LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Public schools in Michigan may pick up the tab for driver’s education again after Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced her support for reform on Monday. 

What’s included in the reform?

In cooperation with Michigan Education Association (MEA) President Chandra Madafferi, the pair announced that they are working towards eliminating barriers to driver’s education through two voluntary grant programs: 

  • A need-based grant to cover the costs of Graduated Driver License (GDL) Segments 1 & 2 and road testing.
  • A voluntary grant program for public schools, particularly those in underserved geographic areas, to offset expenses associated with becoming a driver’s education provider, including vehicle purchases and hiring instructors. 

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 “Twenty years ago, the state of Michigan shifted the cost burden for driver’s education directly onto teens and their families,” Secretary Benson said. “Most private providers deliver quality instruction, but with the first segment of driver’s ed costing as much as $650, many families simply can’t afford it. As a result, fewer teens are getting trained and licensed – especially those who are Black, Hispanic, or from low-income families. This year, we will work with educators and partners in state government to help more families afford driver’s education and connect public schools with resources to offer programs for high school students.” 

Two decades ago, the state removed the Driver Education Fund. That effectively ended many driver’s education programs. According to an analysis from the Department of State, 66% of eligible Michigan teens had driver’s licenses in 2000. By 2021, the number of teens had dropped by 10%.  

“Schools are an ideal place to provide driver’s education – we know our students, we provide exceptional instruction, and are accountable to state standards,” said MEA President Chandra Madafferi, a veteran teacher from Oakland County. “Overwhelmingly, Michigan educators and administrators I’ve spoken to want to see driver’s education return to the schools as much as possible. I’m looking forward to working with Secretary Benson and lawmakers to implement programs that shift the cost burden away from families and eliminate some of the inequities keeping Michigan students out of the driver’s seat.” 

AAA findings.

The move to private instruction has contributed to racial and income inequities. A 2012 nationwide study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, reported that only 29 percent of Hispanic teens and 37 percent of non-Hispanic Black teens had their driver’s licenses by the age of 18, compared to 67 percent of non-Hispanic white teens. The same study found that only one in four teens in households with total incomes under $20,000 a year had their driver’s licenses before their 18th birthday according to the Sec. of State’s Office. However, the report found that nearly 80% of teens with household incomes greater than $100,000 had their licenses before their 18th birthdays.  

Few schools continue the practice.

Kearsley High School, one of just 38 Michigan schools that provide driver’s education, hosted Sec. of State Benson on Monday. 

“Kearsley Community Schools’ comprehensive driver’s education program is an important public service that helps our students learn the skills, knowledge, and attitude needed for safe driving,’ said Andy Nester, a driver’s education instructor at Kearsley High School. “Our students are taught by experienced, qualified teachers they know and trust in their familiar school environment. My experience tells me that investing in public school driver’s education programs is an investment in safety and responsible behavior.” 

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 “I recently embarked on the exciting journey of getting my driver’s license only to be confronted by the substantial financial burden that comes with driver’s education,” said Julian Morris, a junior at Saginaw High School. “It’s an issue that not only affects me but affects teenagers all across the state. I recall sharing my experience with some of my peers only to hear ‘at least you can afford to learn to drive.’ Learning to drive should not be determined by affordability. It is a rite of passage and a fundamental step towards independence and responsibility. It opens the doors to education, employment, and essential life experience. Driving should not be a privilege reserved only for those who can afford it – access to driver’s training ensures opportunities for teenagers regardless of their economic background.” 

The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) currently oversees 281 active driver’s education providers, 38 of which are educational institutions.