Senate File 350: Parent-Taught Driver’s Education

Sponsor:
Senator Swati A.Dandekar

Summary:
This bill would allow parents who are providing their children with competent private instruction to also provide driver’s education to their children. Homeschool parents have experienced many difficulties trying to obtain driver’s education through the public schools. In 2004, a parent-taught driver’s ed bill passed both houses of the legislature, but Governor Vilsack vetoed it. S.F. 350 will save taxpayers money by reducing what the government spends on driver’s education.

More importantly, it will save lives. States that already have parent-taught driver’s ed have seen a reduction in traffic deaths among young people who have been taught by their parents.

Status:

3/5/2009		(Senate) Introduced, referred to Transportation.
3/9/2009		(Senate) Subcommittee, Dandekar, Hahn, and Hancock.
3/10/2009		(Senate) Hearing, Senate Transportation Committee

The legislature has adjourned without passing this bill; it is now dead.

HSLDA's Position:
Support!

Action Requested:
None at this time.

Background:
Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nebraska and Colorado already have laws related to parent-taught driver’s education for homeschoolers. According to a 2000 study through the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, statistics show that lives have been saved through these laws, and there were fewer tickets and accidents. Programs are already available for parents to use.

Other Resources

E-lert—March 10, 2009: Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed Needs Your Calls Immediately

E-lert—March 11, 2009: Call Sen. Riley to Save Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed!

E-lert—March 12, 2009: Stop Calls to Sen. Riley about Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed

Bill Text