Some states will allow parentally-supervised behind-the-wheel training as a substitute for enrolling in a driver training course which is taught by a professional driving instructor.  However, not all states allow this.  You should contact the New York DMV to find out for sure.
What happens if I don't know how to drive a stick-shift vehicle? Will Gary's Defensive Driving allow me to do my behind-the-wheel training with an automatic-shift automobile?
Considering you're a brand new driver, you probably don't know much about operating any type of automobile--manual-shift or automatic-shift!  However, if you prefer to complete your behind-the-wheel training using an automatic-shift vehicle, you should contact Gary's Defensive Driving and inform them before you register for their driver training course.  That way you will know for certain if they will accommodate you.
Since I live way out in a rural area where driving on unpaved roads and rugged terrain is the norm, will Gary's Defensive Driving be able to teach me how to drive in a non-urban environment? Or do they only prepare you for city-driving?
Since you live in the country, odds are that any local driving school in your area such as Gary's Defensive Driving will want you to be able to drive safely on unpaved roads and rugged terrain.  We recommend that you contact Gary's Defensive Driving directly to find out exactly what they offer.
I just turned 14 years old. Am I eligible to receive my instruction permit in New York?
Probably not.  The minimum age requirement for holding a learners permit in most states is 15 1/2.  You should contact the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a licensed driving school such as Gary's Defensive Driving to find out more information about the minimum age requirement in New York. 
Do you know if the laws in New York require new teen-aged drivers to register for a behind-the-wheel training course in addition to a driver ed classroom or online course?
The laws vary from state to state, but many states do require you to take a behind-the-wheel training course with "hands-on" practice in addition to a drivers education classroom or online course.
If I need to sign up to take a Schenectady New York behind-the-wheel training program, can Gary's Defensive Driving help?
Yes.  Gary's Defensive Driving offers driving courses in Schenectady New York.  For more information about the type of driver training Gary's Defensive Driving offers and the training schedule, you should contact them directly.
Exactly what type of driver training do I need in Schenectady New York before I can get my New York driver's license?
The prerequisites for getting a driver's licenses vary from state to state, however most states now require teen-agers who are looking to get their first driver's license to enroll in a drivers education classroom course as well as a behind-the-wheel training course.  We suggest that you contact a local driver training company such as Gary's Defensive Driving and ask if they offer a New York-approved  driver training course which would satisfy New York's driver's education requirements.
Do I have to take a Schenectady New York behind-the-wheel training course in order to get a driver's license?
Yes.  All drivers in New York must successfully complete an approved driver training course in order to be licensed to operate a motor vehicle.  Please contact Gary's Defensive Driving for information on the types of behind-the-wheel training courses they offer in Schenectady New York.
Is it okay for me to sign up to take a behind-the-wheel training class in New York before I receive my New York instruction permit to drive?
Probably not.  Most states require first-time drivers to have their learners permit before they are allowed to sign up to take a behind-the-wheel training program.  You should contact a driving school like Gary's Defensive Driving and request more information.