According to a report released by the Federal Highway Administration, only 25% of 16-year-olds obtained a driver’s license in 2021, marking a significant decrease from previous years. As this trend continues, it’s important to know the benefits of taking driver’s ed in high school and the causes of this decline.
Benefits of Drivers Ed for Teens
1. Improved driving skills
Drivers Ed in high school teaches students essential safe driving practices, including hazard avoidance, distracted driving prevention, and maintaining alertness behind the wheel. Teen Driver’s Education provides the most comprehensive driver training available, including in-car training. This allows teens to practice driving under the guidance of a certified instructor to safely build their confidence and skills.
2. Learning with peers
Group-based driver education courses provide opportunities that allow students to observe and learn with individuals their own age. It adds some fun to their educational instruction.
3. Less infringements and driving violations
Studies have shown by receiving this education at a young age, it helps kids obey the rules of the road. This helps them to avoid receiving tickets and citations, or causing crashes that could’ve been avoided. Traffic violations can be very costly and increase insurance premiums as well.
4. Mechanical knowledge
Most driver education courses will teach teens how to change a tire, how to check/change their oil, and where important car parts are located on the vehicle. This knowledge can help them in emergency situations. These skills can also help save money on car costs/repairs.
5. Teens learn from experiences
Studies have shown that teens use the striatum part of the brain, in combination with the hippo-campus, which is associated with memory. Their brains are primed to learn from their experiences at a younger age. The information they are taking in during driver education courses will stick with them through adulthood.
6. Lowered insurance rates
Many companies offer discounts on insurance for teen driver’s who took driver education courses. Check with your insurance agent and see if you can save.
Why Teens Are Opting Out of Getting Their License in High School
A variety of social and technological advancements have led to a decline in teen interest in obtaining a driver’s license. The rising popularity of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, coupled with the increasing costs of car ownership and insurance, has made driving less appealing to many young people. Additionally, the growing prevalence of anxiety among teens may further discourage them from taking on the responsibility of driving.
Despite these factors, public transit in the United States is limited, especially outside of large cities. The reality is that most Americans will eventually learn to drive. Driver’s ed teaches essential safety principles and lays the foundation for informed and confident drivers. When students wait until they are 18, depending on state regulations, they may not be required to take driver’s ed, which can be a safety risk. Investing in Teen Driver’s Ed is a worthwhile decision for the safety of young drivers. The earlier drivers become comfortable on the road, the safer the roads are for everyone.
All Star Driver Education Supports Teen Driver’s Ed
Each state has its own unique qualifications and regulations for Teen Driver Education. However, at the core of All Star Driving School, we remain committed to a proprietary, engaging curriculum that prioritizes safety and hazard identification. Our goal is to empower our students to become safe and confident drivers.
