What Happens If You Crash During Driver’s Ed

If you crash during driver’s ed, the instructor will take control if possible, everyone’s safety is prioritized, the school files an incident report, and the school’s commercial auto insurance typically handles the claim; you won’t automatically “fail” driver’s ed, but you may need extra lessons and, if you’re cited, the incident can affect your record and future insurance. Details vary by state, school district, and the contract you (or your parent/guardian) signed, so expect a formal review, potential reporting to authorities, and guidance on when you can resume training.

What happens immediately at the scene

The first minutes after any collision focus on safety, legal compliance, and documentation. Your instructor is trained to manage the scene and will often have dual controls to help prevent further harm.

• Stop, secure the vehicle, and check for injuries. Move to a safe location if the vehicles are drivable and local law allows.
• Call 911 for any injury, airbag deployment, traffic hazard, or significant damage; follow your instructor’s direction.
• Exchange information with the other driver(s): names, contact, insurance, vehicle details, and license numbers.
• Document the scene with photos/video (vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, signage) if safe to do so.
• Wait for police if required by local law or if there are injuries, significant damage, or disputed fault.
• Notify the driving school per its policy; the instructor will start an incident report.

These steps ensure everyone’s safety and create a clear record for insurance and any required state reporting.

Liability and insurance

How fault is determined

Fault is decided by insurers and, when applicable, law enforcement—not by the instructor or the other driver at the scene. In many states, comparative negligence can split fault among drivers. Permit holders can be cited, and any citation process is separate from school discipline.

Which insurance applies

Most public-school and licensed private driver training programs use insured training vehicles; their commercial auto policy is typically primary for crashes that occur during instruction. Your family’s auto policy may be secondary or not involved at all unless your state or the school’s insurer seeks contribution. Some private schools include contract terms about deductibles or damage fees—read your enrollment agreement.

Insurers and schools often ask for specific paperwork to process a claim or report.

• The instructor’s incident report and lesson details (date, location, maneuvers practiced).
• Police report number (if applicable) and any citations issued.
• Photos/videos and witness contact information.
• Insurance information for all vehicles involved.
• Medical documentation if anyone sought treatment.

Providing complete documentation helps expedite repairs and claim decisions and reduces disputes over fault and coverage.

School or program consequences

Driver’s ed programs aim to teach safely, not to punish accidental mistakes. However, schools must evaluate readiness and risk before allowing you back on the road.

• Temporary pause from behind-the-wheel sessions pending review.
• Additional training hours focused on the crash scenario (e.g., gap selection, following distance, braking).
• Parent/guardian conference to set a practice plan and expectations.
• Possible rescheduling fees or, in private programs, a deductible/damage fee if your contract allows it.
• Removal from the program only for serious misconduct (e.g., intentional reckless behavior, substance use).

Expect a structured plan to address the skills involved; most students continue and complete the course successfully.

Impact on your permit, license, and record

A collision alone doesn’t usually appear on your driving record unless a police report or citation is issued, but state rules vary. If you receive a citation and are found responsible, points may be assessed to your permit that carry over when you’re licensed. Some states require crash reporting above a damage threshold (for example, California requires an SR-1 report to DMV within 10 days if anyone is injured or damages exceed $1,000). Check your state DMV for exact rules and timelines.

• Citations can delay a road test or trigger remedial requirements in some jurisdictions.
• Claims paid by a school’s insurer typically don’t raise your family’s premiums; if your household policy pays or is subrogated, it may affect future rates.
• Serious violations (DUI, reckless driving) have much stronger consequences, including suspensions.

If you’re unsure what applies in your state, ask your instructor and review your DMV’s collision reporting and point system guidance.

If it happens during the state road test (not a lesson)

A collision during a DMV road test is treated differently than a training crash. Examiners follow strict safety rules and must stop the test if an unsafe act occurs.

• The test is terminated and usually marked as an automatic fail if the examiner intervenes or a crash occurs.
• You’ll need to reschedule; some states impose a waiting period or additional fee before retesting.
• If you’re using your own or a family vehicle, that policy generally covers damages; if it’s a school vehicle, the school’s policy is typically primary.
• Any citation issued by law enforcement follows normal legal processes, separate from the test result.

While discouraging, a failed test doesn’t bar you from retaking it once you’re prepared and eligible.

What to do in the days after

After the immediate response, a few practical steps help you recover, complete requirements, and get back on track.

• Seek medical assessment if you feel pain or soreness; delayed symptoms are common after collisions.
• Inform your parent/guardian and, if advised, your household insurer to understand any obligations.
• Obtain the police report and claim numbers, and keep a file of all documents and communications.
• Meet with your instructor to debrief and create a targeted practice plan.
• Address any citation by its deadline—court appearance, mitigation, or traffic school if eligible.
• Resume driving gradually, starting in low-risk environments to rebuild confidence.

Staying organized and proactive reduces stress and ensures you meet legal and program requirements on time.

Preventing crashes in driver’s ed vehicles

Most training collisions are low-speed and preventable. Focused preparation and clear communication with your instructor reduce risk substantially.

• Do a safety briefing at the start of each lesson: controls, mirrors, following distance, and instructor hand signals.
• Practice hazard scanning: 12–15 seconds ahead, mirrors every 5–8 seconds, and check blind spots before lane changes.
• Use conservative gaps for turns and merges; if in doubt, wait.
• Keep speeds appropriate for conditions; slow down early for turns and stale green lights.
• Speak up—tell your instructor if you feel overwhelmed so they can adjust the route or pace.

Building habits around spacing, visibility, and communication is the most reliable way to avoid incidents.

Questions to ask your driver’s ed program up front

Clarity before your first drive helps you and your family understand responsibilities and avoid surprises after a collision.

• Which insurance policy is primary during lessons, and who pays deductibles?
• What incidents require pausing training, and what’s the return-to-driving process?
• Do you file state crash reports, or do we? What are the deadlines?
• How are citations handled, and can the school provide documentation for court if needed?
• What additional training or fees apply after a crash?

Having these answers in writing (handbook or contract) sets expectations and reduces stress if something happens.

Summary

If you crash during driver’s ed, the instructor manages immediate safety, the school files an incident report, and the school’s insurance typically handles damages. You’re not automatically removed from the program; most students complete extra coaching and continue. Legal and insurance outcomes depend on state law, fault determinations, and your program’s contract. If a citation is issued, it can affect your record and future premiums. Communicate with your instructor, follow reporting rules, and use the experience to reinforce safe driving habits. This information is general and may vary—check your state DMV rules and your program’s written policy for specifics.

Where do most crashes happen in driver’s ed?

Poor Driving Conditions – Driving at night, in snow, rain and other less than ideal conditions can increase your chances of being involved in a traffic collision. Even for experienced drivers, intersections are among the most hazardous locations and are the site of many traffic collisions.

What happens if you crash during driving lessons?

Driving instructors are supposed to prevent that from happening. But, if it happens anyway, the car is insured through the school. Part of your fees is for the insurance!

What happens if you crash as a learner driver?

If the learner driver or instructor is at fault, the claim will be made against their insurance company. In order to prove liability for a road traffic accident, you will need to provide evidence to show who was responsible.

What is the biggest fail on a driving test?

Top 10 reasons for failing the driving test

• not making effective observations at junctions.
• not using mirrors correctly when changing direction.
• not moving off safely.
• incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions.
• not having proper control of the steering.
• not responding appropriately to traffic lights.