Driver’s Ed is a beneficial course

Driver’s Education, or Driver’s Ed, is a course offered at the high school. It teaches students road rules, traffic signs, and how to drive safely before they get their licenses. The course provides hands-on experience with trained instructors, which helps students develop confidence and reduce mistakes. Learning in a structured environment also prepares them for the driving test, where no mistakes are allowed.

Additionally, taking Driver’s Education provides a discount on insurance. This is one of the primary reasons students take the class. When interviewed, a student who took the course, junior Everett Miller, stated that “Driver’s Education was well worth taking.” Lowering insurance costs is an amazing benefit, but the most valuable part of the course is learning every sign, signal, and road marking—and knowing how to respond correctly.

Driver’s Education also teaches students how to drive defensively, something oftenoverlooked when learning to drive with family, friends, or private instructors. You may ask: what is defensive driving?

Defensive driving is a proactive driving technique focused on anticipating and avoiding potential hazards, rather than simply reacting to them. It involves being aware of your surroundings, predicting the actions of other drivers and pedestrians, and making informed decisions to prevent accidents—even in difficult conditions or when others make mistakes.

These lessons, taught by professionals, are critical for new drivers who lack real-world experience. By mastering these rules early, new drivers can greatly reduce their risk of accidents by responding quickly to every situation.

Another reason more students should be encouraged to take Driver’s Education is that parents also benefit. Knowing that a professional has taught their children the ins and outs of driving greatly reduces parents’ stress when allowing their kids to drive. While it is true that taking Driver’s Education may prevent students from enrolling in certain electives they might view as beneficial, the course ensures that students begin driving with more skill, knowledge, and responsibility. Therefore, defensive driving lessons should be integrated into our current health curriculum for students of driving age and more students should participate in Driver's Education courses.