By Daniel Kiprono
The formal and legal route into the motoring world in Kenya typically begins with attending a driving school. It is a structured process where both theoretical and practical lessons mould you into a competent driver, prepared to navigate the busy roads. Experience on the road over time, combined with solid training boosts confidence and helps drivers become truly skilled behind the wheel.
But for many, the love for cars often starts much earlier, long before attaining the legal age to get behind the wheel. The first taste of motoring comes not from the theory classroom or behind the wheel of a real car but from toys and computer games. Racing through virtual tracks and simulated streets and highways ignites the passion early. Proficiency in these games can lead one to believe they are ready for the open road. Add to that, the natural curiosity that pushed them to watch experienced drivers in action from the passenger seat, and they quickly feel they’re already halfway there.
Observational learning, which is the process of picking up driving habits simply by watching and hearing, can be an incredibly powerful tool. From the backseat, potential drivers begin to pick up the fundamentals like steering, braking, shifting gears and even simple things like checking mirrors. It’s an education in motion, one that is often so subtle that the learner doesn’t even realize how much they have absorbed.
However, a certain reality check comes when they finally step into a driving school. The structured learning begins with theory lessons; road signs, rules, regulations, and the mechanics of driving. Many first-time learners are surprised by how much they didn’t know, having assumed they were already experts. The model town board particularly surprises many and the yearning to know makes them spend a lot of time understanding it.
Then the theory transits into practical lessons, Learners start with less busy roads, building their confidence before tackling highways. The lessons move from simple car control to the complexities of road navigation, traffic patterns and road safety. This is where a good driving school makes a difference.
Choosing the right driving school is critical. A quality driving school will not just teach you how to move the car from point A to B but will prepare you to be a truly competent driver. This includes; teaching basic vehicle maintenance- things like checking oil levels, changing a tyre, checks before a long trip, etc It is also about imparting vital safety awareness, and road safety knowledge and defensive driving skills.
Some schools focus purely on the mechanics of moving a car, but true competence on the road comes from understanding safety and strategy. For instance, how do you react to a driver overtaking too late? How do you handle tricky traffic scenarios or bad weather? How do you handle slippery or flooded roads? There are situations where defensive driving and the ability to anticipate danger can save lives.
Just like a child’s educational and behavioural foundation shapes their future success and discipline when they grow up, the choice of driving school plays a role in laying the groundwork for a safe and competent motoring experience. AA Driving School has earned the trust of individuals, parents, and employers across Kenya for its commitment to quality driver training. With a reputation for excellence, AA Kenya is widely regarded as the gold standard because every lesson goes beyond just earning a license; it’s an investment in safety, responsibility, and long-term driving confidence. It’s more than just about getting a driving license.