Debate over parent‑taught driver's ed highlights safety concerns and scholarship access

Representative Henry Geist introduced House Bill 1452 to allow parent‑taught driver education as an alternative to existing certified programs. Testimony split sharply: experienced driver‑education instructors and the New Hampshire Driver Education Teachers Association urged rejection, stressing instructor certification, mandated classroom and behind‑the‑wheel training, and research showing poorer safety outcomes when parents teach without formal standards. Mike Doucette, a longtime instructor, said a parent lacking college‑level training and supervised teaching experience cannot reasonably match the licensed instructors’ training: “This legislation wants to make a huge assumption that any person holding a license is a safe driver and able to teach their teens,” he said.

Opponents cited national and state studies and Washington State reforms moving toward higher age minimums and expanded instruction requirements. AAA Northern New England submitted a letter and advised caution on safety. Supporters, including a parent and some public commenters, said the proposal would expand options and reduce cost barriers: one supporter said driving school seats cost $450–$600, which many families cannot afford, and argued that the state driving test remains the ultimate quality control because poor teaching will result in failed tests.

DMV witnesses described broad access to driver education across the state, scholarship programs funded in part by the New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association, and a higher knowledge‑test pass rate (82%) among students who take driver education versus 59% for those who do not. DMV staff and the Driver Education Teachers Association urged careful definition of "equivalency" and robust guardrails if the committee considers any change.

The committee closed the hearing and later voted in executive session to recommend ITL (inexpedient to legislate) on HB1452, citing safety concerns and the need to preserve current standards.