PLEASANT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
PLANNED COURSE CURRICULUM GUIDE
DRIVER EDUCATION
10
I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND INTENT:
This standards based course is designed to acquaint students with the basic
knowledge of vehicle operation and the elements of safe driving. Major units of
study are: Pennsylvania laws and regulations, knowledge of vehicle operations,
perceptual skills development, decision-making/risk reduction, driving conditions,
and influences on driver performance.
The course stresses that with the privilege of driving come enormous
responsibilities. It is critical that students understand these responsibilities and
form the safe habits that are integral to the skill of driving.
II.
INSTRUCTIONAL TIME:
Class Periods: Daily
Length of Class Periods (minutes):56
Length of Course: Nine (9) weeks
Unit of Credit: 0.25
Updated: June 2014
COURSE: Driver Education
STRAND:
GRADE(S): 10
TIME FRAME: Nine (9) Weeks
PA ACADEMIC STANDARDS
14
14.1.A.
Driver Education
ASSESSMENT ANCHORS
Identify and explain traffic laws related to safe driving.
 Traffic controls (e.g., signs, signals, road markings) #13
 Right-of Way
 Speed Regulations
 Pedestrian rights and responsibilities
14.1.B.
Identify and explain laws that relate to responsible use of a vehicle.
 Vehicle registration
 Insurance regulations
 Vehicle/emissions inspection
 Seat belts
 Child safety seats
 Passengers in pickup trucks
14.1.C.
Describe the Pennsylvania licensing procedures.
 Learner’s permit
 Graduated driver’s licensing
14.2. A. Identify and describe the pre-trip inspection outside the vehicle.
 Visual inspection of vehicle (e.g., wheels, body, light)
 Visual inspection of surroundings (e.g., front, sides, back)
14.2.B. Identify and describe the pre-trip preparation inside the vehicle.
 Car door locks
 Key in ignition
 Seating position
 Mirror settings (enhanced/traditional)
 Communications controls (e.g., turn signals, high/low beams, flashers)
 Safety devices (e.g., wipers, seat belt adjustments, head restraint)
 Comfort/climate controls (e.g., heater, air conditioning, defroster)
 Hand position on steering wheel
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14.2.C. Identify and assess purpose of modern vehicle technology.
 Owner’s manual specifications
 Alert and warning symbols
 Supplemental occupant restraint systems
 Antilock Braking System (ABS)
 Global Positioning System (GPS)
 Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC)
14.2.D. Describe and explain the proper application of basic driving skills.
 Staying in driving line #3
 Starting from a stop #4
 Accelerating
 Managing intersections
 Recognizing when to brake #7
 Making a left turn into traffic #5
 Making right turns
 Driving in reverse
 Making lane changes (e.g., multiple-lane roadways, merge/exit situations, passing
vehicles)
 Selecting a sufficient gap to enter traffic #14
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14.2.E. Identify post-trip procedures.
 Securing the vehicle (e.g., place in park, set parking brake, remove keys)
 Exiting the vehicle (e.g., open door safely, face traffic when exiting, lock
doors)
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14.3.A. Describe perception as a mental process that is selective and can be improved.
 Visual functions: focal, useful field of vision, peripheral, depth
 Projected path of travel
 Scanning environment and staying driving lane #6
14.3.B. Describe visual search categories for identifying risk situations.
 Restrictions to path of travel
 Restrictions to sightline
 Traffic controls
 Highway characteristics/conditions
 Other highway users
14.3.C. Identify traffic situations and develop avoidance strategies.
 Judging speed going around a curve #1
 Searching for sufficient gap before pulling out from a driveway or stop sign #8
 Reducing crash potential by adjusting speed, lane position and appropriate
communication (e.g., turn signals)
 Recognizing a stopped vehicle #2
 Changing speed and/or direction to avoid conflicts with sightline and path of
travel restrictions
 Judging speed and distances of on-coming traffic #9
 Making correct decisions at intersections by managing time and space
 Applying basic driving skills to city, rural and expressway driving in various
weather and roadway conditions
14.3.D.
Analyze the need for divided visual and mental attention from path of travel to
driving tasks, then back to path of travel for brief periods of time.
 Searching from path of travel to signs, symbols and markings
 Searching from path of travel for intersection problems
 Searching from path of travel to new entry lane when turning left or right
 Searching from path of travel to vehicle accessories for appropriate operations
14.4.A.
Identify and know a model of decision-making.
 Stop-Think-Go
 SIPDE (Search, Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute)
 IPDE (Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute)
 SEE (Search, Evaluate, Execute)
14.4.B.
Identify and describe the concerns when sharing the roadway.
 Motorized vehicles
 Non-motorized vehicles
 Commercial/large vehicles
 Pedestrians
 Animals
14.4.C.
Identify how emotions affect driver decisions.
 Depression/Sadness
 Elation
 Anger
 Road Rage
 Fear
14.4.D.
Describe the characteristics of the aggressive driver.
 High Speed
 Erratic vehicle movements
 Gestures
 Vocal outbursts
14.4.E.
Identify appropriate responses to the aggressive driver.
 Eye contact avoidance
 Emotional detachment
 Speed adjustment
 Lane adjustment
Identify driver distractions and the appropriate responses to them.
 Within vehicle (e.g., passengers and pets, food and drinks, cell phones and other
electronics)
 Outside vehicle (e.g., construction zones, people, accident and emergency
vehicles)
14.4.F.
14.4.G.
Analyze the consequences of high-risk driver actions and human error.
 Vehicular crashes
 Injury or death
 Civil liability
 Property damage
 Financial loss
 Pennsylvania Point System
 Fines
 Loss of license
14.5.A.
Describe hazardous conditions and their effets on vision, motion and steering control
tasks while driving.
 Snow #12
 Rain #11
 Fog
 Sleet/ice
 Hydroplaning
 Traction loss
14.5.B.
Identify challenges of night driving and appropriate responses to them. #10
 Reduced visibility
 Eye fatigue
 Overdriving headlights
14.5.C.
Identify the dangers of vehicle malfunctions.
 Warning indicators (e.g., dashboard, smoke, sounds)
 Failures (e.g., tires, brakes, steering)
 Stuck accelerator
 Engine stalls
 Loss of headlights or forward vision due to vehicle malfunction
14.5.D.
Identify the dangers of sudden emergencies.
 High water
 Vehicle crossing centerline
 Vehicle not yielding at intersection
 Vehicle running off roadway
 Traction loss to front tires
 Traction loss to rear tires
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14.6.A. Know legal aspects of alcohol and other drug use.
 Just saying “No” to alcoholic beverages and other drugs
 Terms and meanings associated with drinking and driving
 Penalties when intoxicated
 Implied consent
 Zero tolerance
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14.6.B. Evaluate the factors that influence individuals to use alcohol and other drugs.
 Advertising
 Peer pressure
 Social norms
 Culture
 Holidays
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14.6.C. Define and analyze the problem of driving under the influence (DUI).
 Significance of problem
 Consequences
 Solutions
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14.6.D. Identify and analyze the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol on the
driver.
 Process of alcohol entering and exiting from the body
 How alcohol affects people differently
 Changes to the central nervous system
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14.6.E. Identify and analyze the physiological and psychological effects of drugs.
 Types (i.e., over-the-counter, prescription, controlled substances)
 How drugs affect people differently
 Changes to the central nervous system
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14.6.F. Identify and analyze how alcohol and other drugs affect driving performance.
 Impaired judgment and reasoning
 Visual impairment
 Slower motor skills
 Increased response time
 Loss of reality
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14.6.G. Identify types of fatigue and how to combat their effects.
 Mental and physical types (e.g., boredom, eye strain, drowsiness)
 Symptoms (e.g., slowed response time, daydreaming, heavy eyes)
 Methods to delay fatigue (e.g., exit and walk around the vehicle every two hours,
pull over and take a nap, stop for a bathroom/snack break)
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RESOURCES
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Teacher created materials
Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual
Responsible Driving Textbook
Various fact sheets from the DMV and PennDot
Classroom materials
Packets
Websites
Pennsylvania State Standards for Driver Education
OBJECTIVES
14.1.A. The learner will identify and explain traffic laws related to safe driving.
14.1.B. The learner will identify and explain laws that relate to responsible use of a
vehicle.
14.1.C.
The learner will describe the Pennsylvania licensing procedures.
14.2.A.
The learner will identify and describe the pre-trip inspection outside the vehicle.
14.2.B.
The learner will identify and describe the pre-trip preparation inside the vehicle.
14.2.C.
The learner will identify and assess purpose of modern vehicle technology.
14.2.D. The learner will describe and explain the proper application of basic driving skills.
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14.2.E. The learner will identify post-trip procedures.
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The learner will define perception and identify the types of visual functions.
14.3.B. The learner will describe the visual search categories to be able to identify risk
situations.
14.3.C.
The learner will identify and explain various traffic situation avoidance strategies.
14.3.D. The learner will analyze the parts of the highway transportations system that must be
perceived in expedient fashion.
14.4.A.
The learner will recognize the steps utilized in decision-making.
14.4.B.
The learner will describe the actions of other highway transportation system users.
14.4.C. The learner will describe how emotion affects driving and the decision-making
process.
14.4.D.
The learner will list characteristics of an aggressive driver.
14.4.E. The learner will describe the appropriate communication as well as the speed and lane
response when encountering an aggressive driver.
14.4.F.
The learner will identify potential driver distractions inside and outside of the vehicle.
14.4.G.
The learner will analyze the consequences of unsafe driving.
14.5.A.
The learner will explain how to safely operate a vehicle during inclement weather.
14.5.B.
The learner will identify nighttime driving challenges and how to adapt to them.
14.5.C.
The learner will list possible dangers associated with vehicle malfunctions.
14.5.D.
The learner will list possible dangers associated with sudden emergencies.
14.6.A.
The learner will describe the legal aspects of substance abuse.
14.6.B.
The learner will describe factors that influence substance use.
14.6.C.
The learner will explain the problems associated with drinking and driving.
14.6.D.
The learner will analyze the effects of alcohol on the driver.
14.6.E.
The learner will analyze the effects of drugs.
14.6.F.
The learner will explain the impact of substance use on driving performance.
14.6.G.
The leaner will describe fatigue and how it relates to driving.
14.1.A. There are several key traffic laws related to safe driving.
Traffic controls are a consistent system of signals, signs, and pavement markings
providing information essential to keep traffic flowing safely and efficiently.
Right-of Way refers to the privilege of having immediate use of a certain part of a
roadway when two or more users of the roadway use it at the same time.
Speed Regulations serve as guidance for drivers to adjust rate of movement according
to weather and roadway conditions.
Pedestrian rights and responsibilities are guidelines designed to ensure safe and
convenient travel and access for those on foot (includes walkers, wheelchairs and
canes).
14.1.B. There are several important laws that relate to responsible use of a vehicle.
Vehicle registration is required to show responsibility of vehicle ownership.
Insurance regulations are required for all Pennsylvania motor vehicles.
Vehicle/emissions inspection is required annually for all motor vehicles.
Seat belts are restraining devices for the safety of vehicle occupants.
Child safety seats are restraining devices for the safety of children while in a motor
vehicle.
Passengers in pickup trucks refers to issues related to the safety of occupants who
may be passengers in the bed of a truck.
14.1.C. It is essential to understand the Pennsylvania licensing procedures.
A Learner’s permit is a state document required for beginning drivers to operate a
vehicle while under the supervision of an experienced driver.
Graduated driver’s licensing refers to the multi-stage system of licensing (permit,
junior license, regular license).
14.2.A. It is an important habit to conduct a pre-trip inspection outside the vehicle to ensure
that the vehicle is in proper working order.
A visual inspection outside of the vehicle includes observing the vehicle wheels,
body, and lights.
A visual inspection outside of the vehicle includes carefully observing one’s
surroundings.
14.2.B. It is an important habit to conduct a pre-trip preparation inspection inside the vehicle
to ensure that the vehicle is in proper working order including, but not limited to:
Car doors should be closed and locked for the safety of all vehicle occupants.
Key in ignition settings should be identified.
Seating position should be adjusted so the driver can see clearly and reach the pedals
as well as other vehicle controls.
Mirror settings, both enhancedand traditional, should be adjusted.
Communications control settings like turn signals, headlights, taillights, hazard
Lights, etc. should be identified.
Safety devices like wipers, seat belts, head restraints, etc. should be adjusted.
Comfort/climate controls such as the heater, air conditioning, defroster, etc. should
be adjusted accordingly.
Hand position on steering wheel should be at nine and three.
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14.2.C. Becoming familiar with the purpose of modern vehicle technology is beneficial to
the driving experience.
A vehicle operator should become familiar with the contents of the owner’s manual
specifications.
The meanings of the various alert warning symbols need to be understood to ensure
that an unnecessary repair or replacement expense is avoided.
Supplemental occupant restraint systemsare non-adjustable passive protective
devices that restrain the driver and passengers during a collision.
Antilock Braking System (ABS)is a mechanism designed to enable the driver to
maintain steering control and to keep the wheels from locking when a driver brakes
abruptly.
Use of satellite technology to identify the exact location of a vehicle is known as
aGlobal Positioning System (GPS).
Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) is a computerized handling and stability
system that improves vehicle traction and stability in three areas of performance:
accelerating, corning and braking.
14.2.D. Applying basic driving skills to everyday vehicle operations is an essential factor in
reducing crashes when learned and executed properly. Utilizing the following skills
will allow students to use the highway transportation system with greater confidence
and higher skill levels:
staying in driving line, starting from a stop, accelerating, managing intersections,
recognizing when to brake, making a left turn into traffic, making right turns, driving
in reverse, making lane changes, and selecting a sufficient gap to enter traffic.

14.2.E. It is an important habit to conduct post-trip proceduresto ensure that the vehicle is
in proper working order
Securing the vehicleby always placing the vehicle in park, setting the parking
brake, and removing the keys.
Exiting the vehicle properly includes opening the door safely, facing traffic when
exiting, and locking all doors.
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Perceptionis the mental process of applying meaning to what is seen.
Visual functions are the tasks allowing a driver to sense what is around them.
Central vision (focal and useful field of vision) is the center of a driver’s focus.
Peripheral vision is the area on either side of central vision.
Depth perception is the ability to judge the relative distance of objects correctly.
14.3.B.Risk situations refers to the possibility of having a traffic conflict that would result in
a crash. These risk situations include, but are not limited to restrictions to: path of
travel, restrictions to sightline, traffic controls, highway characteristics/conditions,
and other highway users.
14.3.C. Avoidance strategies need to be developed for various traffic situations that are
identified as being potentially harmful. These traffic situations include, but are not
limited to: judging speed going around a curve; searching for a sufficient gap before
pulling out of a driveway or stop sign; reducing crash potential by adjusting speed,
lane position, and appropriate communications; recognizing a stopped vehicle;
changing speed and/or direction to avoid conflicts with sightline and path of travel
restrictions; judging speed and distances of on-coming traffic; making correct
decisions at intersections by managing time and space; and applying basic driving
skills to city, rural, and expressway driving in various weather and roadway
conditions.
14.3.D. The need for divided attention is critical for the visual and mental interpretation of
the driving environment. Searchingand scanningthe driving environment
constantly allows the driver to retrieve and process essential data.
14.4.A. Decision-making is determining the best communication, speed and lane position
adjustments for achieving reduced-risk solutions to traffic situations. Models are:
Stop-Think-Go which is a practical application of the risk management process.
SIPDE stands for search, identify, predict, decide and execute.
IPDEstands for identify, predict, decide and execute
SEEstands for search, evaluate, execute
14.4. B.
Having knowledge and demonstrating concern for other users of the highway
transportation system enhances safety for all users including:
Motorized vehicles
Non-motorized vehicles
Commercial/large vehicles
Pedestrians
Animals
14.4.C.
Emotions affect driver decisions in many ways. It is beneficial to understand:
Depression/Sadness
Elation
Anger
Road Rage
Fear
14.4.D. An aggressive driver is a person who operates a motor vehicle in a high-risk manner
that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property. An aggressive driver
usually is characterized by:
High Speeddriving
Erratic vehicle movements
Gestures
Vocal outbursts
14.4.E.
Demonstrating appropriate responses to the aggressive driver will help diffuse
any potential negative outcomes. These responses include:
Eye contact avoidance
Emotional detachment
Speed adjustment
Lane adjustment
14.4.F. Driving distractions are those things that cause a driver to take the attention away
from driving, the eyes off the road, and the hands off the wheel. These distractions
occur within the vehicle (e.g., passengers and pets, food and drinks, cell phones and
other electronics) as well as outside the vehicle (e.g., construction zones, people,
accident and emergency vehicles).
14.4.G. There are several significant and serious consequences related to high-risk driver
actions and human error. These consequences include:
Vehicular crashes
Injury or death
Civil liability, which is non-criminal accountability for a person’s driving actions.
Property damage
Financial loss
Pennsylvania Point System
Fines
Loss of license
14.5.A.
Snow
Various weather-related conditions impact driving. These conditions include:
Rain
Fog
Sleet/ice
Hydroplaning, which is when a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road and ride on
top of a film of water.
Traction loss
14.5.B. Night time driving presents various challenges to the driver which may include:
Reduced visibility
Eye fatigue
Overdriving headlightswhich means driving so fast at night that the driver is unable
to stop within the range of the headlights.
14.5.C. Drivers need to be aware of vehicle malfunctions including:
Warning indicators
Failures
Stuck accelerator
Engine stalls
Loss of headlights or forward vision due to vehicle malfunction
14.5.D.Drivers need to be aware of sudden emergencies including:
High water
Vehicle crossing centerline
Vehicle not yielding at intersection
Vehicle running off roadway
Traction loss to front tires
Traction loss to rear tires
14.6.A. The legal aspects of alcohol and other drug use are quite serious. Just saying “No” to
alcoholic beverages and other drugs is the most logical solution to utilize when a
pressure situation arises. Certain terms and meanings associated with drinking and
driving such as BAC, DUI, underage drinking, etc. provide the base of knowledge
upon which sound decisions can be made. Learning about the penalties when
intoxicatedallow for greater understanding as far as consequences are concerned.
The concepts of implied consent and zero tolerance serve as reminders of the
responsibilities that accompany the privilege of driving.
14.6.B. There are many factors that influence individuals to use alcohol and other drugs. One
such example is advertising. The factor involving the influence of friends on one’s
beliefs, values and behavior is known as peer pressure. The factor involving
acceptable standards that reasonable and prudent people, communities or societies
expect from individuals is known as social norms. Culture and holidays are also
contributing factors that influence substance use.
14.6.C. Driving under the influence is a significant issue of the times. The significance of
the problem is quite serious as are the consequences. Solutions to this issue need to
be explored and ever-increased.
14.6.D. The physiological and psychological effects of alcohol on the driver can be better
understood by knowing about the process of alcohol entering and exiting from the
body, how alcohol affects people differently, and the changes to the central
nervous system.
14.6.E.
The physiological and psychological effects of drugs can be better understood by
knowing the different types (i.e., over-the-counter, prescription, and controlled
substances), how drugs affect people differently, and the changes to the central
nervous system.
14.6.F.
Alcohol and other drugs obviously affect driving performance in many different ways.
The major ways include: impaired judgment and reasoning, visual impairment,
slower motor skills, increased response time, and loss of reality.
14.6.G. Fatigue is also considered to be a type of impaired driving and can be divided into
mental and physical types (e.g., boredom, eye strain, and drowsiness). Some of the
symptoms of fatigue include slowed response time, daydreaming, and heavy eyes.
To combat the effects of fatigue on driving, various methods to delay fatigue (e.g.,
exit and walk around the vehicle every two hours, pull over and take a nap, stop for a
bathroom/snack break) serve as helpful strategies for safe driving.
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
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Textbook
PowerPoint
Lecture
Flash cards
Video/DVD
Newspaper and magazine articles
Class discussion
Group work
Brainstorming
Think-pair-share
Student-centered activities
Posters
Guest speakers
ASSESSMENTS
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Teacher designed tests and/or quizzes
Teacher created worksheets
Projects
Pictorial analysis
Activities and demonstrations involving students (field sobriety test, etc.)
CORRECTIVES/EXTENSIONS
Correctives
 Allow partner work
 Extended time for assessments
 Modified activities
 Highlighted vocabulary terms or flash cards
Extensions
 Technology integration
 Research Pennsylvania Vehicle Code
 Analysis of accident frequency related to the elements of driving
 Create a new traffic sign along with a marketing campaign