Traveling in metro Detroit may soon be easier for teenagers. There is a new push by the state to offer driver education classes through the school system.
The goal is to ensure that teens across Michigan have the opportunity to learn how to drive, no matter where they live or their financial situation.
But there are also concerns among small businesses who make a living from teaching and teenage drivers with special needs.
Jerrell Willis, 17, is a high school senior who just got his driver's license. But unlike other drivers, he has learned to drive the car by controlling the brakes and accelerator with his hands.
In 2022, Jerrell was in a car accident on his way home from a performance. He is currently unable to move his legs, but that does not prevent him from taking the wheel.
“Most people are afraid to get in a car again after a car accident like that, but what was that process like for you?'' I asked.
“I don't think I was ever scared to get back in the car. I feel like I was always like, 'Okay, I'm ready to get back in and go,'” he said. He said.
“Some kids would have stopped after the accident, but Jerrell pushed through. Some of his friends don't have driver's licenses yet,” said his mother, Lena.
It's something the Michigan Secretary of State has noticed, too: a decline in teen drivers.
Twenty years ago, the state eliminated driver education funding. According to the State Department, in 2000, 66% of Michigan's eligible teens had a driver's license. This number dropped to 56% in 2021.
Michigan Education Association (MEA) President Chandra Madafferi is working with the state to bring driver education back to the classroom.
“So if we're going to provide the best possible facilities for the entire school, we're going to have to provide that,” Madafferi said.
Another thing the MEA needs to think about are small businesses and educators who make a living teaching driver education.
“We're not trying to put small businesses out of business. We just believe that we need to stand with students to make sure they get what they need.” Madafferi said.
She said this is a way to give student drivers more options, work around their busy schedules and help with tuition costs. Classes can cost hundreds of dollars.
“For low-income parents, it's so expensive that it would be great for their kids to be able to take it as just another course or class,” Lena said.
