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May 12, 1996
Driving Lessons
Since very few American cities have efficient public transportation the
car has become indispensable in daily life. Most people drive to work and
need to use a car to easily get around town. Without a car one feels trapped
when in small towns and greatly inconvenienced in most cities.
Having a car and a driver's license is thus quite necessary in America. High schools offer a one semester "Driver's Education" class to help meet this need. Although not required, it is a very popular optional class. Everyone I know took it. Parents usually urge their children to take it because passing the class will allow a discount on automobile insurance. Also, parents can avoid the trauma of teaching their teenagers to drive. Further attractive is that no fee is required for the course.
On the other hand, it is frightening for everyone when the students go on the public streets to practice driving. The instructor, of course, is in fear for his life. Other drivers see the "Student Driver" sign and naturally steer clear. There are usually three students in the car who take turns at the wheel. The driver thus feels peer pressure on top of the natural nervousness of being a new driver. Some students are so nervous during these practice drives that when told to "Turn right" they sometimes turn left instead. Admittedly I was such a driver. Even so, I still got my license!
(This article was reprinted in a book published by Kenkyusha)