Driver Education Initiative Award – Annual Scholarship Opportunity
National Driving and Traffic School is proud to announce their 2024 scholarship opportunity, entitled “In the Driver’s Seat.” The company is seeking to reward essay applicants $10,000 in scholarships- for students entering college or already enrolled in a higher education institution – on the topic of being a safer driver.
Driver Education Initiative 2024: In the Driver’s Seat
The Topic of this year’s essay submissions deals with the serious implications of being a driver. In America, an average of 34,000 people die each year as a result of driving. This is more people who have died in one year as a result of driving, than the total number of American soldiers who have died from war in Iraq and Afghanistan combined. The total number of Americans who die within the span of two years as a result of driving is more than the total number of American deaths from the Vietnam war. This is to say, driving is more dangerous and deadly for our nation than being involved in combat, and highlights the serious consequences of being negligent on the road.
Courtesy: NHTSA, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_military_casualties_of_war
Many drivers are not aware of these startling and very scary facts, especially newer drivers. The essay contest “In The Driver’s Seat” seeks to have applicants highlight the importance of being a safe and educated driver. This scholarship seeks to reward six students for his or her submission dealing with the importance of being a safe and educated driver. The application is handled in essay format. To apply, submit an essay of no less than 750 words in Microsoft Word format addressing the following questions:
Questions to be answered in your Essay/Application
- What is the importance of driver education in reducing the number deaths as a result of driving?
- What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving?
- Have you ever had an experience of being in car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly?
- What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?
This is an annual scholarship program.
2024 Drivers Education
Apply for the 2024 Drivers Ed Online Contest Round 3
Submission Details
Applicants must be currently enrolled in either High School, University or College. Employees and relatives of National Driving and Traffic School are ineligible. There will be three contest submission dates. To be eligible for the contest submit your essay by one of the submission dates.
- Round 1: January 3rd 2024 – March 31st
Winners: Announced May 3rd - Round 2: Accepting entries May 3rd – August 1st.
Announced September 1st - Round 3: Accepting entries September 1st – November 30th.
Announced 1/2/25
* Please note, to limit the number of entries, the minimum word requirement for the essay submissions is 750 words. Entries not meeting the minimum word requirement will not be posted.
Along with your submission please include a picture of yourself which we can post on our site to go along with your essay
The winner will be required to provide proof of successful acceptance to a Higher Institute of Learning, College or University. Payment will be made directly to the applicant’s college. If you have additional questions, please contact us. This contest is open to all students in U.S., Canada, and abroad.
2 winners are chosen for each contest: staff favorite, and most voted for. Vote tallies end on the date of the contest deadline. We award a prize of $500 to each winner every contest.
- Previous winners may not reapply.
- Due to the use of AI, we will be favoring more personal essays written from experience.
- For the most shared essay, shares are counted by the number of people who share your post on their Facebook Page. Share counts stop on the day of the contest submission deadline.
- Please note that, by joining the contest, you consent to the publication of your essay on our website.
Previous Contest Winner Announcements
- Summer 2024 Winners
- Spring 2024 Winners
- Fall 2023 Winners
- Summer 2023 Winners
- Spring 2023 Winners
- Fall 2022 Winners
- Sumer 2022 Winners
- Spring 2022 Winners
- Fall 2021 Winners
- Summer 2021 Winners
- Winter 2021 Winners
- Fall 2020 Winners
- Summer 2020 Winners
- Spring 2020 Winners
- Fall 2019 Winners
- Spring 2019 Winners
- Summer 2019 Winners
- Spring 2019 Winners
- Winter 2018 Winners
- Summer 2018 Winners
Previous Contests
- Summer 2024 Contest
- Spring 2024 Contest
- Fall 2023 Contest
- Summer 2023 Contest
- Spring 2023 Contest
- Fall 2023 Contest
- Summer 2022 Contest
- Spring 2022 Contest
- Fall 2021 Contest
- Summer 2021 Contest
- Winter 2021 Contest
- Fall 2020 Contest
- Spring 2020 Contest
- Fall 2019 Contest
- Summer 2019 Contest
- Spring 2019 Contest
- Scholarship articles archive
2024 Drivers Ed Essays Gallery – Round 3
by Jayla Griggs
An essay detailing my experience as a driver in Illinois
by Nicole Rickley
With age comes a lot of wisdom, that can be passed to the next generations. There is a saying that if we had known what we know at our age, we would have been different when we were younger. It is possible to pass our wisdom on to benefit the safety of young drivers.
by Adah Dale
Driver Education Essay
by Mylie Torchia
In today's society, driver education seems to be a burden for those desperate to get their driver's license. Driver safety is often not appreciated by younger drivers, and many kids do not truly understand the dangers that come with operating a vehicle. It is sadly not until a fatal or devastating accident that people tend to finally realize the importance of taking driving seriously and safely. In order to spread awareness about the importance of driver education, it is essential that people of all ages understand the risks associated with having a driver's license.
by Nguyen Tang
Driver education plays a pivotal role in teaching about awareness, but it needs to cover more aspects in vehicle maintenance and knowing what to do in an emergency. Furthermore, insurance companies and other legal entities need to reward good drivers, take incapable drivers off the road, and ensure there are protected areas for enthusiasts to go and push their vehicles in a safe, controlled environment.
by John Obinna
The important of being a responsible driver for your safety as well as the safety of others and also the economic and emotional implications for car accident and driving related incidents in the USA.
by Amelia Jordan
I’m excited about getting my driver’s license, but my dad’s car accident has made me deeply aware of the importance of road safety. His experience, which left him with permanent injuries, constantly reminds me to be cautious every time I drive. I know I’m responsible not only for my own safety but also for others on the road, and as the oldest sibling, I want to set a strong example for my younger siblings. Driver education has been a key part of my journey, and I’m committed to avoiding distractions and sharing safe driving habits with others.
by Evelyn Guerra
Loss due to car accident, solutions, and reflection
by Tobin Adjorlolo Miracle
Driver education plays a vital role in reducing fatalities on the road. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.35 million people die annually due to road traffic accidents. Effective driver education can significantly mitigate this staggering statistic. Driver education is crucial in reducing fatalities on the road. By providing comprehensive training and promoting responsible driving practices, we can significantly decrease the number of accidents and save lives. Governments, educators, and individuals must prioritize driver education to create a safer, more aware driving
by Mason Ellis Layug
Access to driver's education in school is crucial to proving safe road environments. Many face financial and social issues regarding obtaining driver's education safely. Emphasis on positive driving behaviors promotes safe driving.
by Vanessa Molinelli
As a young and new driver, I have noticed many steps that can be taken to make the roads safer for all drivers.
by Sandra Hallberg
As a 65-year-old Brazilian woman who moved to the USA 21 years ago, I am honored to be the first in my family to pursue a college degree in Photography. My journey has been filled with learning and growth, and one crucial aspect of life that I have come to deeply appreciate is the importance of driver education in reducing traffic fatalities. Driver education is vital in reducing the number of deaths resulting from driving. Comprehensive driver education programs teach new drivers the rules of the road, safe driving practices, and the dangers of reckless behavior. These programs instill a sense of responsibility and awareness that is crucial for making informed decisions behind the wheel. By understanding the potential consequences of their actions, drivers are more likely to adopt safer driving habits, ultimately reducing the likelihood of accidents and fatalities.
by Arnav Rajendra Pawade
This essay emphasizes the importance of driver education in reducing road accidents and fatalities. It highlights how learning defensive driving techniques, understanding traffic laws, and avoiding distractions like texting can save lives. Through personal experiences of witnessing reckless driving and a near-accident, the essay demonstrates the real-world consequences of negligence on the road. It also outlines steps individuals can take to become safer drivers and promote road safety within their communities, emphasizing the shared responsibility of all drivers to prevent accidents.
by Mohamed Moujahid
This essay discusses the crucial role of driver’s education in reducing car accidents, emphasizing the need for comprehensive education to prevent accidents. It is incorporated with my personal experience with the tragic loss of a loved one in a car accident, highlighting the importance of safety measures and responsible driving practices.
by Bonnie Benford
We follow my struggle with anxiety and how over caution was hurting my driving more than helping. Then how my fear of driving contrasted with the expectations of those around me. Finally exploring how these factors made me a safer driver.
by AFOLALU OLAJIDE GREGORY
In the essay, I started with narrating a personal experience of how and why my family lost our local pastor. I further gave a statistic of road accident with specifics to the fatalities in the United States and the world. I then enumerated on the steps to be taken to reduce death related to driving accidents, while drawing inferences from my home country, Nigeria Finaly, I gave my commitment to ensure I am a safe driver.
by Dyaasia Webster
This essay explains the importance of becoming a safe driver and how we need to become more aware of our surroundings
by Guadalupe Ramirez
The dangers of driving and the devastating impact reckless driving can have on families.
by Kiya Hill
This essay is about my personal experiences with driving, Drivers Education, and as well as wrecks that have occurred to me and my family. I also have elaborated a way on how we can reduce the amount of preventable deaths throughout the States.
by Isabella Crews
This essay delves into the issues that result in automobile accidents and suggests solutions to these issues.
by Remon Youssef
This essay explores the critical role of driver education in reducing traffic-related fatalities and highlights the importance of comprehensive training, enforcement of traffic laws, technological advancements, and infrastructure improvements. It also discusses personal experiences with irresponsible driving and outlines practical steps for becoming a safer driver, including defensive driving courses and eliminating distractions. The essay emphasizes that reducing road fatalities requires a collective effort from individuals, communities, and governments to create safer roads and responsible driving behaviors.
by Maria Rodrigues
Driving is one of life's most important responsibilities that everyone should accomplish one day. Driving safely is an obligation, not just for yourself but also for others around you
by Christine Yeeun Oh
As an international student living in the United States, comparing and contrasting the road environment piqued my interest. The violent drivers I see on highways emphasize the importance of drivers' education and responsibility of getting a license in a younger age—maybe even older generations.
by Umer Shahzad
In my essay, "Driving Distraction: The Silent Hazard," I emphasize the importance of driver education in preventing accidents, especially in a world full of distractions. After experiencing a car accident caused by a distracted driver and witnessing another, I’ve become even more aware of the dangers. I propose mandatory online driver education courses that cover the risks of distractions, speeding, and seatbelt use. Additionally, elderly drivers should retake their test after 65 due to age-related impairments. I hope to promote safer driving and reduce road fatalities by minimizing distractions and leading by example.
by James Andrew Pantess
Walks through the topics given to talk about and a story about the time I was involved in a major accident!
by Casey Bruns
This essay describes my point of view of why education and awareness are key to driver safety.
by Kyle Merz
This essay is a description of my experience learning how to drive and what I have learned from my mother's accident.
by Ava Simko
The number of driver-related deaths is so high, yet driver education courses are not mandatory across the United States. While they should be mandatory, drivers also need to remember that there are other things they can control while driving. Drivers can limit the number of distractions, exercise patience while on the roads, and choose not to drive under the influence.