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North Carolina Driver Education Resources for Classroom Instructors

The Driver Education Team

Karl Logan 

Section Chief

karl.logan@dpi.nc.gov

Tonya Easterwood 

Project Manager

tonya.easterwood@dpi.nc.gov

Cynthia Taylor

Program Coordinator

cynthia.taylor@dpi.nc.gov

Angela Stephenson

Education Consultant

angela.stephenson@dpi.nc.gov

Reggie Flythe

Teacher Certification

reggie.flythe@dpi.nc.gov

The North Carolina Driver Handbook is linked below.  Module 1 covers the graduated licensing program.  It is an excellent resource for students, teachers, and parents.  NCVisionZero.org also has engaging and informative materials regarding GDL for use in classrooms and is linked also.  

The image to the right is linked to NCVisionZero.org and includes an informative brochure about NC GDL.

This linked article reviews the various dashboard lights and their meanings as another option for building practical knowledge in Module 2.  There is also a "dashboard bingo" game available to enhance student engagement and learning.  Download: (A) Directions.                                           (B)Game Cards. Doell, Zach.  "What do the Dashboard Lights in Your Car Mean?"  US News & World Report. 21 August 2020.  

Activity 1:  The tire's contact with the road is often referred to as the footprint. Proper steering is a learned technique. Students may or may not have a frame of reference for this concept.  This activity allows students to see the minimal amount of contact that a vehicle's tire actually has with the road's surface.  

Module 3 focuses on "Starting, Steering, and Stopping." These learning activities will provide more opportunity for students to understand the methods and procedures involved.  

Activity 3:  While some students in the classroom course may have had the opportunity to drive a vehicle, others have not. This activity provides students with the “feel” of braking.    

Activity 2:  Proper steering is a learned technique. New drivers need to practice to reinforce the skill and make it part of their muscle memory. This steering wheel activity will help gauge student understanding of proper technique.   

Quia Online Signs Quiz:  New drivers must learn to identify and know the meanings of traffic signals that are found on the nation’s highways. Use this interactive site to enrich student understanding.   Identifying Pavement Markings: New drivers must learn to identify and know the meanings of pavement markings that are found on the nation’s highways. Module 4 provides instruction for using roadway conditions and traffic control devices to develop managed-risk driving decisions.  These activities will support student learning.  Modify to fit your needs and your students! Duplicate and distribute Worksheet 4.1. - use download button below.  Upon review draw special attention to shapes and colors of the signs.  

Whiteboard Sign Activity:  New drivers must learn to quickly identify the color and shape and know the meanings of the many traffic signs that are found on the nation’s highways.

Juggling Multiple Hazards:  New drivers often think they can handle everything while driving the car. This activity demonstrates that it may be possible to handle one hazard at a time but when multiple hazards happen, it’s not always easy or possible to handle them all.  Flash Slides Activity: Drivers need to be able to identify traffic and highway conditions in a short amount of time. This learning activity helps the students identify these conditions more quickly when driving and also tests their short recall ability by displaying traffic scene on a screen for a short period of time and then asking students questions about that scene. Each of these skills can be very important in various traffic situations.          Use the download icon at right to access the PowerPoint slides for this activity:   Module 5 focuses on managed-risk driving decisions using visual skills and space management awareness.  It introduces operator procedural and information processing tasks in a low risk driving environment. 

The handouts for the "Flash Slides Activity" are available at the download button to the left. The key is also included.    

Module 5 also provides instruction for developing sequencing skills.

Driving is a new skill acquisition for the learner. Many driving tasks such as approaching an intersection require a sequencing of steps. To help the students with sequencing, this learning activity takes the steps involved in approaching a railroad crossing which is an intersection and combines it with the SEE steps to enable the learner to begin putting the information into their knowledge base. 

To help students with sequencing, this learning activity takes the steps involved in approaching a railroad crossing and combines it with the SEE steps. 

Module 6 provides instruction around the concept of natural laws and their effect on traction and vehicle movement and balance.  Specifically, students must demonstrate knowledge of procedures for turning around and knowledge of procedures for hill parking, angle parking, perpendicular parking, and parallel parking. 

Turning Around using a driveway on the left and right side. Explain that the advantage of backing into a driveway is that the driver will have full view in both directions as s/he re-enters traffic. Emphasize this is the safest way to turn around. Emphasize that turning around to the left is a somewhat more risky way to turn around because backing onto a street can be dangerous. Access the "Turning Around" diagram activity& key with the download button below.  

The website "MyCarDoesWhat.org" is an excellent resource for any driver.  The log is linked and will help you to learn more about what the website offers.  The video "Traction Control Explained" will also support this module.    

Discuss the basic concepts of a three-point turnabout on the street. Emphasize that this is the most dangerous way to turn around because it results in the vehicle being stopped and then blocking a complete lane. This maneuver should only be used when traffic is the lightest, on a straight, flat road and when no other option is available. 

Module 6 includes the 3-point turn and various types of parking situations that students will encounter.

Click the download button above for the "Parking Maneuver" Activity.  You can also view the "Automatic Parallel Parking" video from MyCarDoesWhat.org video which demonstrates evolving technology that assists drivers.  

Module 7 introduces the driver to procedures and information-processing tasks in moderate to high-risk environments. Students will learn the skills needed when driving on urban highways, rural highways, expressways, and divided highways.  
Additional to the SEE process for safe driving, there is also the IPDE Process, organized steps for managing space and distractions when driving.  The image details the steps and the download button provides an overview of the process.  

Activities:  

Using the SEE Process or the IPDE process, describe the correlating steps for one of the following:  driving on a busy street near a school zone; entering a highway; exiting a highway; navigating an uncontrolled intersection;  safely handling a curve; negotiating a mountain roadway travelled by tourists and trucks.  

Create a visual which indicates the different parts of the entrance to and exit from a roadway to the expressway.  Include the steps that a driver must take in each of the designated areas.  

Terminology to emphasize and discuss in relation to driving environment:  

Urban Highways: following distance, tailgaters, cover the brake, ride the brake, lane position, blind intersection, one-way streets, two-way streets.

Rural Highways:  road surfaces, shoulder, advisory speed limit signs, slow-moving vehicle, median, crossbuck, runaway ramps.

Expressways:  controlled-access, interstate highways, intrastate highways, toll roads, types of interchanges: cloverleaf, diamond, trumpet, diverging diamond (DDI:linked); reversible lanes, HOV/HOT lanes. 

Utilizing the 5 E’s approach, NC Vision Zero unites engineers, educators, emergency responders, law enforcement, and everyone in a cooperative effort to make North Carolina streets safe for all road users.

Module 8:  Sharing the Road - All types of people and vehicles use the roadways to travel from one point to another. If everyone shares the responsibility for the roadways, the transportation system will operate more safely and efficiently. Additional resources for each of the topics found in Module 8 are linked below.  

"Bikes, Cars Must Share Same Rules"

WRAL Investigates

On this site you can learn more about how to be a safer driver, bicyclist, and pedestrian, and ultimately, reduce the number of people hit or killed by vehicles on North Carolina streets.  Watch For Me NC  

Click image to review "How to Pass A Bicyclist"

BikeWalk NC MISSION:  “To inspire and support advocacy and educational efforts throughout North Carolina for an environment that fairly and equitably accommodates bicyclists, skaters, pedestrians, and others using human-powered active transportation.” 

The above linked image contains a playlist of 8 brief safety videos explaining tips for sharing the road safely with commercial trucks, especially through a focus on blind spots.

Access a brochure from Operation Safe Driver, a safety program of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).  It contains statistics and details to help drivers understand large trucks and buses and the differences in their handling characteristics compared to cars. Layout 1 (cvsa.org) 

Module 8:  Sharing the Road - Commercial Trucks, Buses, Work and Construction Zones

The linked PSA above provides instruction on the Move Over law and emergency responders.  

The image to the left is linked to a playlist of 5 brief videos that explore the hazards associated with work and construction zones and how to safely navigate them. 

Review "How to Respond to Emergency Vehicles" Weems, Dabney. NC Department of Public Safety.  29 July 2020.  

"Law enforcement and first responders work tirelessly to keep the public safe day and night. They navigate the roads, especially in times of emergencies, to ensure that everyone remains safe. During these times, it is important that drivers respond correctly to qualified vehicles with flashing lights (e.g. law enforcement, EMS, fire, tow truck and utility vehicles). Let’s briefly review procedures to ensure the roadways are safe for the public, law enforcement and first responders."  

Module 8:  Sharing the Road - Emergency Vehicles, Trains & Rail Safety, and State Highway Patrol

Module 8:  Sharing the Road -Emergency Vehicles, Trains and Railways, and the State Highway Patrol

The image above is linked to a playlist of 6 videos about trains, rails, and track safety.  

North Carolina Operation Lifesaver (NCOL) is a nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and trespassing on or near railroad tracks.  Click the linked image below to review safety tips as part of their rail safety program.  

Module 8:  Sharing the Road -  Motorcyclists

State law - NCGS § 115C-215. Administration of driver education program by the Department of Public Instruction - requires in (b)(4) that “(a)t least one hour of motorcycle safety awareness training” be included in the driver education curriculum. The General Assembly added that provision in 2011 to ensure that the unique vulnerabilities of motorcyclists and how to safely share the road with them are adequately covered.

Click the download button to view the full lesson resource focused on Motorcycle Safety.  It provides more in-depth examination of the topic and for additional engagement by students to make sure they grasp the concepts of safety awareness and sharing the road with motorcyclists.  

Potential In-Vehicle Distractions ActivityPotential Dangers & Benefits of Cell Phones in Vehicle.Learning Activity:  Card-sorting & Distractions ActivityAddressing Distractions While DrivingRole Playing:  Addressing Distracted Drivers

Download activities to support instruction for this module:  

Module 9 is designed to help students to understand the substantial negative effects of distractions on a driver’s ability to safely perform the driving task. Research and statistics demonstrate that distractions represent a significant factor in motor vehicle crashes, especially for novice drivers. 

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Click the linked image to access 17 brief videos to support instruction and to increase awareness of distracted driving.  Compiled by NCVisionZero.org.

Use this linked image to access print and video resources, statistics, and information to support student learning about distracted driving and how to combat it.  

Review a sample "Family Safe Driving Agreement" to support distraction-free driving.

From "TeenDrive365InSchool.Com"-- "Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the U.S. and every day on average nine teens ages 16-19 are killed as a result of motor vehicle injuries. TeenDrive365 is a program for teens who are learning how to drive and the families and educators who support them. A partnership between Toyota and Discovery Education, TeenDrive365 is a free resource that helps promote defensive driving behavior among the youngest drivers on the road." This is an excellent resource supported by stakeholder organizations and targets educators, teens, families, and communities.  The content is highly informative and engaging for all ages and roles!       Home | TeenDrive365 In School

Home | TeenDrive365 In School   

Module 10 will introduce students to the problems associated with driving under conditions of inclement weather, limited visibility, and limited traction. Vehicular factors and increased time/space needs under such conditions are included. Technological advances in automotive design and their contribution to occupant safety, information about vehicle system functions and malfunctions, and what to do if involved in a collision is also covered.  

Driving at Night - National Safety Council (nsc.org)

Winter Driving Tips | AAA Exchange offers general guidance, tip sheets via pdf download, and a brief video to help motorists practive safety in winter weather.  

NCDOT: Driving in Wet Weather

NC DPS: Driving and Alcohol

Module 11 is designed to give students an understanding of the significant effects of alcohol and other drugs on a person’s ability to perform the driving task. Statistics will indicate that alcohol is a significant factor in fatal vehicle crashes for individuals between 15 and 24 years of age. Many who use alcohol also use other drugs. This use compounds the effects and creates a serious problem for the new driver. 

"How Could This Happen to Me?"  from Simple Plan.

In a joint letter with MADD, Simple Plan explained the events in the music video: 

“This song is a very personal look at what happens when tragedy hits close to home and we wanted to make a video that was as powerful and as special as the song was to the five of us.   This is the story we wanted to tell with this video: the story of all the innocent victims caused by drinking and driving.”  Please preview.  https://youtu.be/ZQ7oqmikZDQ

Underage Drinking Facts: Shocking Stats About Underage Drinking (talkitoutnc.org)

Drowsy Driving | The National Road Safety Foundation (nrsf.org)

Module 12 will have the new driver explore the effects of fatigue, drowsy driving, and the impact of emotions on one’s driving ability. The consequences of drowsy driving and prevention techniques will be discussed. Students will learn actions to take to control emotional responses that occur when driving and learn the characteristics of aggressive driving and road rage and the differentt ypes and degrees of aggression.

SADD’s mission is to empower young people to successfully confront the risks and pressures that challenge them throughout their daily lives.

Information About Illegal Drugs & Alcohol Abuse - Drug-Free World

The Vehicle Emissions Reduction Activities (VERA) program provides supplemental curricula and education materials for Driver’s Education programs in North Carolina. These educational materials focus on the responsibility that drivers have to protect their environment when making choices involving their vehicle.    NC DEQ: Vehicle Emissions Reduction Activities (VERA) 

Module 13 will explain to the driver how to effectively plan for travel by preparing a trip plan, developing a driving route, and preparing the vehicle for travel.   

Road Trip Safety Tips | SafeWise

Emergency Roadside Kit: 

Plan long trips carefully and listen to the radio or television for up-to-date weather forecasts and road conditions. In bad weather drive only if absolutely necessary.

https://www.ready.gov/car

Find Local Contacts, Speakers, and Resources 
Speaker Bureau

Funded by a grant from the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA), the Talk It Out Speaker Bureau is using the power of public speaking engagements to raise awareness about the issue of underage drinking in North Carolina.

The Bureau features a list of pre-approved speakers whose lives have been directly impacted by underage drinking tragedies. The speakers, who are both parents and children, share their tragic stories and discuss the real consequences of underage drinking. They are available to speak to any size group at your local venue, with their travel expenses and Talk it Out materials covered by the grant.

The BAT Mobile

The BAT Mobile is a 45-foot vehicle that is fully equipped for processing drivers at DWI (driving while impaired) checkpoints to provide scientific support for state prosecutors. Traveling teams of law enforcement personnel operate the vehicle, give educational speeches, and facilitate live demonstrations.

Nine BAT Mobile units are available statewide—at no cost—to travel and participate in community events to help raise awareness about the dangers of driving while impaired.

https://www.talkitoutnc.org/working-together/ 

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Utilizing the 5 E’s approach, NC Vision Zero unites engineers, educators, emergency responders, law enforcement, and everyone in a cooperative effort to make North Carolina streets safe for all road users.  https://ncvisionzero.org/

Find Local Contacts, Speakers, and Resources

If you live in the United States and you want information and directions to a MADD office that serves your area, just select “Get current location” or enter your own and select submit. You’ll get information about your local MADD office and other locations in your area that may be able to help you.     nc.state@madd.org     https://www.madd.org/north-carolina/

From national standards to supplemental materials, ADTSEA provides a wealth of resources to help you run your driving education program more efficiently and effectively.  Driver Education Resources | ADTSEA 

Involved in teen driver safety for 75 years, AAA has a full range of tools to help parents and teens throughout the whole learning-to-drive process. Keys2Drive provides parents an easy way to work with their teens through each step, from choosing a driver education program to deciding when solo driving is permitted.

Keys2Drive - The AAA Guide to Teen Driver Safety

Find Local Contacts, Speakers, and Resources 

NC Road Team consists of commercial truck drivers who excel at their profession and are dedicated to safety, courtesy and responsibility.

The men and women selected each year to serve on the NC Road Team must be full time commercial truck drivers with excellent safe driving records, and must have the ability to relate the positive safety aspects of the transportation industry and its importance to a vibrant economy.

To request a NC Road Team professional truck driver to speak at your event, contact NCTA at (919) 834-0387. 

https://www.nctrucking.com/road-team-captains/

For more than a century, AAA has worked to foster a safe environment for travelers through education, research and advocacy. Since its founding in 1902, AAA has been a leader in developing and supporting educational and safety programs for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and children.

                                                                     AAA Exchange 

Injury Prevention - NOYS | National Organizations for Youth Safety

The SADD program began in North Carolina in the fall of 1982. This program now serves students in middle schools, high schools, community colleges, and universities. SADD has many chapters located in schools across the state of North Carolina. The chapters carry out projects during the school year such as seatbelt checks of students driving to school, compliance checks of sales to minors, prevention activities at sports events, alcohol-free prom and graduation projects, school assemblies and community projects focusing on highway safety and underage drinking and drug prevention. The need to establish more SADD chapters in our schools and local communities will continue as long as serious problems of drinking and driving, underage drinking and destructive decision-making result from alcohol and other drug use.                                                                                                                         North Carolina | North Carolina (sadd.org) 

North Carolina Driver EducationResources for Classroom Instructors

Developed by Angie Stephenson 

angela.stephenson@dpi.nc.gov