Policy 2520 (Summary)
Driver Education

Instructional Goals

 The goals of the Driver Education Program of Study are to provide students with the knowledge and skills to safely and efficiently operate a motor vehicle on our nation=s streets and highways, to equip students with the knowledge to enable them to make wise decisions as drivers, and to assist students to become responsible users of the highway transportation system.

  Vehicle Familiarization

The student will become knowledgeable and develop an understanding of systems and basic operation of a vehicle. The student will learn to perform pre and post driving checks, the basic procedures for operating a vehicle, and the use of safety equipment while operating a vehicle.

 Basic Control Tasks

The student will develop the psychomotor skills required for the basic control of the vehicle, lane changing, passing, following, entering and exiting traffic, driving in cities/towns, or rural and urban roads and freeways.

 Driver Fitness Tasks

The student will become knowledgeable of the physical, psychological, and emotional factors and their interrelationship to the safe operation of a vehicle. The Student will learn how one=s emotional state, level of maturity, and the use of alcohol and/or drugs affects driver performance, decision making, and the overall safe operation of a vehicle.

 Intermediate and Advanced Control Tasks

The student will develop and demonstrate intermediate and advanced control task skills as required for the safe and efficient operation of a vehicle. The student will develop the skills and understanding of the interrelationship of driver actions, environmental factors, natural laws, road and weather conditions, and vehicle characteristics upon the safe operation of that vehicle.

   Legal and Social Awareness Tasks

The student will become a responsible user of the highway transportation system. The student will learn the legal requirements for owning a vehicle and traffic laws and ordinances regulating the operation of a vehicle on the nation=s streets and highways. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of other roadway users, including trucks, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, while operating a vehicle.

 The Vehicle

The student will learn skills relating to the purchase, ownership, and use of a vehicle. The student will learn skills relating to the purchase of a new/used vehicle, preventive maintenance for the safe and efficient operation of the vehicle and use of the vehicle including trip planning, map reading, and budgeting of money for vehicular related costs.

Driver Education

Instructional Objectives

 The program of study includes cognitive development relating to traffic laws and ordinances, traffic signs, signals and markers, natural laws, fuel conservation and vehicle restraint systems. Also included are the physical, psychological, and legal aspects, effects, and consequences of the use of alcohol and drugs as related to the driving of a motorized vehicle. Instruction is provided to develop the perceptual and psychomotor skills required for basic control of the vehicle, lane changing, passing, following, entering and exiting from traffic, driving in cities/towns, on rural and urban roads and freeways, responding to emergencies, various road and weather conditions, defensive driving techniques, and interaction with other highway users including motorcycles and trucks. The program emphasizes strategies to develop the behavior patterns known as the S.I.P.D.E. Concept (Search, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute) for all driving and driving related activities.

 Vehicle Familiarization

DE1 follow basic procedures for pre and post driving checks"

DE2 perform procedures for starting the engine under normal and abnormal conditions"

DE3 demonstrate the ability to accelerate smoothly, maintain control, and stop the vehicle smoothly

DE4 demonstrate the proper use of safety equipment and restraint devices

 Basic Control Tasks

DE5 demonstrate a knowledge of the interrelationship of the human, environmental, and vehicular aspects of the highway transportation system"

DE6 execute steering adjustments and control vehicle speed for driving along straight and curved paths of travel

DE7 control speed and direction while backing the vehicle along straight and curved paths

DE8 stop and secure the vehicle on level and hilly terrain and under various weather conditions

DE9 perform the driving skills necessary to interact with other highway users in rural, urban, residential, limited access, and general highway environments"

DE10 demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to safely enter and exit from the flow of traffic

DE11 perform driving techniques that will maintain a safe separation/space around the vehicle

   DE12 demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to safely perform lane changing maneuvers

DE13 demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for safely overtaking and passing other vehicles

DE14 demonstrate concern for the welfare of other highway users"

DE15 observe safe lane usage under varying traffic conditions

DE16 perform intersection turning maneuvers legally, safely, and efficiently

DE17 perform turning maneuvers which will allow the vehicle to safely proceed in the opposite direction

DE18 recognize and apply driving techniques that result in increased fuel/energy conservation"

 Driver Fitness Tasks

DE19 describe common methods which can be utilized by drivers to counteract drowsiness and fatigue

DE20 recognize how one=s emotional state can affect driving performance"

DE21 recognize the relationship between an individual=s level of maturity and accident prevention or involvement

DE22 recognize the need/importance for correcting and/or compensating for driver disabilities

DE23 identify the magnitude of alcohol-related traffic accidents involving motor vehicle operators and pedestrians at the local, state, and national levels"

 DE24 describe the effects of alcohol and/or drugs on the individual in relation to driving task and pedestrian functions

DE25 demonstrate a knowledge of state laws dealing with driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs"

DE26 explain how body weight, quantity and type of food, rest, and amount of alcohol consumed may affect one=s driving ability in different ways at different times"

 Intermediate and Advanced Control Tasks

DE27 demonstrate a knowledge of the interrelationship of driver actions, environmental factors, vehicle characteristics, and roadway conditions through all types of skids"

DE28 demonstrate a thorough knowledge for street, highway, and freeway driving

DE29 execute angle, parallel, and perpendicular parking

DE30 demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for safe use of entrance and exit ramps

DE31 demonstrate an understanding of driving adjustments needed to cope with various road surface conditions and roadway obstructions which may present potential or existing hazards in the traffic environment, including hill/mountainous roadways

DE32 explain safe driving practices when railroad crossings are encountered

DE33 demonstrate a knowledge of the practices to operate a vehicle safely under adverse conditions such as snow, rain, ice, fog, and darkness

DE34 explain the principles of natural laws and understand the consequences if violated

DE35 demonstrate a knowledge of the procedures for coping with emergency driving situations"

DE36 demonstrate an understanding of the principles and procedures for safely towing a trailer and/or other vehicles

   Legal and Social Awareness Tasks

DE37 explain the legal requirement for owning and operating a vehicle, i.e., registration, titling, licensing, insuring, and legally equipping a vehicle

DE38 obey all traffic laws and recognize the importance and necessity for supporting and observing laws"

DE39 demonstrate a knowledge of all highway signs, signals, and roadway markings and comply with all those encountered while driving

DE40 recognize one=s responsibility in relationship to state laws dealing with negligent homicide and reckless driving

DE41 demonstrate a knowledge of and concern for the rights and responsibilities of other roadway users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists"

DE42 explain the need for and roles of engineering, enforcement, and education in the highway transportation system

DE43 describe safety problems occurring within the highway transportation system and supports problem solving actions"

DE44 demonstrate a knowledge of basic first-aid techniques in relationship to the Good Samaritan Law"

DE45 explain and compare the legal requirements pertaining to the reporting of traffic collisions whether personally involved in a traffic accident or as a passerby"

 The Vehicle

DE46 explain the problems of trip planning, i.e., budget, route, map reading"

DE47 describe preventive maintenance checks to keep a vehicle operating efficiently and emphasize the unique danger of carbon monoxide"

DE48 explain the signs/symptoms which indicate vehicle malfunctions, i.e., gauges, lights, noise, etc"

DE49 describe the value of checks of vehicle systems when purchasing a new/used vehicle"

DE50 describe financial obligations to owning/purchasing vehicles"

 All included objectives are potentially test items on the State of West Virginia Driver Licensing Examination Test.

Integration within Curriculum - The concepts and skills taught through driver education are often related to, and can be integrated across the school curriculum.

 Math

Whether in driver education or math, students are provided driving-related learning experiences using math. Instructors develop traffic safety situations or problems that require the application of mathematics skills. Calculating miles per gallon, calculating fuel efficiency ratios of different cars, planning a budget for a family trip, calculating distances between various locations on a map, using map scales, or calculating short and long term costs of a DUI conviction are examples of exercises involving mathematics skills.

 Science

Natural laws are taught in science courses. Driver and traffic safety education programs also deal with natural laws and their effects on vehicle control. These include the effects of a vehicle=s weight and speed on the force of impact in the event of collision; gravity and its relationship to vehicle traction; effects of vehicle speed, tire tread, and tire pressure on hydroplaning; and friction, traction, and the effects of roadway surface conditions on vehicle control.

 Health

Health education, developmental guidance, family and community education, and driver education are several disciplines within schools that focus specifically on the health and safety of students. The potential for integration among these disciplines is significant. Safe and responsible decision making about one=s own health and safety is inherent in everyone=s daily life. Such behavior transcends all of these disciplines - whether involving safety belt use or alcohol and drug use.

   Social Studies

Psychology courses often deal with how and why people behave as they do. In such courses, risk and risk taking behavior can be integrated into discussions of personality or behavior. Social studies courses that address social issues such as legal systems, legislation, and other methods of social control can include examples of traffic control and management. The study of social and legal public policy can include a review of traffic safety legislation involving maximum speed limits, minimum drinking age laws, blood alcohol content indicating intoxication, and legislation affecting novice drivers.

 Consumer-Related Courses

Courses that relate to consumer education can integrate driver and traffic safety education content. One example would involve students determining the effects of different down payment levels, interest rates, and loan periods when purchasing a new or used vehicle. Other topics could include: how to shop for auto insurance, factors that affect auto insurance costs, and decisions individuals can make to minimize premium payments yet ensure sufficient coverage. Additional study courses might explore how to properly maintain a vehicle, including how to select a competent and fair auto technician.