Under the legislation, some students would not have the opportunity to learn to drive. States would give $80 per student to each district for driver's training, and the districts would be required to match the state's contribution. If the cost of the lesson exceeds $160, the district could charge the students. Traditionally, schools pay for driver's education with tax dollars. The bill amounts to a new tax on families - a tax that many cannot afford.
A higher percentage of students in private driver's training classes would lead to a decrease in educational quality. According to Stephen Barnes, program coordinator of the Southfield Public Schools, "Not all private courses follow the strict guidelines we do. We'll see more students who are not fully trained and more accidents." Public schools have a strong track record in driver's training. Turning instruction over to those whose primary aim is profit, and not student safety, would make Michigan roads more hazardous.
The driver's education bill does contain a few positive, but flawed, provisions. Once again, a road test would be required to obtain a license. Either the police or a training school can administer the exam. A private training school, whose costs often exceed $100, would have temptation to pass an unqualified student rather than face the wrath of his parents. An unbiased party should administer the driving test.
The bill would require students to drive 50 hours with a parent, 10 of which must be at night. Although requiring more driving experience is admirable, the new law would be virtually unenforceable. Also, some parents do not have the time to honor such a large commitment. A more sensible option would be to increase the amount of driving required in driver's ed classes.
Engler has agreed to sign the legislation partly because he claims that schools should refocus their core mission - to teach students to read and write. In no way does offering driver's education detract from this core mission. Driving classes are usually at night or during the summer, and do not replace an academic class in a student's curriculum. Engler should reconsider.
Attacking public schools has become a hobby in Lansing. In attempting to privatize driver's training, the Legislature would do great harm to all Michigan citizens. Many families would be strained by the financial burden of driver education classes. Those students unable to afford driver's ed would be limited in their search for a job. The program's decrease in quality would put more inexperienced drivers onto the road. More accidents would increase fatalities and insurance rates.
In shaping policy, Engler and the Republican-controlled Legislature need to put the well-being of their constituents ahead of their own private agendas.
