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 1
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.
Previous Contest Winner Announcements
- 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
2024 Drivers Ed Essays Gallery – Round 1
by Darrianna L. Harber
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot_20240110-002214-138x300.png)
This essay starts off with an intro to distracted driving and it's statistics, next it covers drunk driving, prevention & precautions of unsafe driving with brief mentions of the age group of individuals who are most likely to be in these accidents for perspective reasons & lastly I share my personal take on everything as well as some steps to take to avoid accidents. The essay ends with a summarization of the key details mentioned in the essay (citations included!)
by Michael Bell
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1708233902thumbnail_IMG_9696-300x221.jpg)
This essay shares a personal story of how driver's education has impacted my life and why it is crucial for creating a safer society. It reveals my experience with past accidents, and how I learned from these past mistakes. It also provides facts to show the benefits of driver's education, such as reducing the risk of crashes and tickets, preparing new drivers for the road, and helping them understand the consequences of their actions. This essay is a persuasive and informative piece that aims to convince readers of the importance of driver's education and how it can save lives.
by Logan S. Williams
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1709237734Logan-S.-Williams-headshot-200x300.jpg)
Driver education and safety measures play a pivotal role in curbing driving-related fatalities. In today's world, where automobiles are ubiquitous, understanding the importance of responsible driving is paramount. Driver education imparts crucial knowledge, skills, and attitudes for safe navigation. Additionally, implementing safety measures such as strict enforcement of traffic laws, improving road infrastructure, and promoting defensive driving techniques are vital steps towards reducing accidents. By prioritizing driver education and adopting proactive safety measures, we can significantly mitigate the toll of driving-related deaths, fostering safer roads and communities.
by Bryson McMurray
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Bryson-and-Pappy--300x222.png)
Have you ever been in a wreck, knew someone who has been in a wreck, or read about a car accident? I am sure you answered yes to at least one of these questions, if not more. Each day, more and more people are getting into the driver’s seat. Each time someone sits in the driver’s seat, they are taking a huge risk not only for themselves, but also for others on the roadways. Being in the driver’s seat should not be taken lightly. With driving comes a huge responsibility. It is crucial that every driver experience driver’s education. The knowledge gained from a driver’s education course helps to ensure all drivers are educated well and make the best decisions while behind the wheel. Driver’s education helps to reduce the number of deaths on the roadways. There are several other steps that can be taken to help reduce the number of deaths related to driving. A few examples of these steps that drivers need to take are to put the cell phones out of sight and reach while driving, never drink and drive, and also pay close attention to all surroundings while behind the wheel, like potholes and deer where I live. As a young driver, I plan to take these steps and help others do the same by sharing a family story. My family can relate strongly to the question I asked you at the beginning. In June of 1978, my grandfather was in a major wreck. He was on the way to work early one morning in his Toyota Corolla, when a car popped up over a hill almost completely in his lane. He tried to swerve, but in a split second he was hit on the driver’s front side. My grandmother was four months pregnant with a two-year-old at home. She received a call that no one ever wants to receive. When she answered the phone, she heard a trembling voice ask to speak to Mrs. Early. She immediately knew something was wrong. However, she had no idea just how bad it would be. When my grandmother got to the emergency room, she was not allowed to go back to see her husband. Upon his arrival by ambulance, my grandfather had been immediately taken back to the operating room and surgery had begun. As she spoke to medical personnel, she also had to speak with the police to discuss the accident. She was told that the other vehicle was driven by a teenaged driver, who had fallen asleep at the wheel. The teenager was on the way home from celebrating high school graduation all night. The teen had no injuries from the accident and walked away from the scene. Meanwhile, my grandfather was given zero chance to live the first three days and stayed in intensive care. He had exploratory surgery to remove his ruptured spleen, which also revealed multiple internal injuries including his left kidney that was severely damaged and could not be repaired. He also suffered from a broken left hip and badly damaged knee and ankle injuries. By the grace of God, he survived. It was nothing short of a miracle! Due to his injuries, he missed four months of work. He also could not play any contact sports or climb heights for the rest of his life because he could not risk falling or damaging his one remaining kidney. As I reflect on this car crash, I am thankful and amazed my grandfather made it through this traumatic experience. If the doctors had been correct and he had not survived, my mother would not be here today (born four years afterwards); which means, I would not be here today – at least not as the persons we are. The decisions we make behind the wheel of a vehicle can affect so many lives in the blink of an eye. At the young age of eighteen, I understand the importance and the impacts of the decisions we make as we sit behind the driver’s wheel. I will continue to educate not only myself, but also others around me on the importance of driver’s education and being aware of one’s surroundings while driving. It is crucial when someone takes his or her seat behind the driver’s wheel, that they put everything else aside and focus on what is in front of them. Not only is their life in jeopardy every time they sit behind a wheel, but also the lives of all those around them. It is critical that every driver is properly educated and understands the importance of driver’s education. I am a strong believer that drivers should constantly educate themselves and those in the car to ensure all are aware at all times. I think of all the future drivers in a car who can get a head start on driver’s education by being educated by their driver, simply as they are riding down the road. It is crucial that all drivers are educated, properly trained, and understand the importance of driving safely, not only for themselves but also for all those around them. Remember this true story of my family, and that if you snooze, you could lose – or maybe someone else could. Be smart and drive safely!
by Gracie Joy Beck
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_3601-178x300.jpg)
In my essay I will be talking about texting and driving, which age group it affects most and how we can prevent texting and driving.
by Ashley Cockrell
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_1570-1-225x300.jpeg)
Driving unsafely is becoming more of an issue now than ever before. It is important to pay attention, no matter what may be trying to cause a distraction. A split second of distracted driving can cause an accident, changing your life and potentially the lives of others around you.
by Thaeline Polycart
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/final-headshot-240x300.jpeg)
This essay highlights the importance and benefits of safe driving and how to avoid fatalities and accidents.
by Alyssa Famero
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Profile-Photo-300x300.jpg)
This essay goes over the importance of a driver education and learning to be a defensive driver. It also gives additional tips to safely drive.
by Chloe Peters
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CHLOE-225x300.jpg)
When it comes to driving safety there are a few points that one should always remember. Always wear a seat belt. Never text and drive. So many teens these days are connected to their cell phones. I am 17 and am also constantly on my phone. If I am not watching videos, I am texting my friends. Although you may find it impossible to detach from your phone while driving it's of the uttermost importance. You should also never mess with the radio or music app on your phone while driving. If you must change the music, ask the person driving with you to do it. I myself have done everything that you should not do as a new driver but am learning to stop my bad habits. A few weeks after I got my driver's license a man road raged and swiped the side of my car. He assumed I cut him off and this was his retaliation. Not only did it do major damage to my car, but it also terrified me to drive. We live in Florida which is a no-fault state so regardless of fault your insurance prices rise. My car insurance was already high to being a teen and now it was even more. Do not ever road rage on anyone, getting somewhere a few seconds faster is not worth the cost of damage or prices you have to pay later. Pay attention to your surroundings and take a driving defensive course. I needed one after my accident to feel better about getting back behind the wheel. Remember you are in control and it's imperative to make it home safe and for others to arrive safely also.
by Jordyn Steers
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_2495.CR2_-300x200.jpg)
My brother and I have learned first hand what it is like to be in an accident. The experience of this accident taught me more about the importance of Drivers Education than could have ever been instilled in me by another person or outside influence. This accident shaped my opinion on how a person should handle driving, and how much knowledge they should attain before getting behind the wheel.
by Ella Wright Mahon
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_7695-1-185x300.jpg)
I Want to Thank my Parents details the importance of safe driving while discussing what my parents did to foster these habits in me as I conquered my lifelong fear of driving.
by Jaylin Rutledge
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Jaylin-Rutledge-255x300.jpg)
In today's fast-paced world, driving has become an essential part of our lives, providing us with convenience and mobility. However, the privilege of driving comes with great responsibility. Every year, countless lives are lost due to accidents caused by human error and irresponsible driving.
by Alexis L Stallworth
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/PhotoForDriverAward-169x300.jpg)
The value of a human life is not something to be taken lightly since we are so impacted by the world around us. The slightest change could alter the trajectory of our lives. This is why driver’s education is so important. “Driver’s education helps lower accident rates by instructing students in defensive driving techniques, which are otherwise difficult to acquire independently” (The Importance of Driver’s Education, n.d.). It is one matter to be taught how to drive by a family member and another to take a class with an organized curriculum
by Soleil Ruth Paul
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_7115-300x289.png)
There are many steps to take to ensure the safety of everyone on the road, including enrolling in and taking driver’s education lessons seriously, removing distractions, and being in tune with your health. When these steps are overlooked, danger ensues. I recall being very excited on my way home from school one day, knowing I had a few hours to relax. A lazy afternoon of reading was ahead of me after a busy week of tackling assignments from my college courses. As usual, I entered the roundabout when it was clear of traffic, due to go straight through to the second exit. Just as I was about to exit, a grating crash of metal on metal rang through my ears.
by Allie Kohl
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Media-Photo-small-200x300.jpg)
On a typical fall afternoon during my senior year my two minute drive home ended with an impact that would impact my driving forever. Real life incidences, simulations, and reenactments are the most powerful change making tools we have to reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving.
by Kaili White
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Texas-Tech-photo-158x300.jpg)
The use of technology increases day by day. That includes the use of it while driving as well. Regardless of how normalized it is, texting and driving is dangerous and life-threatening.
by Caden McLafferty
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/headshot-204x300.jpg)
A day after I turned 18, I carried on with life as usual going to my wrestling practice in snowy northeastern Ohio. When all of a sudden, I get into an accident due to my own mistake. During my time of reflection, I felt it was best to benefit from this in any way I can and take whatever lessons I can learn from it. With that, it is best to share resolutions to my experience.
by Amari Richelle Martin
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_8335-225x300.jpg)
My essay discusses the importance of driving safety and the steps we can take to prevent driving-related injuries and death. I also discuss steps I take when I am a passenger and how I keep myself safe. I give a personal account of my family member's experience with reckless driving and how her ex-fiance life was cut short.
by Khamar Jones
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/scholarship-pic-293x300.jpg)
Driver Education plays a significant role in today's society. By understanding the importance of this education, one will realize how much of an impact it'll have on the driving world. Let's try to understand driver education so we can implement it on the road, helping make the world safer.
by Jessica Ibarra
This essay will explore the common issues faced when driving and present solutions through examples and statistics. Driver education is an important part of everyone's life as it paves the way for responsible and safer drivers. The value of gaining a driver's education serves for a lifetime as driving and obeying state laws is essential for our everyday lives.
by Zaliyah Emmanuel
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/thumbnail_IMG_1261-242x300.jpg)
The attached essay provides an insight into my brief career as a young driver and what improvements I would like to see introduced to make our roads safer for everyone nationwide.
by Elizabeth Gard
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_9980-200x300.jpg)
With the amount of people not knowing how to operate their vehicles, reliance on autopilot features, and distracted driving, the number of accidents are increasing. Changing this, we can reduce the amount of accidents before more innocent people are killed.
by Jordyn Thompson
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_1841-207x300.jpeg)
This essay delves into several topics like driving under the influence, importance of following the speed limit and wearing seatbelts, as well as putting away all distractions. Educating drivers about the dangers of driving helps decrease the rates of accidents and deaths by accidents. Educating adolescents about risk factors of accidents and ways to drive safely can prevent accidents from occurring when they do start driving.
by Sebastian Nauta
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/face-300x200.jpg)
This essay explores the vital role of driver education in enhancing road safety, underscored by personal experiences and the tragic loss of a best friend in a driving accident. It advocates for a holistic approach to driving instruction that goes beyond basic skills, including judgment on when it's safe to drive, emphasizing continuous learning and collective responsibility to prevent future tragedies and ensure safer roads for everyone.
by Aamyiah Elliott
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pic-245x300.jpg)
It is about my personal experience with drivers' education and how I use the information learned every day.
by Grace Hartdegen
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-07-at-1.25.40PM-249x300.png)
Distracted driving, a leading cause of accidents, is often overlooked until it hits close to home. Personal experiences, such as witnessing a family member's collision, can profoundly impact attitudes towards safe driving. While statistics provide insight, stories of real people affected by accidents can evoke stronger emotions and drive awareness. By prioritizing safety, minimizing distractions, and sharing personal stories, we can collectively work towards reducing accidents and saving lives on the road.
by Casey Bruns
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Casey-215x300.jpg)
Why driver education is important for when you are going to be in the driver's seat.
by Charity Faith Stroud
![](https://www.dmvedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/download-13-223x300.jpeg)
My essay addresses the important problem of deaths caused by driving in the US. This essay analyzes the role that driver education plays in lowering traffic accidents and offers practical ways to improve road safety. Based on personal knowledge, my essay highlights how each person can play a part in giving an environment of safe driving and improving their own driving safety. The narrative is structured in a way that goes with the guidelines for this scholarship and offers careful answers to every prompt question required. My essay, considered as a whole advocates a thorough approach to driver safety and education with the goal of encouraging beneficial changes in mindsets and driving habits.