Training Teenage Drivers

Adam, the 16-year-old driver behind the wheel of a Honda Civic, began to progress into a turn on the wet pavement. Suddenly the back of the car spun out. He frantically pulled the steering wheel to the opposite direction to counter-steer. The car skidded out and Adam closed his eyes, yelling as his car spun out and crashed into anÐ'...orange traffic cone. His driving instructor, seated next to him, chuckled. "Okay Adam. This time, enter the corner at a slower pace and gently use the brakes if anything happens."

Situations similar to that mentioned in the previous paragraph are now rare. Unfortunately, many parents today are reluctant to pay hundreds of dollars to ensure their teenage child receives the best training and knowledge from professional driving instructors; these courses usually range from $350-$900, depending on material taught and length of the course. Current driving instruction comes from a "log" of 50-hour driving practice, with a driver of 21 years or older and one year of experience. However, many have revealed they never complete the total amount since they slack off or simply have parents who don't have enough time to teach them: as a result many fabricate the driving log. The DMV blindly accepts the log, and even if there is a dispute neither side can produce evidence supporting their cause: the DMV cannot prove that you have not physically completed the required time, and you cannot prove that you have completed the required time

Classroom instruction is also a dent to driving knowledge. The course itself passes along crucial information to drivers alike. But being able to participate in authentic, behind-the-wheel situations are much different from educational videos and lectures is an entirely different experience. And material offered in the format of books or on the Internet simply does not pass on information as effectively as classroom instruction, let alone behind-the-wheel instruction. As a solution, school districts in America should fund more on Driver's Ed programs: public schools in Nevada offers 30 hours of classroom instruction, whilst private schools offers 15 hours of classroom instruction and 5 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Private schools' Driver's Ed courses appear much more acceptable, in terms of availability of behind-the-wheel training. If the nation could fund almost $250 billion dollars on a war that has yet to produce desired or acceptable results, why can't they spend more on Driver's Ed courses?

Nevada's system for new drivers includes two restrictions in place: the first is a passenger restriction, where they are unable to drive anyone under the age of 18 with the exception of immediate family