Does New York offer free driving lessons for low income families?

If you don’t know how to drive a car, need driving lessons or don’t have a legal driver license to be able to do it in New York, you know first-hand how debilitating that can be. You don’t have the freedom to just get into a car to go to the store, out to eat or, most importantly, to work. Now, if you’ve lost your license because of too many violations or can’t afford the insurance rates of operating a vehicle, taking a defensive driving course online is an ideal way to reduce both license points and insurance rates to making driving feasible. But if you don’t know how to drive altogether, it’s a completely different story. This matter can become even more complicated if you don’t have the financial means necessary to acquire drivers training. A lack of a license can spell difficulty getting or keeping a job, for instance. The good news for New Yorkers is that there are various programs offered that aim to assist low-income individuals and families on this matter.

What is the New York Drives program?

If you can’t drive, it’s going to be difficult for you to get a job. That’s the thinking behind the New York Drives program, which provides drivers training and a path toward getting a license for low-income professionals. Organized by Brooklyn Workforce Innovations, the program is accepting of all New York residents, especially those in the 18 to 24 age group. The program is six weeks long and consists of all the education and skills that an individual would need to earn a driver license in the state. The first three weeks of the program are designed to enhance professional development, and the final three weeks are dedicated to driving instruction. Another neat thing about the New York Drives program is that it puts people on the path to employment after they earn their driver license. After passing their road test, program entrants are enrolled into training programs that lead to employment. Some of the jobs that it connects graduates with include trade workers, security professionals, and TV and film set workers. It can be tough to get into this program, however. Hundreds apply, yet organizers say that only about 75 can be taken each year. If you think you’d be a good fit, New York Drives hosts informational sessions for prospective students.

Are there other options for low income families?

If you don’t qualify for the New York Drives program or just don’t think that it’s the right fit for you, there are other low-cost options for you to earn your license in New York. One route to a legal license is through a government training program. Some driving schools, for instance, work with the government to put individuals on the path to acquiring a CDL, or commercial driver license. Because CDL jobs are in demand, these types of programs provide a good opportunity for people to get legally licensed and then have the inside track on a job opportunity following licensing. Some of the driving schools involved even offer what they call “job ready training.” While costs may vary based on the driving school that you work with, many of the government programs are free to qualified individuals. Whether you’re new to the country and living in New York or unable to afford a traditional driver’s training program, the state offers several opportunities for low-income individuals to get the training they need to earn a license. For special programs to government training, there are options for people if they know where to look for them.

How to Travel to NY’s Top Restaurants

There are a lot of different ways that you can travel to New York and in New York. When you are wanting to get to some of the top restaurants in the area, you have a lot of options that you can use. Whether you will be traveling to the restaurants on your own or with a big group of friends, you can utilize one of these top options for transportation within the city. [framed_box]

Subway

One of the most popular options to take within the city is the subway. One of the best things about New York is that they have an extensive transportation system that includes an underground subway system to get you to basically any destination in the city. If you are wanting to take the subway to get there, you will want to make sure you know the right trains take as well as the right stops. The subway stop may not be right at the restaurant location, so you will also want to know where to go once you get off the subway. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Taxi

Another great way to get around the city and reach your restaurant location choice is by taking a taxi. There are taxi cabs all over the city and you can get in one at the drop of a hat. One of the benefits of taking a taxi is that they can pick you up wherever you are and take you to any place that you need to go. That means they can drop you off right at the front door of the restaurant if that is what you want. This does tend to be a slightly more expensive option in the city, though so you should be prepared to pay a bit more for the fare. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Walking

New York City is a very walkable city and if the destination is not too far, you can walk to the restaurant that you want to go to. This is an option that does not cost you any money at all and you may find a great store or dessert stop along the way that you may not have noticed before. If you want to enjoy a walk and you have a bit of extra time, all you need to know is make sure you know where you are walking to, so you don't get lost and then put on your walking shoes. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Driving

Another great option for New York if you have a car is to drive on your own. This is very similar to taking a taxi, but you do not have to pay anyone a fare to get to your destination. Of course, driving in New York can be a bit challenging so unless you are a professional, taking a NY defensive driving course will help you safely drive in the area. When traveling with friends and family, everyone can save a bit of money on the transportation- so they can spend more at the restaurant. [/framed_box] No matter what option you choose for your transportation, you will likely have to use a combination of a few options, unless you drive yourself. NY defensive driving is the key to success, however, and you do not want to get on the roads without it. Also, taking an online defensive driving course will save New Yorkers 10% off their auto insurance for 3 years! You can safely navigate the roads and all the potential hazards on the roads of New York City while setting aside money for your favorite restaurants.