How Did I Ever Pass this Drivers Test?? Why Driver’s Ed Matters More Than You Think

The day I finally got my hands on that precious PA driver’s license, I was over the moon. But I was also totally unprepared. My mom only let me take the test because she thought I wouldn’t stand a chance at passing. I tried about a hundred times and I couldn’t parallel park to save my life. Yet somehow, on test day, I nailed it. We were shocked! It was like winning the lottery, but with a steering wheel.

But here’s where the story takes a detour. Just two miles into my newfound driving freedom, I veered off the road as I excitedly drove over to my girlfriend’s house to show off my new license. And that was just the beginning of my rookie mistakes. I got lost not once, but twice, and even managed to run out of gas that first week. I also got pulled over for forgetting to turn my headlights on at night. Talk about embarrassing! While yes, it was embarrassing, the outcome of these mistakes could’ve been much worse. I am lucky that no one was hurt and no damage was done.

You’d think that after all these mishaps, I’d wise up, right? Nope. A few months later, I found myself cruising onto the off-ramp instead of the on-ramp on the highway. The mom of one of my teammates and friends was killed last year by a drunk driver going the wrong way down the highway late at night. Thankfully, I caught my mistake and turned around before I caused any major damage.. But the point is, I was clueless. I was not ready to be a safe driver, not by a long shot.

My high school doesn’t offer driver’s ed anymore.I don’t know why they discontinued it, but it probably had something to do with budget constraints. Instead the cost has been pased on to parents. Parents either have to dish out big bucks for private instructors or teach us themselves. Not everyone can afford that luxury. Not every parent has the time or patience to teach their teen. It’s like playing a game of chance with road safety, and it’s just not fair. This is another example of inequity for teens based on socio-econoic status, and it can lead to accidents and even death. Without proper training and guidance, how can we expect to hit the road responsibly? New drivers may develop bad habits, not take the responsibility seriously, and lack the skills and knowledge necessary to be a safe driver. This not only endangers their own lives but also poses risks to passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.

Driver’s ed isn’t just about learning to parallel park or memorizing traffic signs. It’s about mastering the art of defensive driving, staying cool under pressure, and understanding the consequences of our actions behind the wheel. It’s like boot camp for the road, except with fewer push-ups and more seat belts. Therefore, reinstating driver’s education in schools is an important investment in public safety and the reduction of preventable accidents and fatalities.

But without driver’s ed in schools, we’re left to fend for ourselves. Some of us might luck out with parents who are patient enough to teach us the ropes. Some of us might not. Consequently, there is a significant gap in the preparation of teen drivers, leading to a higher likelihood of accidents, violations, and overall road risks.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. By bringing driver’s ed back into the classroom, we can level the playing field and give everyone a fair shot at becoming safe and responsible drivers. It’s not just about getting a piece of paper that says we’re allowed to drive—it’s about gaining the knowledge and skills we need to navigate the road safely with confidence and competence.

Moreover, integrating driver’s education into school curricula ensures that every teen receives quality instruction from knowledgeable teachers, regardless of geographic location or family income. By making driver’s education a mandatory component of high school education, policymakers can promote equity, reduce disparities, and empower young people with the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and responsible driving. Ultimately, the goal is not just to obtain a license but to cultivate a culture of safe driving that benefits individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

After a few more months of practice, I have learned how to safely operate the vehicle. I was scared a little bit by all the mishaps and started to take the responsibility of driving more seriously. However, with proper driver’s ed, we can all hit the road with the know-how and confidence to steer clear of trouble and make it home in one piece. And that’s a destination worth driving towards.