My 15-year-old daughter recently completed the initial segment of her driver’s education course, which included six hours of practical on-the-road training. Following this, she expressed a desire to drive home from her softball practice.
Initially taken aback by the idea of my child taking the wheel, I quickly adjusted to the realization that this would soon become a routine occurrence. If you are under 18 and want a learner’s pass in Michigan, where we live, you have to do 50 hours of supervised driving practice with a parent before you can get your license at age 16.
As I settled into the passenger seat, my daughter maneuvered into traffic, and I calmly directed her, saying, “We’ll need to make a left turn at the upcoming traffic light.” However, she veered the car too far left, potentially placing us in a precarious situation with oncoming traffic.
In that moment of panic, I gently guided her back towards the central turn lane, pondering why, despite completing a driving course, she seemed uncertain about the rules of the road.
The reason lies in the gradual shift of responsibility for educating new teenage drivers from public school systems, which previously offered complimentary classes and driving lessons during the summer, to parents and private driving schools.
While studies have shown the effectiveness of graduated licensing systems, such as the one implemented in Michigan, in reducing teenage crash rates, the process remains emotionally challenging for both teens and parents.
This raised questions in my mind: How did we reach this point, and how can my teenager and I navigate this nerve-wracking phase while preserving our relationship?
The History of Driver’s Education
In the early 20th century, when the Model T first hit American roads, most states did not mandate licenses, and driver training was an unregulated mix, with car dealerships and organizations like the YMCA offering free instruction. As cars became more affordable, adolescents began driving in large numbers, prompting calls for driving classes in high schools.
In 1934, Amos Neyhart, a Penn State University professor, pioneered the first driver education curriculum in State College, Pennsylvania, leading to similar programs nationwide. Consequently, many individuals learned about road regulations from teachers seeking additional income during the summer.
By the 1970s, a staggering 95 percent of eligible students in the U.S. underwent driver’s education courses, primarily provided at no cost through public schools. However, the landscape of driver’s education underwent significant transformations in the ensuing decades.
During the early 1980s, some studies challenged the efficacy of driver’s education courses, coinciding with budget constraints that led to the removal of these programs from school curricula. This shift culminated in Michigan discontinuing the requirement for schools to offer driver’s ed in 1998, signifying a departure from the longstanding practice.
Consequently, for-profit private driving academies emerged as the predominant option, with a substantial portion of teens opting out of driver’s ed. One reason for this drop is that teens are using the internet more and more as a social outlet, and there are more ways to get around than cars, like taxi services, bikes, and public transit.
While a few school systems have reintroduced free driving instruction, acknowledging the financial barriers faced by some families, such initiatives remain rare and challenging to sustain due to logistical constraints.
In parallel, states began implementing graduated driver’s licensing systems (GDLS), requiring teens to progress from a learner’s permit to a full license through supervised practice and adherence to specific regulations. The effectiveness of GDLS is evident in the significant reduction of fatal crash involvement among 16-year-old drivers.
As traditional school-based driver’s ed programs dwindle, parents play an increasingly pivotal role in guiding their teens through the complexities of driving. Parental involvement, patience, and adherence to safety protocols are crucial in shaping responsible and safe drivers.
Tips for Parents in the Passenger’s Seat
Commence with caution: Begin in a controlled environment, gradually progressing to more challenging driving scenarios.
Consider developmental factors: Recognize that teens’ decision-making abilities are still developing, necessitating additional guidance from parents.
Explore defensive driving programs: Enroll in defensive driving courses like B.R.A.K.E.S. to enhance teen drivers’ safety skills.
Maintain composure: Project calmness even in stressful situations to create a conducive learning environment.
Understand the learning process: Repetition and clear instructions are key to reinforcing safe driving habits.
Lead by example: Demonstrate responsible driving behavior to instill good habits in teen drivers.
Address the risks: Talk openly about the possible risks of driving and how important it is to be alert.
Avoid distractions: Emphasize the hazards of phone use while driving and encourage focus on the road.
Celebrate progress: Despite the challenges, cherish the opportunity to bond with your teen during this learning journey.
Kids and their parents need to be patient, understanding, and work together to help their teen learn how to drive well. By prioritizing safety, communication, and gradual skill development, parents can effectively guide their teens towards responsible and confident driving practices.