As a new driver starts their engine and another chapter in their life, they feel unprepared and nervous to hit the road, as the first step in the driving process, Driver’s Ed, did not prepare them for what is to come.
According to the California DMV, Driver’s Ed is a training program designed to teach new drivers the rules of the road, traffic laws, safe driving habits, and vehicle operation, and it takes around 30 hours.
Junior Colin Amen said new drivers still feel unprepared when they get on the road,
“I haven’t really thought back to any of the specific, factual information that Drivers Ed gave me,” Amen said.
Junior Theo Barber said Drivers Ed initially helped him learn basic skills.
“Drivers Ed helped me learn some basic things like knowing when and how to turn my headlights on, knowing that I can take a right on red when it’s safe,” Barber said.
Amen and Barber said that Driver’s Ed did not help them feel prepared for actually driving.
“I really started to learn when I got my permit and started getting into the car and actually driving,” Amen said.
Barber said one challenge he had to overcome was being nervous about driving.
“It was scary being on the road when I first started driving. I didn’t feel like Driver’s Ed prepared me for all the things you face on the road,” Barber said.
Piedmont Police traffic officer Tyler Petit said if a driver feels nervous, it’s okay to take things slow and do what they’re comfortable with.
“If you don’t feel comfortable driving on a highway, it’s okay to just go on city streets until you feel comfortable,” Petit said.
Piedmont Police juvenile officer Hugo Diaz said he still will avoid situations if he doesn’t feel comfortable.
“Even after many years of driving, I’ll still wait out rain if it’s too heavy, or I won’t drive in the snow if I don’t feel comfortable,” Diaz said.
Barber said he wishes Drivers Ed had taught him what to do in a car accident.
“I feel like that’s something pretty clear that [Drivers Ed] could’ve talked about, since I still don’t know how to do that and I think it’s important,” Barber said.
Diaz said the most important thing for someone to do in an accident is not panic and drive off.
“Even if it’s something super small, still take the time to leave a note, exchange insurance information, number, because if you drive off, it’s a misdemeanor, so that you could get fined, and even face jail time,” Diaz said. “Chances are your insurance will cover any damage, so there’s no reason not to stop.”
Amen said one of the aspects of driving he was most nervous about was going on highways.
“Like merging, and just generally going fast and being close to other cars made me nervous. Also, dealing with aggressive drivers is scary,” Amen said.
Diaz said it’s important to be cautious when someone is being aggressive.
“We call it defensive driving,” Diaz said. “So if someone’s tailgating you, it’s like, you know, just get out of the way and just let them pass me and just let them go. That’s my best advice.”
