Graduated Licensing and the Business of Driver Education

New Jersey, like many states has implemented a graduated driver's license as a way of reducing accidents, injuries and deaths of teenagers. Aimed at teenage drivers and sparked by the number of teens injured and killed in road accidents, the graduated system places imitations on teens and requires mandatory driver training programs.

The data shows that teens are disproportionately represented in traffic accidents and fatalities. A study by a group called End Needless Death on Our Roadways (END) and the National Safety Council concluded that while teenagers represent 6% of the drivers in the US, they represent 20% of fatal crashes. In 2003, more than 6000 teens in the US were killed in motor vehicle accidents.

Lack of maturity and experience are at the root of most teen driving accidents. The tragic cases involving young people killed as a result of speeding, careless driving, alcohol and drug use are all too common. The cases of young people who just didn't have enough experience to avoid or prevent deadly accidents are equally tragic. Driver error is noted as an element in the great majority of fatalities involving teenage drivers. A study conducted by the University of Alabama identifies four primary problems related to teen accidents. These issues are; failure to yield, misjudging stopping distance, speed, and a lack of control of the vehicle.

In an effort to address the epidemic of teen deaths and serious injuries, many states have implemented graduated licensing programs. These programs vary somewhat from state to state, but have many similarities. The New Jersey program is fairly typical and allows teens to obtain a driving permit at age 16, after passing a written test and then six hours of on-the-road training with a professional driving instructor. Teens are then permitted to drive with another licensed driver, in an effort to gain some experience before taking the actual road test. The idea behind graduated licensing is that it forces teens to gain some experience before actually obtaining a license, and places limitations on new drivers. The new driver limitations have to do with the number of passengers and times of day that new drivers can be on the road. While the graduated license has its benefits, positive outcomes in terms of reducing teen accidents and deaths, and is surely well intentioned, there are problems with the system.

While most baby boomers recall taking driver education in school, which included on- the-road training, high schools today don't offer such a service. High schools are overwhelmed with mandates and most have cut the drivers education on-the-road training segment from the curriculum. Instead of getting on-the-road instruction for free at school, families are now required to pay a driving school for the mandatory six hours of instruction. At approximately $300 for the six hours of instruction, the cost is prohibitive to some families. If a family can't afford the six hour course required for those age 16, they can wait until age 17 and get a permit without the required 6 hours of instruction. The end result is that instead of driving at age 17, you get your license at 17 ½. The required on-the-road is only for 16 yr olds.

The driving permit, whether obtained at age 16 or 17, allows a teen to practice driving with an adult licensed driver in the car for a period. The problem many families face is where to practice. Unlike the old high school driving course, kids now are out on the road with their parents, the day they get their permit. There is no practice driving areas established. Parents may seek out parking lots and other locations in which to practice, but are often turned away by the property owners. Teens practice on the roadway, with all the other drivers. With evidence showing that lack of experience and driver error continues to plague teen drivers, maybe states will begin to look at the development of practice courses where parents can teach their teens and practice with them until they are truly ready to go out on the road.