Driver Education Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools
Feb. 15, 2001 Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Education

Though all the Standards of Learning are critical for the young driver, the Standards of Learning specifically apply to the risk awareness and risk avoidance behaviors of teen drivers. As prescribed by §22.1-205 of the Code of Virginia, this curriculum guide serves as the Board of Education's approved driver education and traffic safety program of instruction for public and private school programs. Commercial driver training schools are approved and licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles as prescribed by VR 485-60-9201, and they follow the same course content as public and private school driver education programs.

The classroom and in-car driver education standards focus on: safe driving attitudes; time, space, and distance-perception skill development; and the recognition of and appropriate response to hazards in the ever-changing driving environment. Emphasis is placed on linking visual search skills, space management, and maintenance of balanced vehicle control to risk-reducing driving strategies. Significant attention is given to risk awareness, driver alertness, driver distractions, the social and economic consequences of driving, occupant protection, positive interactions with other roadway users, and the physical and psychological conditions that affect driver performance. Students apply basic driving skills in low-to-moderate traffic environments and progress to demonstration of skill proficiency in more complex traffic situations. When possible, teachers are also encouraged to use simulation and other technologies that will enhance student learning.

Successful completion of a state-approved driver education program does not, alone, make a teenager a responsible, experienced driver. Traffic safety education involves family, community, industry, government, and personal factors, such as motivation, maturity, and perceptive abilities. These factors play major roles in the development and safety of young drivers. Evidence shows that often it is not poor driving skills that cause accidents among this age group, but inexperience and/or poor attitude. The family, not the school, is in the best position to have a sustained effect on minimizing the risks faced by inexperienced drivers and encouraging responsible behaviors. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on extensive supervised practice with a licensed parent or guardian to develop precision in the use of skills, processes, and responsibilities.