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Drivers' Ed is an Equity Issue

Writer's picture: Rowan McBennettRowan McBennett

Earning a driver’s license is an important American rite of passage to adulthood. In previous years, drivers’ ed was offered through the school district. Pam Haulman, a former kindergarten teacher, used to teach drivers’ ed on the island. However, since she has since retired, Vashon teenagers must now take drivers’ ed off island.

Taking drivers' ed through Burien Driving Academy currently costs $850. That cost is too high for many teens and their families. If Vashon School District offered drivers' education, as it has done in the past, students who are eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch would qualify for reduced tuition.

The high price of drivers’ ed poses a serious equity issue. Students who cannot afford drivers' ed have two choices: wait until they are 18 or drive without a license. While it would seem like common sense for a student not to drive until they’re 18, the reality is that some students work to support themselves and their families. These students are faced with a difficult dilemma. Driving greatly expands their job opportunities, especially on Vashon, where Metro service is infrequent. Driving their younger siblings also increases their parents’ earning power because they don’t have to take time off work to transport them. A driver’s license significantly increases a student’s earning potential in many service professions such as landscaping, house cleaning, and babysitting.

It’s difficult for someone who has access to a car to understand the challenges of getting around Vashon using the Metro, which really only serves the highway. Off-island Metro service is also very time consuming. Driving from the ferry to the North Admiral district takes one hour by bus (with an optimal bus connection), but only fifteen minutes by car. Time spent waiting for the Metro is time that students could spend studying, pursuing hobbies, or spending time with their families. Many students do not have a parent who is available to drive them home from practices and rehearsals or to drop them off at work. Transportation issues present a barrier to participating in enriching activities and achieving greater financial security.

Making drivers' ed affordable for the students who need it the most will level several different playing fields. It will also be very important to have a Spanish-speaking instructor for Hispanic students. If the district is truly committed to equity, it is important to look at the subtle causes of unequal opportunity. In a rural community like Vashon, it is extremely advantageous to drive a car.

Making drivers' ed accessible to all is also a safety issue. According to the Center for Disease Control, automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for American teenagers. Drivers' ed has been shown to decrease fatalities, which is why it is required to obtain a license before you are an adult. Broadening access to this critical safety information could potentially save someone’s life. Having a driver's license also makes a student less likely to accept a ride from someone who is intoxicated.

The consequences of driving without a license are severe. If a teenager is caught driving without a license, they may be disqualified from obtaining a license for three years if it is their second violation. This will make it even harder to find employment or to attend college, especially if they are commuting to college from Vashon. They may also be fined up to $1000 and sentenced to up to 90 days in jail. The police may also impound their car until they can provide registration and proof of insurance.

In light of Vashon’s transportation challenges, Vashon School District has a duty to offer drivers' ed so that it can be accessed by low income students. Offering drivers’ ed on the island will improve student safety and make Vashon a more equitable community.

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