Start Early

Two years before turning 16, I began to get excited that soon I would be able to drive. It was known that my mom wanted to take a backseat in driving my sister and me to all our practices, mainly those early morning swim practices. But I was excited nonetheless. It meant more freedom. 

My parents were the most significant in my driver’s education. When I entered middle school, my parents were subtly teaching me the rules of learning. Driver’s education was far from fun. Reading text online was something I wanted to get away from. I passed my written test, not on the computer but using the paper test. 

My behind-the-wheel instructor gave me the proper training to operate the vehicle safely. After six hours behind the wheel and the additional hours needed with my parent, I felt confident in my driving skills. I drove at all times of the day, before and after practices, so I knew what type of mindset I would have afterward because there were days when I wanted my parent to drive me home and not drive myself home. Because of my self-assurance in my driving, I could pass the driving test quickly. The freedom to go to school and practices without being dropped off is excellent. I continue to apply traffic laws and remain calm whenever I am behind the wheel. 

It was hot one Saturday in May. I was wet and wrapped in a towel and needed something to eat. The annual Clovis West invite and swim season was in full force. I had already swum in two events and needed something to fill my empty stomach. I drove my sister and me to the local Taco Bell, located about 2 miles away from my school. After exiting the drive-thru, my sister noticed that her order needed to be corrected. As I began to park into the stall facing the restaurant, my foot slipped, and I stepped onto the gas and not on the brake. My car jumped over the curb and stopped when the bumper hit the side of the wall. I was thankful that no patrons entered the store in front of my car. There was only minor damage to my car and some structural damage to the building. Because I was taught and had to know what to do in an accident, I called my parents and non-emergency police and got the appropriate claim started. 

Today, most, if not all, driver’s education courses in California are only available online. Students sign in and begin reading the long text for each section, followed by some questions and videos to watch. I will admit students did not want to read this lengthy text. Most will skim and look up answers online to get it done. I just needed to study the DMV manual and pass the written test. However, it wasn’t until I took driver’s training, or behind-the-wheel, I felt confident and knowledgeable about the rules of the road. My instructor and my parents emphasized the importance of driving safely and my attitude on the road. 

Therefore, at least in California, students should have to attend driver education classes in person. In-person courses would be beneficial to all students. Hands-on experiences are one of the best ways for students to be better prepared. Students could collaborate and have questions answered before getting into the driver’s seat for the first time. These classes would be more valuable for students than just reading material to finish a course to get to the next step. Students should learn defensive driving techniques and have simulations of being in a car or driving a vehicle on a monitor. Most importantly, when students are in an in-person class, students are more likely to put the skills learned into practice. For example, becoming familiar with the car parts would have been more beneficial before the first driver’s training course. Most students know where the brake, gas, steering wheel, and shifts are located, but other essential features should be covered. My parent’s AAA insurance had me take drivers ed. In hindsight, I wished this was a part of the online driver’s education course and took the course prior to taking the driving test. These simple steps would give students a better understanding and sense of security. 

Wouldn’t it be great for students to learn the importance of driver safety beginning in middle school? Or freshman year in high school? Why wait until a student comes of age? Start teaching simple basics in physical education classes. Driver’s education in itself should be about the whole driving experience. Not just to study for what I need to know to pass a test but also to be safe when driving.