Learning to drive is a thrilling rite of passage that opens up a world of possibilities and freedom. Each lesson transforms the seemingly overwhelming task of mastering the car into an adventure filled with small victories, whether it's mastering parallel parking or finally conquering a busy intersection.
Beyond the mechanics, driving offers a sense of independence, allowing individuals - especially younger drivers looking to get their license - to explore new places, create unforgettable memories, and take control of their journey in a way that only a driver's license can provide. For many modern families, however, going to an in-person driving school isn't always an option. Sometimes, they need drivers ed online, or a hybrid arrangement that bridges that gap between the two.
At Learn to Drive Academy, we specialize in both online driver's ed as well as private lessons with experienced instructors - and we're ready to help you learn about the joys of driving safely. We cater to a range of clients, including:
Online driver's education offers a flexible and convenient way for teens to complete their coursework. Instead of attending traditional in-person classes, students can access lessons and materials right from their devices. These courses are designed to be engaging, featuring fun and informative content like videos, quizzes, games, and animations that keep teens interested.
With no set hours, students can learn at their own pace. Some may choose to dive in and finish the entire course in just a few days, while others may prefer to tackle it for an hour a day, fitting it in between homework and football practice. Unlike most in-person driver's ed courses, which are typically scheduled early in the morning or right after school, online education eliminates the stress of conflicting schedules, making it a great option for busy students with limited free time.
At Learn to Drive Academy, we believe wholeheartedly that enrolling in a driver's education course has numerous advantages. Online driver's ed courses provide many of the same benefits as traditional in-person classes. Whether you have a teenager who needs to learn to drive or you've never learned yourself, there are plenty of reasons to participate in an online driver's education course. Let's explore some of the most significant advantages below.
In many instances, an online driver's education course tends to be more affordable than a traditional in-person option. By opting for an online course, you can avoid the extra costs associated with classroom space and the instructor's fees. Take some time to compare your options and see whether an online or in-person driver's ed course offers the best value for your investment. At Learn to Drive Academy, we offer a range of cost-effective driving courses online, as well as private in-person lessons and even packages where we pick up your teen for class.
Most modern families in metro Columbia, SC are busier than Halls Chophouse Columbia in Columbia, SC. If you're considering driver's education for your teenager or yourself, you'll likely appreciate the convenience of not having to drive them to classes. Learning from the comfort of home offers a significant advantage. You can set your own schedule without the hassle of commuting to a classroom. Anyone who has taken a driver's education course knows how challenging it can be to get around for lessons. By opting for online instruction, you can skip that struggle altogether.
Online driver's education offers the freedom to learn at your own pace. You can progress once you fully grasp the material and revisit earlier modules whenever necessary. There's no need to worry about keeping up with an instructor. Instead, you have the chance to engage with the content on your own terms. Plus, you can sidestep the distractions often found in a traditional classroom setting. It's truly an effective way to absorb information.
When it comes to driver education classes, one of the key decisions you'll need to make is whether to participate in an online course or attend in-person classes. Each option offers its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Let's dive a bit deeper into both choices to help you figure out which one suits you best.
One of the biggest deciding factors between in-person and online driver's ed courses is how flexible each option is.
Online: Online courses provide unmatched flexibility. You have the freedom to learn at your own pace, whenever it suits you, and from anywhere you choose. This aspect is especially advantageous for students juggling busy schedules or for those living far from driving schools.
In-Person: Attending in-person courses means being present at designated times and places for classes. Although this may be a bit less convenient, it offers a structured learning environment that many students may find advantageous.
Which option best suits your learning style?
Online: Online courses are perfect for self-driven learners who feel at ease with digital platforms. These courses typically feature engaging modules, videos, and quizzes that can be revisited whenever necessary.
In-Person: In-person courses provide the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with both instructors and fellow students. This setting can be particularly advantageous for those who thrive on direct engagement and appreciate receiving immediate feedback in real-time.
Engagement and interaction are usually different when comparing online and in-person driving school.
Online: Online courses often provide minimal interaction with instructors and fellow students. Although some programs include discussion forums or live chat options, the overall level of engagement tends to be lower compared to traditional in-person classes.
In-Person: Attending an in-person driving school provides students with practical experience and the chance to engage directly with instructors and peers. This format can be particularly beneficial for those who thrive on immediate feedback and enjoy learning through collaboration.
In summary, both online and in-person driver education courses come with their own advantages and disadvantages. When deciding which option is best for you, take into account your personal learning style, schedule, and budget. Whether you opt for the flexibility of online classes or the structured setting of in-person sessions, the key takeaway is to make sure you're thoroughly prepared for roads that you'll drive in the future.
As you will learn at our driving school, getting behind the wheel in South Carolina can be both a beautiful and stressful experience. On the plus side, when you get your license, you can drive to places like Saluda Shoals Park near Columbia, SC for a full day of fun. On the downside, you may run into a lot of traffic on the way - and with heavy traffic comes aggressive and unsafe drivers. Obviously, you can't get behind the wheel of their car to make changes. The good news? You can always drive defensively and change the way you operate your vehicle. Here are some of our top tips to get started.
Plan out your route in advance or set your GPS to guide you in the right direction before you hit the road. Doing this will help you avoid unnecessary lane changes, sudden stops, and last-minute turns. As a result, you'll experience less frustration and create safer driving conditions for yourself and others on the road.
Before you head out, take a moment to think about all the factors that could affect your journey. Heavy traffic can really slow you down, so it's wise to set off earlier and steer clear of peak travel times. Bad weather can also make traveling riskier and less efficient. Keep this in mind by allowing for greater following distance and reducing your speed.
During drivers ed in Columbia, SC, you'll learn several time-tested tips to help you drive better. This is one of the most important tips you'll discover. There's no need to ride your brakes while driving. Instead, give yourself enough time to slow down and come to a complete stop. This approach not only enhances your safety but also allows the driver behind you to notice your brake lights and react accordingly, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safer road for everyone.
When overtaking other vehicles on the highway, it's essential to maintain a generous distance as you merge back in front of them. This ensures that drivers behind won't feel pressured or overwhelmed, reducing the likelihood that they might unexpectedly hit the brakes. After successfully passing a vehicle, it's courteous and safe to move out of the left lane promptly, especially if you find your speed is significantly lower than that of the surrounding traffic.
This simple action not only allows faster vehicles the opportunity to pass but also contributes to a smoother flow of traffic overall, enhancing road safety for everyone. Always be mindful of your surroundings and adjust your position as needed to facilitate a safer driving environment.
Stay focused and alert while driving. Distractions can pose significant dangers not only to you but also to others on the road. Just sending or receiving a text message can divert your attention from the road for about five seconds. At a speed of 55 mph, that's equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
Although glancing at your phone at a stoplight might seem harmless, you might miss a signal change or an approaching hazard. Remember, your cell phone isn't the sole source of distraction in your vehicle. Anything that diverts your attention from the road takes your hands off the wheel or clouds your mind can be risky. This includes activities like eating, drinking, or fiddling with the radio. Even passengers can sometimes become a source of distraction.
You don't have to be a graduate from Columbia International University near Columbia, SC, to know that car accidents happen every day. When they do, vehicle damage and injuries often occur, too. As a new driver, it's imperative that you know about these accidents and how to avoid them.
Rear-end collisions are one of the most frequent causes of auto insurance claims. Whether you are the driver who collides with a vehicle in front of you or the one who is struck from behind, these accidents can often be prevented.
Tips to avoid these accidents:
Single-vehicle accidents include crashes involving road barriers, debris, or animals, as well as rollovers and incidents that occur when driving off-road. Fortunately, there are straightforward ways to help prevent these types of accidents.
A frequent cause of auto damage is when a parked vehicle gets hit by another car. Whether you're leaving your car in a parking lot or along the street, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of collisions and potential claims. Here are some helpful tips to consider:
At Learn to Drive Academy, our goal is to help students cultivate and uphold safe driving habits while mastering the principles of defensive driving. We place a strong focus on the risks associated with distracted and impaired driving, highlighting the importance of staying attentive behind the wheel. We offer both online driver's ed, in-person classes, and special packages for new drivers and teens.
Services for Teens: We offer all the state requirements needed for your teen to get their driver's license. We also offer options for additional driving lessons if needed to ensure they have mastered the skills needed to be a safe and confident driver.
Services for Adults: Whether you're getting behind the wheel for the first time or seeking to enhance your driving abilities, our lessons are designed to meet you where you are and help you reach your goals.
All training is carried out by skilled, state-certified instructors who are committed to offering personalized attention and guidance. They ensure you get the support necessary for your success.
Our primary goal is to equip our students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in both the DMV written test and the DMV road test. We are licensed by the SCDMV and certified to administer the essential SCDMV road skills test, which is a key step toward obtaining your driver's license.
Ready to hit the road? We're ready to help you get started. Contact Learn to Drive Academy today. By tomorrow, you'll be one step closer to the open highway.
COLUMBIA — Sonia Norman has lived in the Columbia area for more than two decades, working as both a firefighter and a law enforcement officer before pursuing her dream of running a restaurant by opening IceCream Taco. But now, that dream is ending as Norman closes the restaurant to pursue another: living abroad.Over the years, the shop has become popular in West Columbia, serving, appropriately, ice cream and tacos. Norman serves mostly beef tacos, made using a family recipe, in addition to a variety of Hershey’s ice cream...
COLUMBIA — Sonia Norman has lived in the Columbia area for more than two decades, working as both a firefighter and a law enforcement officer before pursuing her dream of running a restaurant by opening IceCream Taco. But now, that dream is ending as Norman closes the restaurant to pursue another: living abroad.
Over the years, the shop has become popular in West Columbia, serving, appropriately, ice cream and tacos. Norman serves mostly beef tacos, made using a family recipe, in addition to a variety of Hershey’s ice cream that can be eaten in a cup, cone, sundae or shake.
In a Facebook post, Norman said the shop had become an extension of her commitment to public service “a place filled with love, color, laughter, and community.”
But Norman said the shop also took all of her energy “even when I was tired … even when my body was telling me it was time to rest.”
So, in an early morning social media announcement on her 55th birthday, Norman announced that her spirit is asking for something different.
“And for the first time in my life, I’m choosing me,” Norman said on Facebook. “I’m choosing FREEDOM. I’m choosing PEACE. I’m choosing to explore the world while I still have the strength and the chance to do it.”
Norman said she plans to close IceCream Taco and kick off a new chapter by living in Thailand for a year.
An official closing date has not been announced for the ice cream shop yet, but Norman said she plans to share more information soon.
In the meantime, Norman said she hopes to continue her journey with the community, “even from afar” as she gets the chance to experience a new culture and discover who she is “outside of work, stress, and survival.”
“Thank you for every smile, every laugh, every child’s happiness, every late-night conversation, and every moment you allowed me to be a small part of your lives,” Norman said online. “... I love you all more than you know. Thank you for giving me the space to finally chase my freedom.”
Those interested can visit IceCream Taco at 2708 Emanuel Church Road in West Columbia.
Norman could not immediately be reached for more information.
The grand prize in Powerball has swelled to more than $700 million. Although nobody has yet to win that jackpot, a person in Columbia recently bought a Powerball ticket that resulted in a $1 million payday, according to South Carolina Education Lottery officials.Their Powerball game matched five of the six numbers in one of last week’s drawings, and the lucky player will be rewarded with a seven-figure prize, officials said in a news release.Now the search is underway for the winner.The $1,000,000 winning Powerball...
The grand prize in Powerball has swelled to more than $700 million. Although nobody has yet to win that jackpot, a person in Columbia recently bought a Powerball ticket that resulted in a $1 million payday, according to South Carolina Education Lottery officials.
Their Powerball game matched five of the six numbers in one of last week’s drawings, and the lucky player will be rewarded with a seven-figure prize, officials said in a news release.
Now the search is underway for the winner.
The $1,000,000 winning Powerball game was sold at the Best Stop gas station/convenience store at 5318 Bush River Road, according to the release. That’s in Columbia, near the intersection with St. Andrews Road.
The winning numbers in the Nov. 26 Powerball drawing were 7, 8, 15, 19, 28 and Powerball: 3.
The odds of matching all five white numbers are 1-in-11,688,054, officials said.
The winner has 180 days to claim the prize, according to lottery officials.
The winner will be allowed to retain some privacy, as South Carolina is one of 11 states — along with Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas and Virginia — that allow lottery winners to remain anonymous.
“Sign the back of your ticket and put it in a safe location until you’re ready to come forward to claim the prize,” lottery officials said.
For complete information on claiming prizes, go to sceducationlottery.com.
When the ticket is claimed, the Best Stop is expected to receive a commission for selling the winning game.
In addition to the $1,000,000 winning game, a ticket that won a $50,000 prize was sold in Yemassee, South Carolina prior to the Nov. 26 drawing, officials said.
Because there was no grand prize winner Monday night, the jackpot for Wednesday’s Powerball drawing has grown to $775 million.
Anyone looking to buy a ticket must make a purchase by 9:59 p.m. Wednesday for the 10:59 p.m. drawing. Tickets are $2, and could cost more with additional options.
The odds of winning Powerball’s grand prize are 1-in-293 million.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Columbia is asking for the community’s support to expand its Adopt-A-Pallet program, which funds tiny-home shelters at Rapid Shelter Columbia. The site includes 50 pallet-style units, and so far, 26 have been adopted by groups and organizations across the Midlands.Rapid Shelter Columbia has been operating for three years, but the Adopt-A-Pallet initiative launched just over a year ago. Coordinators and residents say the program makes a significant difference, especially during colder months when temperatur...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Columbia is asking for the community’s support to expand its Adopt-A-Pallet program, which funds tiny-home shelters at Rapid Shelter Columbia. The site includes 50 pallet-style units, and so far, 26 have been adopted by groups and organizations across the Midlands.
Rapid Shelter Columbia has been operating for three years, but the Adopt-A-Pallet initiative launched just over a year ago. Coordinators and residents say the program makes a significant difference, especially during colder months when temperatures drop.
Residents like Warren Hopka say the small but heated units offer safety, warmth and dignity as they work toward permanent housing.
“It’s an absolute blessing,” Hopka said. “The pods have a small heater, and with a couple blankets you can be comfortable. And that’s everything.”
At the shelter, residents receive hot meals daily — support Hopka and others say helps them stay focused on rebuilding their lives. Each pallet home serves as a temporary solution for people who have been homeless for extended periods of time.
The units also come with access to case managers and direct support services that help residents move toward permanent housing. For Danielle White, the program has been life-changing after two years of homelessness.
“It has disciplined me with saving,” White said. “I’m back working. God blessed me with a car, and they are currently in the process of getting me back into a place.”
Johnasten Cooper, a homeless services coordinator with the city of Columbia, said Adopt-A-Pallet allows local churches, businesses and community groups to directly support people transitioning out of homelessness.
“The Pallet initiative allows community members, churches and organizations to give back,” Cooper said. “That funding supports direct client services — anything from bus passes to first month’s rent, a security deposit or application fees for apartments.”
Although the city receives annual grant funding for Rapid Shelter Columbia, many grants come with restrictions and cannot be used for individual financial needs. The Adopt-A-Pallet program helps bridge that gap by funding what the city calls “direct client services,” which also includes toiletries, bedding, and case-management support.
Peer Support Specialist Mark Kummer, who once lived at Rapid Shelter Columbia himself, said the program offers hope and a path forward.
“I moved in here and stayed here for about two months. This place helped me a lot,” Kummer said. “I never thought I’d be back here in this capacity, giving back to people.”
City officials say 24 pallet homes are still available for adoption. As winter approaches, Columbia will also open its overflow warming shelter — offering 250 additional beds — on any night when temperatures drop below 40 degrees.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our , and . Have feedback that can help us improve? .
The final game of the season is here for the South Carolina Gamecocks as they will look to end the year on a high note against their heated rivals, the Clemson Tigers. The Palmetto Bowl is live from Columbia, South Carolina, inside Williams-Brice Stadium at noon eastern. Follow along for live scores, updates, and analysis for today's action.Previewing the Palmetto BowlThis year's game features two teams who are mostly disappointed with how things turned out this season. For one, both t...
The final game of the season is here for the South Carolina Gamecocks as they will look to end the year on a high note against their heated rivals, the Clemson Tigers. The Palmetto Bowl is live from Columbia, South Carolina, inside Williams-Brice Stadium at noon eastern. Follow along for live scores, updates, and analysis for today's action.
This year's game features two teams who are mostly disappointed with how things turned out this season. For one, both teams entered the season with College Football Playoff expectations as the Gamecocks were ranked 13th and Clemson inside the top five (4th). However the season played out a different way and now Clemson sits at 6-5 with one more game on the schedule following today's game, while the Gamecocks will end their season today as they come in with a 4-7 record.
Last season was a thrilling road victory for Shane Beamer's Gamecocks. Beamer is a perfect 2-0 on when his team is on the road in this matchup, but has yet to win a home game in the series (0-2). Will this be the year things turn around?
As of forty minutes before kickoff, South Carolina remains the 2.5-point favorites at home against Clemson, according to FanDuel. The over/under for the matchup is set at 46.5 total points. Home field advantage is usually 3-points so this is essentially the oddsmakers' way of calling this a "pick-em" game.
Follow along for live scores, updates, and analysis of the Palmetto Bowl below.
First Quarter:- Clemson opens the game with the ball on offense.- Tigers get an explosive play to start, but ultimately stall out on offense near midfield. South Carolina gets the ball at their own 16-yard line.- South Carolina fails to get a first down on their opening drive. Mason Love punts and Clemson gets the ball near midfield. - The Gamecocks defense stands tall once again and forces a three and out. Both defenses playing well early. - South Carolina gets a huge play downfield to Jared Brown, but Clemson's Avieon Terrell forces a fumble giving the ball back to Clemson. - After moving the ball inside South Carolina's 30-yard line, Klubnik's pass is intercepted by Jalon Kilgore in the endzone. Gamecocks ball- A sack on LaNorris Sellers ends the Gamecocks drive. Forced to punt back to Clemson.- Clemson has the ball in Gamecocks' territory as the first quarter comes to an end. No score in this one.
Second Quarter:- Clemson running back Adam Randall finds the end zone for the first score of the day. Tigers lead 7-0.- South Carolina answers on a huge 53-yard pass from LaNorris Sellers to Nyck Harbor. Gamecocks tie the game at 7 a piece. - Clemson scores after Cade Klubnik fumbles the ball, picks it back up, and runs away from Gamecock defenders. Tigers lead 14-7.- A busted coverage by the Tigers on the back end leads to a 74-yard touchdown from Sellers to Vandrevius Jacobs. Gamecocks tie the game at 14. - Clemson regains the lead late in the first half with a field goal. 17-14. - Tigers force a quick three and out from South Carolina. Gets the ball back with 19 seconds left.- End of the half with Clemson leading 17-14
Third Quarter:- Gamecocks start with the ball to open the second half, but fail to get a first down.- Clemson caps off an 11 play drive with a field goal to take a 20-14 lead. - South Carolina moves the ball near midfield, but is forced to punt following a sack. - Clayton White's defense forces a three and out forcing the Tigers to punt. Vicari Swain gives South Carolina the ball near their own 40-yard line. - LaNorris Sellers' pass in the end zone is intercepted by Ricardo Jones. Clemson takes over at the 20-yard line. - end third.
Fourth Quarter: - Tigers forced to punt after 7-plays following the interception. - South Carolina gets close to field goal range, but chooses to keep the offense out there on fourth and short. Clemson's defense gets the stop and the ball back to their offense.- Clemson drives into South Carolina territory, but is forced to punt after the Gamecocks' defense stands tall. Can Sellers lead a game winning drive in back to back seasons?- A tipped pass on the first play of the drive leads to a pick-six going Clemson's way. Lead is stretched to 28-14 following a successful two-point conversion. - Nyck Harbor gets a first down but fumbles. Giving the ball back to Clemson. - Gamecocks' defense gets a stop and gets the ball back to their offense. - two minute warning
Join the community:
You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to follow us on X at and
You Might Also Like:
Clemson football can end a trying 2025 season on a positive note in the annual rivalry game against South Carolina on Nov. 29 in Columbia.The Tigers (6-5, 4-4 ACC) is bowl eligible after last week's win against Furman and can guarantee a record above .500 with a victory over the Gamecocks.South Carolina (4-7, 1-7 SEC) is playing only for the pride of winning in this rivalry for the second straight year and for the first time in Williams-Brice Stadium since 2013.Here's how to watch the Clemson football vs. South Carolina ...
Clemson football can end a trying 2025 season on a positive note in the annual rivalry game against South Carolina on Nov. 29 in Columbia.
The Tigers (6-5, 4-4 ACC) is bowl eligible after last week's win against Furman and can guarantee a record above .500 with a victory over the Gamecocks.
South Carolina (4-7, 1-7 SEC) is playing only for the pride of winning in this rivalry for the second straight year and for the first time in Williams-Brice Stadium since 2013.
Here's how to watch the Clemson football vs. South Carolina game today, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!Clemson vs. South Carolina will broadcast nationally on the SEC Network in Week 14 of the 2025 college football season. Taylor Zarzour and Matt Stinchcomb will call the game from the booth at Williams-Brice Stadium, with Alyssa Lang reporting from the field. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Why Clemson's Tom Allen has been game planning for LaNorris Sellers since he was hiredThe Clemson football vs. South Carolina game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Nov. 29 from Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
Greenville News Clemson reporter Derrian Carter's prediction: Clemson 20, South Carolina 17
The last two games between these two programs have been low scoring, and this year's game will be the same. Both defenses will dominate throughout the game, but a game-winning drive by Klubnik will propel the Tigers to their fourth straight win.
South Carolina's strength of schedule prepare them well for high-stake matchups and even though Clemson is on a win-streak, the Gamecocks play a complete game to get win No. 5, feeding off the energy Mike Furrey brings to the offense.
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, Nov. 28
Record: 6-5, 4-4 ACC
Record: 4-7, 1-7 SEC
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.