Inclement weather such as fog, heavy rain and snow, and even dust storms can create hazardous driving conditions on the road, affecting traction and your ability to see what is in front of you. Low visibility is the culprit in over 38,000 vehicle crashes every year, according to the Federal Highway Administration. When driving in adverse conditions that limit your sight lines, it is essential that not only are your lights in good, working condition, but that you, the driver, know how and when to engage your vehicle’s different lighting systems. 

Fog lights are a special set of lights, or auxiliary lights, intended for use during low-visibility conditions and are located in the front, and sometimes rear, of your vehicle. It is important to note that fog lights are separate from your headlights and do not live in the same place on your vehicle. Front fog lights are generally positioned in the lower portion of your front bumper, about 12 to 30 inches from the ground. Rear fog lights are less standardized than front fog lights, and may be nested within the rear brake lights or located closer to the lower portion of your rear bumper.

Front fog lights are located on the lower portion of your vehicle.

No! In America, fog lights are not federally or state-mandated. This means your vehicle may or may not be equipped with fog lights. If you discover your car does not have fog lights, there’s no need to worry! Installation of a fog light system should be a relatively simple procedure for your trusted mechanic.

The good news is that if your vehicle is equipped with fog lights, there is a special symbol or symbols you can look for that will tell you where you can engage your fog lights. The bad news? That symbol may be located in different places, depending on the make, model, and year of your car.

Let’s talk about what symbol you need to look out for first.

The symbol for your fog lights will be the same regardless of the vehicle you are driving. Your front fog lights will be indicated by this symbol:

Your rear fog lights will be indicated by this symbol:

You’ll see that these symbols are very similar to each other! Remember that for front fog lights, the squiggly line sits to the left. To engage your rear fog lights, look for the symbol with the squiggly line on the right. It is much more common for vehicles in the United States to be equipped with front fog lights as opposed to front and rear fog lights. In either case, be certain to inspect your vehicle before setting off in low-visibility conditions.

The short answer is that it depends on your vehicle. Because fog lights are not standardized, the control apparatus may look different in each car. This being said, there are four main areas you should expect to find your fog light controls:

In some vehicles, the controls for the fog lights will be located on the driver’s side panel, as such:

In some vehicles, the controls for the fog lights will be located on a right or left steering column lever, as such:

In some vehicles, the controls for the fog lights will be located in the center console, as such:

In some electric vehicles likes Teslas, the controls for the fog lights will be located in the main tablet or screen area, as such:

It depends if the fog lights are on the front or the rear of the vehicle.

Front fog lights work by illuminating the immediate area around the front of the car so the driver may see road features such as lane markings, debris, or other vehicles in low-visibility conditions. Front fog lights are pointed downward and will illuminate about 10 to 25 feet in front of your vehicle. For your front fog lights to be the most effective, you must be driving at a speed which is appropriate for the conditions on the road. This most likely means you will be driving under the speed limit.

Rear fog lights work by illuminating the rear of the car so a following driver may be able to spot your vehicle in low-visibility conditions. Rear fog lights will be visible about 300 feet from the rear of your vehicle. For your rear fog lights to be the most effective, you must be driving at a speed which is appropriate for the conditions on the road. This most likely means you will be driving under the speed limit.

The laws and regulations surrounding the use of fog lights may differ from state to state. This being said, the majority of states require the following behaviors as they relate to the use of fog lights:

Fog lights may only be used in conjunction with low-beam lights (regular lights), not high-beam lights.

Fog lights may not be used on their own. 

A vehicle may have no more than 2 front fog lights.

Front fog lights must be situated between 12-30 inches from the ground and angled downwards.

Front fog lights must be white, amber, or yellow in color.

Some states, like Colorado, require that you disengage your front fog lights when you are within 200 feet of another vehicle’s rear.

Both front and rear fog lights are fantastic safety features that can help you operate your vehicle in low-visibility, dangerous conditions. As a driver, you need to know if your vehicle has fog lights, how to turn them on, and when to engage and disengage them. For more in-depth information about fog lights and behind-the-wheel insights, sign up for driving lessons or driver’s ed with Coastline Academy! 

Discover the importance of fog lights and how they can make a difference in your safety on the road.

Everything from aesthetics to fuel economy and driver assist features play an important role in determining whether any given car suits your needs. But when it comes to “starter cars” for teen drivers, one factor often takes precedence over all others: cost.

Determining the best value can be difficult! Placing too much emphasis on the initial price tag of your teen’s car might end up losing you and your teen more money in the long run. Take fuel economy, for instance. A less expensive car might lack good fuel efficiency, a cost which can not only add up quickly at the gas pump, but remain with the driver for as long as they have their vehicle.

When calculating the cost of your teen’s car, look beyond the up-front number. Safety is priceless and should be paramount. A teen’s first car should make driving easier, not harder, and allow them to keep their focus on the road around them. Cars equipped with features such as driver assist can be invaluable in helping teens build the confidence they need to develop good, long-term driving habits. Whether you are passing a car on to your teen or buying it new, reliability and safety should always be your top priority. There are many vehicles that can deliver on all of this, creating long-term value for you and your teen while remaining cost-effective.


As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's license journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.

1. Toyota Corolla Hybrid ($23,000 - $27,140)

The Corolla Hybrid is an all-around excellent vehicle that delivers on safety, fuel-efficiency, and value. This car features both a 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine and electric motor generators that improve fuel economy without sacrificing performance. In addition, its 10k mile oil change intervals help to reduce maintenance costs. This car’s great quality and build is meant to last! When combined with an already-affordable starting price, this Corolla is among the best in its class and a wise investment for your teen. At Coastline Academy, our entire fleet is made up of Corollas - a decision not made lightly. We’ve purchased hundreds of these cars for our on-the-road lessons because they meet our company’s rigorous safety standards and deliver a performance both our students and instructors can rely on.

The Honda Civic delivers great value for drivers looking to get the most out of a hatchback or sedan. Combining a roomy interior with above average handling, the Civic has exceptional utility while also being enjoyable to drive. Newer drivers, in particular, will benefit from the sense of control and comfort while behind the wheel. This vehicle’s already high quality is enhanced by an array of driver-assist technologies - which are impressive for the price point - and the Civic’s fuel economy delivers ongoing value for its up-front cost.

https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/mazda3-sedan

The Mazda 3 is a strong overall vehicle notable for its steering and handling, both of which are highly responsive. This vehicle comes equipped with standard tech features and has good fuel efficiency, although it does not completely outshine others in its class. Pure drivability and high build quality, however, make the Mazda 3 a strong and reliable option for young drivers starting out behind-the-wheel.

The Toyota Prius, much like the Corolla, is a very strong hybrid, as it maintains top-of-the-line fuel efficiency without compromising on performance. In addition to the Corolla’s impressive fuel economy, it also features driver assistance technology that is intuitive and easy to use. While the Prius is not a standout in comparison to other vehicles in its class, it remains a solid option and delivers similar value to the Corolla.

The K5 is an affordable, midsize sedan perfect for young drivers. Its suspension outclasses other vehicles in its category, and a quiet cabin makes for a comfortable and enjoyable experience as both a driver and passenger. The K5 features driver assist technologies that are especially impressive given its price range.

When deciding on a car for a young driver, remember that your teen will not be outgrowing their vehicle, but growing alongside it. A good car is first and foremost safe. It should be well-built, durable, have excellent handling, and feature enough driver assistance technologies to support a teen’s overall development of driving confidence and competence. Starting off with a reliable car ensures young drivers learn the value of a quality vehicle early, knowledge which will help them throughout their entire lifetime as drivers.

Our top five recommendations for cars for teenagers in 2024.

You’ve built a great driving school, and have served your community well. If you’re thinking about where your business can go from here, consider Coastline as a buyer. We have over 90,000 five star reviews, cutting-edge technology, and some of the highest quality instructors around. Let us leverage our resources as the largest driving school in the nation to help take your legacy to the next level. Read on for some common questions from owners like you considering a sale to Coastline, or if you'd prefer, tap here to fill out our contact form and we'll be in touch.

Here's what past sellers have to say about their experience with our acquisition process.

"Overall I was very pleased with the process and Coastline's attention to detail and the transition teams hard work behind the scenes."

-Bob Gillmer, former owner of Driver Training Services in Lansdale, PA

"Every issue was quickly resolved. You have plenty of time to decide and the process is very smooth."

-William Golden, former owner of Five-O Driving School in Arlington Heights, IL

"They were very fast and efficient willing to address the concerns and questions from our students and employees. I was impressed at how the team worked with us to make it a smooth transition and were open to our needs. I’m confident our location will continue to be a great addition to the Coastline family."

-Sam Hamman, former owner of Sam's Driving School in Richmond, TX

"Selling Cantor's California to Coastline was a big decision, but the deal was fair and they made the process smooth. The transition was fast - they had my whole team up and running in their system in about a month. If you're thinking about selling, do it. You won't regret it."

-Frank Cantor, former owner of Cantor's Driving School California in Canyon Lake, CA

Coastline Academy started in California in 2017 with a simple mission: eradicate car crashes by teaching safe and confident drivers for life. We aspire to be a coast-to-coast driving school, and currently operate in 8 US states and educate hundreds of thousands of new drivers.

I’m too young to retire, but I’m reading this FAQ page. What are my options?

Many owners are not yet ready to give up their day jobs, but they are growing tired of the burden of business ownership. We like to think there is an opportunity where you can have your cake and eat it too by selling your school to Coastline, getting paid for your years of hard work, and continuing on as an employee without the responsibilities of making payroll each month.

Do I need a broker to sell my school to Coastline?

Nope! A broker is not necessary to sell your business, and usually takes 10-15% of the sale proceeds for their services. A broker can be worth the expense if they provide you peace of mind or you want backup in financial or legal matters. The driving industry is a small world built on reputation and Coastline works to make every deal a fair one, whether you have a broker or not.

I know my school can be bigger and better, but I’m struggling to make it happen on my own. What are my options?

Coastline is not an investor; we own and operate all our schools. However, we will occasionally partner with an existing owner who sells their business to Coastline and continues to manage it for some period of time in exchange for a salary plus a portion of the growth achieved. This can be a very lucrative option for ambitious owners who still want to put in the time and effort to grow their businesses, with the resources of a national driving school.


In general, what is the process to acquire my driving school?

After an initial screening call with the Coastline Team, we will sign a mutual confidentiality agreement so we can share more detailed information.

You will prepare and share documents on our Due Diligence Documentation list.

Coastline will review the due diligence documents, probably ask some clarifying questions, and prepare an offer that will be presented in a term sheet.

After a few more steps like visiting your operations, inspecting your fleet, and interviewing your staff we will sign the definitive sale agreements. This is the detailed fine-print version of the key elements already agreed upon in the signed term sheet. We pay you a portion of the sale price at this point.

Drivers’ education is a heavily regulated industry. Owning and operating your school may require us to get various licenses and permissions from the state regulator. While we work on making the regulator happy, you continue to operate your school normally.

Once the regulator approves Coastline to take over, your staff and students move to Coastline and you get paid the remainder of the cash payment. Time to sit on a beach!

We know this is really why you got this far, and we’re sorry to burst your bubble. We need time to visit you in person and review documentation to be able to properly value your school. Determining the value of your business is part art and part science. While there is no one-size-fits-all rule, here are some factors that help drive value:

The more the merrier when it comes to revenue. Annual revenues that are stable or growing are worth more.

Your reputation is key. Positive online reviews, long-standing relationships with local schools and businesses and generations of happy customers makes a difference.

Your largest asset is your staff. Coastline places a lot of value on experienced, tenured, and capable driving and classroom instructors. You don’t need to have a large staff to sell to Coastline, but a business that is bigger than the owner(s) is worth more.

Your cars matter. Newer, lower-mileage, well-maintained fleets are worth more than older, high-mileage, well-used fleets.

Profits play a part. We know that small business owners run a lot of expenses through their companies, and part of our due diligence process is seeing what your net profit looks like when those expenses are removed. Higher profits generally indicate a well run business and a well-run business is worth more.

How long does it take to acquire a driving school?

This depends on how long it takes Coastline to receive approvals from state regulators. In states where Coastline already operates, this entire process from start to finish could happen in less than 14 days. In new states where we must transfer your licenses to Coastline, it takes as long as the regulator wants it to take, but generally no more than 90 days.

Coastline is licensed to operate in CA, CO, IL, IN, MO, NV, PA, TX, and WA. If your school is in a state we don't currently serve, reach out! We're open to exploring licensing options in new states to accommodate your school's needs.

In general, Coastline will provide offers to your current staff to join Coastline so long as they pass customary background checks and drug screening.

I'd like to talk more, what are next steps?

Tap here to fill out our contact form, and we'll be in touch!

Frequently asked questions for business owners looking to sell their driving school to Coastline Academy

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