Most high schools have dropped driver’s education not because teaching students to drive is not important but because of financial constraints.  

Requiring your child to complete a private driving course is a good idea but it is important to recognize that drivers education cannot shape your child’s attitude toward road safety. That requires constant parental supervision and positive influence from your teen’s peers. 

One the ways in which teens can develop respect for the rules of the road is to develop a safe driving program at the school. It should start off as a voluntary pledge.  

Schools can often allocate enough money to get a program going but it will only work if students lead the charge. If money is not available consider asking school administrators to charge students to park on campus as a means for generating money necessary to establish a safe driving program.  

Placing decals or stickers on students’ cars and asking students to sign a safe driving pledge will remind them of the importance of being a safe driver. 

Click here for an example of a safe driving pledge developed by a Florida highs school leadership club.

Tips for a successful driving program:  

• Use P.A. announcements and school publications (newsletters, newspapers and sports programs) to promote your program.
• Make sure parents are informed of the program and are given an opportunity to participate.
• Use static cling decals to allow drivers to move the pledge stickers from one car to another.
• Ask local law enforcement and media to help promote your program.
• Reserve the best parking spots for students who participate in the program.