Driver's Ed
Encyclopedia
Driver's education or driver's ed is a formal class or program that prepares a new driver to obtain a learner's permit
or driver's license
. It may take place in a classroom, in a vehicle, online, or a combination of the above. Topics of instruction include traffic code
or laws and vehicle operation. Typically, instruction will warn of dangerous conditions in driving such as road conditions, driver impairments, and hazardous weather. Instructional videos may also be shown, demonstrating proper driving strategies and the consequences for not observing the rules. The term driver's ed is one that is typically used in the United States, and other countries often have other terms for a driving test or examination.
Driver's education is intended to supplement the knowledge obtained from government-printed driving handbooks or manuals and prepares students for tests to obtain a driver's license
or learner's permit
. In-car instruction places a student in a vehicle with an instructor. A car fitted with dual controls, which has pedals or other controls on the passenger side, may be used. In the United States, Driver's Education is typically offered to students who are sixteen years old or will be by the end of the course. Each state has its own laws regarding the licensing of teenagers.
, founded in 1910 in Peckham
, London
, England
.
, or equivalent, to accept any such programs as meeting their requirements. Some car insurance agencies offer discounts to those students who have completed a driver's education program. Online programs allow parents to administer the behind the wheel driving instruction.
and PBOC Motorsports Club
, conduct driver's education programs focused on how to handle an automobile under high-speed driving conditions rather than on learning the rules of the road. These programs take place at road racing
courses and include both classroom instruction and driving.
Students drive with an experienced instructor until they are "signed off". At this point they can continue practicing and improving their skills without an instructor. Driver's education programs involve multiple cars together on a racetrack, but they are not considered racing because they are not timed, winners are not declared, and drivers must wait to pass until the driver being passed gives permission with a hand signal. These programs require approved racing helmets and rollover protection for convertibles. Some require long-sleeved shirts and long pants for fire safety. However, they do not require full roll cages, five or six point seat belts, fire extinguishers, fire-resistant racing suits, or other safety features seen in racing and more.
A student must complete the full scope of driver education (both classroom instruction and motor vehicle on-road instruction) within two years from the first session in a driver education program. A student must have a valid learner’s permit and be 16 years of age before they may participate in motor vehicle on-road instruction.
Currently, classroom instruction covers The Massachusetts driver's license; The driver’s license privilege; motor vehicle safety; rules of the road; defensive driving and special situations; and vehicle ownership.
On-road instruction is designed to train students in the various controls and devices in the driver's compartment and how to apply their new driving knowledge to the road. Instructors are required at a minimum to teach how to start the engine, engage the gears, make left and right turns, turn the vehicle around, stop and start on hills and grades, back up, park, and drive in traffic and on the open highway.
Each Virginia module of driver education is divided and split into recommended time frames. The recommended time frame for instructors to spend on drinking and driving and the consequences of doing so is 170 minutes (2.83 hours). The module also asks for 60 minutes of parental involvement and instruction on this topic.
Learner's permit
A driver's permit, learner's permit or learner's license, is a restricted license that is given to a person who is learning to drive, but has not yet satisfied the requirements to obtain a driver's license...
or driver's license
Driver's license
A driver's license/licence , or driving licence is an official document which states that a person may operate a motorized vehicle, such as a motorcycle, car, truck or a bus, on a public roadway. Most U.S...
. It may take place in a classroom, in a vehicle, online, or a combination of the above. Topics of instruction include traffic code
Traffic code
Traffic code refers to the collection of local statutes, regulations, ordinances and rules that have been officially adopted in the United States to govern the orderly operation and interaction of motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians and others upon the public ways.The traffic code generally...
or laws and vehicle operation. Typically, instruction will warn of dangerous conditions in driving such as road conditions, driver impairments, and hazardous weather. Instructional videos may also be shown, demonstrating proper driving strategies and the consequences for not observing the rules. The term driver's ed is one that is typically used in the United States, and other countries often have other terms for a driving test or examination.
Instruction
Driver's license
A driver's license/licence , or driving licence is an official document which states that a person may operate a motorized vehicle, such as a motorcycle, car, truck or a bus, on a public roadway. Most U.S...
or learner's permit
Learner's permit
A driver's permit, learner's permit or learner's license, is a restricted license that is given to a person who is learning to drive, but has not yet satisfied the requirements to obtain a driver's license...
. In-car instruction places a student in a vehicle with an instructor. A car fitted with dual controls, which has pedals or other controls on the passenger side, may be used. In the United States, Driver's Education is typically offered to students who are sixteen years old or will be by the end of the course. Each state has its own laws regarding the licensing of teenagers.
History
The oldest existing driving school is considered to be the British School of MotoringBritish School of Motoring
The British School of Motoring is a driving school in the United Kingdom, providing training in vehicle operation and road safety....
, founded in 1910 in Peckham
Peckham
Peckham is a district in south London, England, located in the London Borough of Southwark. It is situated south-east of Charing Cross. The area is identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London...
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
.
Online courses
Many driver's education courses are available online. In the United States it is up to the state's Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Motor Vehicles
In the United States of America, a Department of Motor Vehicles is a state-level government agency that administers vehicle registration and driver licensing. Similar departments exist in Canada...
, or equivalent, to accept any such programs as meeting their requirements. Some car insurance agencies offer discounts to those students who have completed a driver's education program. Online programs allow parents to administer the behind the wheel driving instruction.
Obtaining a license
Successful completion of a driver education course is required by many state agencies before young drivers receive their driver license or learner's permit. In some states students taking driver's education have the opportunity to receive a waiver for successful course completion which allows them to receive a learner's permit or driver's license without taking some of the tests.On track
Some car clubs, such as the Porsche Club of AmericaPorsche Club of America
The Porsche Club of America is an organization of Porsche enthusiasts in the United States and Canada. It is organized into 139 regions, which are grouped into 13 zones...
and PBOC Motorsports Club
PBOC Motorsports Club
The PBOC Motorsports Club, originally created for Porsche and BMW owners, is a South Florida-based motorsports club that now includes drivers of various marques, German and otherwise. PBOC's stated philosophy is "to maximize safety and fun while minimizing politics and unnecessary rules". PBOC...
, conduct driver's education programs focused on how to handle an automobile under high-speed driving conditions rather than on learning the rules of the road. These programs take place at road racing
Road racing
Road racing is a general term for most forms of motor racing held on paved, purpose-built race tracks , as opposed to oval tracks and off-road racing...
courses and include both classroom instruction and driving.
Students drive with an experienced instructor until they are "signed off". At this point they can continue practicing and improving their skills without an instructor. Driver's education programs involve multiple cars together on a racetrack, but they are not considered racing because they are not timed, winners are not declared, and drivers must wait to pass until the driver being passed gives permission with a hand signal. These programs require approved racing helmets and rollover protection for convertibles. Some require long-sleeved shirts and long pants for fire safety. However, they do not require full roll cages, five or six point seat belts, fire extinguishers, fire-resistant racing suits, or other safety features seen in racing and more.
Massachusetts
Completion of a licensed Professional Driver's Education program is required of all Class D & M license applicants under the age of 18 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. To be eligible for a driver education certificate, a student must complete the following program components:- Classroom instruction, consisting of a minimum of 30 hours for the purpose of educating and familiarizing students with Massachusetts motor vehicle law and of safe and proper operation of a motor vehicle
- Motor vehicle on-road instruction, consisting of 18 hours of instruction in a driver training motor vehicle, including a minimum of 12 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction and six hours of observation while another student is taking behind-the-wheel instruction
A student must complete the full scope of driver education (both classroom instruction and motor vehicle on-road instruction) within two years from the first session in a driver education program. A student must have a valid learner’s permit and be 16 years of age before they may participate in motor vehicle on-road instruction.
Currently, classroom instruction covers The Massachusetts driver's license; The driver’s license privilege; motor vehicle safety; rules of the road; defensive driving and special situations; and vehicle ownership.
On-road instruction is designed to train students in the various controls and devices in the driver's compartment and how to apply their new driving knowledge to the road. Instructors are required at a minimum to teach how to start the engine, engage the gears, make left and right turns, turn the vehicle around, stop and start on hills and grades, back up, park, and drive in traffic and on the open highway.
Virginia
In Virginia, instructors are expected to bring students to the following understandings regarding drinking and driving:Driver Education (DE8)
The student will analyze and describe the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and other drugs and their impact on a driver's awareness of risks and involvement in collisions. Key concepts include prescribed and over-the-counter medications; illegal or illicit drugs; effects of alcohol and other drugs on vision and space management; synergistic effects of drugs; and alcohol elimination factors.Driver Education (DE9)
The student will identify and analyze the legal, health, and economic consequences associated with alcohol and other drug use and driving. Key concepts/skills include positive and negative peer pressure; refusal skills; implied consent, zero tolerance, and use and lose laws; sdministrative license evocation, loss of license, ignition interlock, and other licensing restrictions; and court costs, insurance requirements, Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program referral,and other costs.Module Seven
There are eleven modules for driver education in Virginia (VDOE). Module Seven is called "Driver Performance: Personal Factors." In this Lesson, students develop an understanding of the effects of alcohol and other drugs, fatigue, and emotions on the driving task; assess the dangers of these factors; and develop strategies to make health-promoting decisions throughout their life. Below are topics expected to be discussed in Module Seven:- Topic 1—Introduction to Alcohol – Saying No: The student will identify and analyze the legal, health, and economic consequences associated with alcohol use.
- Topic 2—Nature of Alcohol-Related Crash Problems: The student will analyze statistical data and utilize critical thinking to evaluate the nature of impaired driving crash problems.
- Topic 3—Physiological and Psychological Effects of Alcohol: The student will analyze and evaluate the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol.
- Topic 4—Effects of Alcohol and Other Drugs on the Driving Task: The student will understand the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the driving task, and assess their impact on a driver’s awareness of risk and potential for involvement in a crash.
Each Virginia module of driver education is divided and split into recommended time frames. The recommended time frame for instructors to spend on drinking and driving and the consequences of doing so is 170 minutes (2.83 hours). The module also asks for 60 minutes of parental involvement and instruction on this topic.
See also
- Driver's licenseDriver's licenseA driver's license/licence , or driving licence is an official document which states that a person may operate a motorized vehicle, such as a motorcycle, car, truck or a bus, on a public roadway. Most U.S...
- Impact Teen DriversImpact Teen DriversImpact Teen DriversPositive Teenager driving facts83% of all teenage drivers grow up to become good successful adult drivers78% of all accidents reported are not due to age but due to lack of experience is these situations...
(in the US) - Nettleship v Weston
- Truck driving schools in the United StatesTruck Driving Schools in The United StatesThis is a partial list of Truck Driving Schools in the United States.Schools are listed in alphabetical order by state, then name:-Alabama:*Alabama Southern Community College*Bessemer State Technical College*Bevill State Community College...
- DrivotrainerDrivotrainerThe ' was an automobile driving simulator promoted by the Aetna Insurance Company and widely used in driver training classes.As an automobile insurer since 1902, Aetna had a financial interest in promoting highway safety...