Schools Leaving Driver’s Ed Classes by the Side of the Road

Sadly, people with a death wish may no longer have an opportunity to be a driver’s ed instructor, as many schools around the country are getting rid of the program.

Because of budget cuts, schools are cutting back on behind-the-wheel instruction or eliminating it altogether, leaving it to parents to either teach their teenagers themselves or send them to commercial driving schools.

In more than half the states, minors who want a license must take driver’s education from a certified instructor, said Allen Robinson, CEO of the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean schools are required to offer a class. (Generally, after age 18, would-be drivers do not have to undergo any formal instruction.)

Some worry that many parents can’t afford the $350 to $700 that private lessons can cost or don’t have the skills to teach their kids themselves. Even for those who can do it, the combination of parents, teenagers and learning how to drive can be volatile — as I know all too well.  My dad taught me how to drive.  I remember once waiting for an oncoming car, which wasn’t particularly close, to drive by before making a left turn.  My dad shook his head, irritated, and told me I drove like a “twerp.”

Yes!  A twerp!

Oh, and once I forgot to brake and almost ran into a bunch of cars stopped at a red light.  Believe you, me, I have NEVER heard the end of that one.  “Remember the time Candy almost killed us?”  Geesh.  Lighten up, people!  At least I wasn’t driving like a TWERP.