Announcements:
NC DMV practice test for permits.
The Motorcycle Tests section: https://dmv-permit-test.com/motorcycle
The CDL Tests section: https://dmv-permit-test.com/cdl
DMV appointment link for the permit test.
https://skiptheline.ncdot.gov/Webapp/Appointment/Index/a7ade79b-996d-4971-8766-97feb75254de
A powerful video for parents.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opoGqpDfPAY
Thanks
Thomas Young
Driver Education Coordinator
2023-2024 School Year
Below is a list of upcoming classes.
September Class
Dates of birth through November 9, 2008
October Class
Dates of birth through January 15, 2009
November Class
Dates of birth through February 6, 2009
December Class
Dates of birth through March 7, 2009
January Class
Dates of birth through April 14, 2009
February Class
Dates of birth through May 12, 2009
March Class
Dates of birth through June 6, 2009
April Class
Dates of birth through July 3, 2009
May Class
Dates of birth through July 29, 2009
June Class
Dates of birth through August 31, 2009
For Parents:
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 14-18 year olds in the U.S. In fact, almost half of the teen drivers involved in a crash die. Yet, a recent survey show that only 25% of parents have had a serious talk with their kids about the key components of driving. You are the parent, they are your children, and they still have a lot of learn. You can teach them and you may just help save their lives. ~National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "National Teen Driver Safety Week" (trafficsafetymarketing.gov/teens
Teenage Driving Tips
Texting and Driving
Take out your wireless device. Read the last text message you received out loud. Would reading or responding to that text message from behind the wheel of a moving vehicle be worth the risk of getting into a car accident or worse? Chances are, the text message could wait. (Tip from AT&T)
Insist on belt use.
Make sure you know the importance of seat belts. Remember - it's the law in North Carolina and you and your parents could be held liable, legally and financially, if someone is injured riding with you. Seat belt use significantly reduces the chance of a serious injury or fatality.
Don't Drink and Drive.
More than one-third of all teen traffic fatalities involve alcohol. It is illegal and highly dangerous for anyone to drive after drinking or using any other drug. No excuses. No second chances. No alcohol - period. It is illegal in North Carolina for anyone under age 21 to drink alcohol, much less drink and drive.
Slow down.
Excessive speed is a major factor in crashes involving teens. Slow down and live. Your speed should be equal to the driving conditions you encounter. For example, when it rains the road becomes slicker. Also, visibility decreases and you need more time to stop-so leave more space between your car and other vehicles. Also, you should turn on your car's headlights in inclement weather.
Avoid distractions.
While learning to drive, pay full attention to the roadway. Your responsibility is to operate the vehicle safely. Distractions like the radio, cell phones, and passengers take your attention away from the road. Remember - increasing distractions increases the risk of a crash.
Limit passengers while learning.
Fatal crashes are more likely to occur when other teenagers are in the car. The risk of a crash increases with every additional passenger. In North Carolina, only one other person can ride in your car. Exceptions only include your family. You should be concentrating on driving and not talking to others. This can cause a distraction and could become lethal.
Caution in intersections.
Drivers running red lights and stop signs are huge problems. Many people are seriously injured or killed because they didn't pay extra attention to other traffic. After a traffic light has turned green, or you are pulling away from a stop sign, remember to look left, right, and left again before proceeding. No one should assume that other traffic will stop for a red light or stop sign. Proceed with caution when entering an intersection.
Watch out for deer and other animals.
Striking a deer or some other large animal can cause significant damage to a vehicle. Many people are seriously injured or killed in such crashes. Remember to scan the horizon carefully, especially at night. This will give you time to react in a controlled manner rather than causing you to panic and possibly swerving to avoid the animal, which could cause a crash even without striking the animal.
Don't drive when sleepy.
Drowsy driving is a serious problem that leads to thousands of auto crashes each year. Teens don't often get enough sleep. If you find yourself becoming sleepy while driving, pull over at a safe place and get out and walk around. Another solution is to reschedule the trip for another time to reduce risk of drowsy driving; especially if it's a long trip.
Use your head!
You should use your head, always looking over your shoulder before changing lanes or merging. Don't rely on the mirrors alone. They have blind spots.
Use turn signals.
Remember to signal when you change lanes as well as when turning.
Don't tailgate.
This is a bad habit that is a major cause of crashes. Leave plenty of space between yourself and the vehicle ahead. You should be able to see the rear tires of the car in front in slow traffic situations. At higher speeds, you should leave a three-second-cushion between your car and the vehicle in front of you.
Be courteous. Be courteous by letting motorists entering the roadway merge in front of you. When a driver ahead puts on a turn signal, slow down and let him over. Courtesy on the road goes a long way to making life more enjoyable for everyone.
Move Over
North Carolina law requires motorists to approach cautiously when an emergency vehicle is stopped on the shoulder of the roadway with its emergency lights flashing. Motorists are required to change lanes away from the emergency vehicle on a multi-lane highway, or slow down on a two-lane highway. You must slow down while maintaining a safe speed.
Information from the National Traffic Safety Council