2022 Drivers Ed Essay Contest: The Importance of a Thorough Driving Education

When a person becomes fifteen or sixteen, one of the things they most look forward to is being able to get a driver’s license. You yearn for the freedom that having a license and a car can give you, as you are finally able to go places without having to ask your parents for a ride. Having your new license means that you can cruise with your friends around your hometown with no pressure of your parent in the car, the ultimate freedom for a teenager. But at such a young age, you don’t really consider the seriousness of having your life, as well as anyone else’s life in your hands when you are behind the wheel. Sure, there are many obstacles you must endure before you are able to get your license, such as the initial test you need to take to get your permit, as well as the driving time you complete while you have the permit, and of course the final road test. But the question is, how many teenagers take all these requirements seriously? Are they thoroughly learning the important information, or are they just “doing it to get it done”? The answer to these questions is frightening to think about, as most civilians use a car to get around, driving side to side with these said new drivers every single day. It is important to thoroughly educate drivers to reduce the number of deaths by crashes each day.

I will be the first to reveal that I was one of these teenagers ready to get my hands on a driver’s license. I grew up with parents that would watch every little thing I did, monitor who I would go out with, when, and where. I wanted so badly to have my own sense of freedom, and believed I was ready to take on the responsibility of driving. On the night before my 15^th birthday, I stayed up completing the required exam for my learner’s permit, as in the state of Florida you can get the permit at age 15, and your license one year after the date you received your permit. On my birthday, my mom took me to the DMV, got me my permit, and made the stereotypical “Emily’s on the road, watch out!” Mother Facebook post. I remember getting home from the DMV, and going on my first drive with my father, pressing the brakes way too much and scaring the life out of him. I loved the freedom driving brought. Unfortunately, only 6 months in of having my permit, I caused an accident making a left turn after I thought the way was clear, when a car came around the corner at full speed and totaled my grandfather’s car. I remember sitting in the driver’s seat, the alarm blaring, the putrid smell of burning rubber, broken glass everywhere, the terrified face my grandfather held, and all the people emerging from their cars to evaluate the situation. I was practicing my driving with my grandfather, the car crashed into his side, and we had to use the “Jaws of Life” to get him out of the car. Luckily no one was hurt, but I was traumatized, and I think only then I realized how terrifying it is to have the heavy responsibility of driving. I ended up having to go to therapy, as a few months after the accident I tried to move one of the cars in my driveway to another spot after my mom had asked me to, which triggered a panic attack. I felt extremely guilty for the pain and trauma I had caused both the other driver and my grandfather and had no urge to drive again, and I didn’t for a whole year after. Only through a lot of convincing from my therapist I was finally able to drive around the parking lot, and slowly got more comfortable driving again. It was no longer only a sense of freedom for me, but a task that I would forever take seriously. I completed another online class, in which I paid more attention to and put more effort into, and eventually I went to take my road test for my license. I believe that it is important for new drivers to completely understand the responsibility of driving, so that they don’t have to face the same trauma I endured.

To make a change in the process of getting a license, I believe that it should be a lengthier process. It is almost too easy for someone to be able to a permit, as all they need to do is complete an online course. Is there any way to ensure that the future driver is actually completing it themselves? In an era of most everything being online, it becomes difficult to think of alternatives of new driver education. The answer to safe driving is to make sure that everyone is taught the seriousness of driving, as well as the correct way to drive. The only clear solution is to make it mandatory for new drivers to take lessons, or in person classes that ensure they are learning proper information before they are allowed to take on the responsibility of sitting behind the wheel. After someone gets their license, it should also be mandatory to then be allowed to complete online courses annually until they have had their license for a set number of years. In addition, schools could further educate younger minds by holding educational seminars to provide more knowledge earlier. It could go as far as schools being required to offer a mandatory class for students who are around the age to drive. These changes to ensure drivers are educated could make a difference in the number of deaths related to driving. In terms of making myself a better and safer driver, I can continue to prioritize my driving education, and ensure I am utilizing safe driving practices. In addition, spreading this knowledge to my peers has always been important to me, and I will always share my story with anyone if it means that they will take driving as seriously as I do. Driving is a heavy responsibility, and I believe it is important for everyone to have thorough knowledge before being allowed behind the wheel.