The courses required are the core of content and instructional methodology that every driver education teacher must know and perform. The classroom goal of these courses is to prepare a driver education instructional staff that is capable of developing and assessing new driver performances to include:
Impaired Driving and Decision-Making
- Recognizing physical, social, and psychological influences that can affect motor vehicle operator performance
- Demonstrating management of time, space, and visibility when operating a motor vehicle
- Interaction with other roadway users in a positive manner
- Demonstrating concepts and generalizations which enable one to make objective decisions regarding use of alcoholic beverages and drugs; consequences of fatigue, drowsy driving and road rage; and environmental factors that influence the decision-making process
Safe Driving Skills
- Recognizing the general nature of the drivers' task within the HTS and the consequences of system failures
- Understanding the use of occupant restraints and protective devices
- Understanding consequences of speed selection
- Demonstrating balanced vehicle movement
- Practicing additional skills with parents/guardians/mentors
Risk Management
- Applying the principles of perception to risk management when operating a motor vehicle
- Applying risk management skills to the task of driving as a driver or passenger
- Applying the techniques for managing risk when operating a motor vehicle over pre-selected on and off-street activities
- Demonstrating the use of visual skills to obtain appropriate information to make reduced-risk decisions in low, moderate, and high risk driving environments
Laws, Regulations, and Methodologies
- Identification of laws, rules, and regulations that govern the smooth movement of traffic
- Use of current methodologies for providing classroom instruction in driver education including organization and classroom management and technologies
- Use of current methodologies for providing in-car instruction in driver education including route development, giving directions, positive evaluation feedback, and evaluating driver performance
- Identifying and supporting rules and regulations governing a state's graduated driver licensing program that includes a strong educational component