Revised 08/2018

EDU 114 - Driver Task Analysis (3 CR.)

Course Description

This course is an introduction to “The Driver Task” as related to the highway transportation system (HTS) and factors that influence performance ability. This is the first of two courses that are required for public/private school certification in driver education.

Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 1 hour. Total 4 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to certify driving school instructors in both public and private schools who wish to teach Driver Education and assist instructors in the application of Driver Education materials in the classroom.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite: Eligible for ENG 111.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • define and describe the nature of the driving task in our complex highway transportation system (HTS).
  • demonstrate the ability to observe, in an efficient and effective manner, the pertinent HTS events and conditions for vehicle guidance along selected routes.
  • define traffic regulations and recognize the conditions to which they apply.
  • demonstrate the ability to manage risk effectively under varying road and traffic conditions.
  • assess the importance of sensory perception in fulfilling the driver task.
  • demonstrate knowledge of concepts that will enable the student to make wise decisions concerning physical or mental disabilities that would effect a driver, their passengers or pedestrians.
  • define and recognize, in a manner sufficient for safe and efficient operation, the capabilities and limitations of motor vehicles under various conditions of the HTS.
  • evaluate the function of various vehicle sub-systems to determine the need for corrective maintenance or repair.
  • determine a person’s shared legal and moral responsibilities when using the HTS.
  • plan a trip in a motor vehicle with emphasis on efficiency and safety.
  • methods of teaching driver education.
  • learning styles of students’ drivers.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • assessing and managing risks; knowing yourself as a driver
  • handling social pressure in the driving situation
  • signs, signals and markings
  • getting to know your car, car systems and maintenance and buying a car
  • rules of the road
  • basic driving skills
    • starting, steering, stopping
    • turning and parking
    • driving environments
  • planning a trip
  • getting ready for the state driver's test
  • how to teach drivers of all ages
  • learning styles of driver of all ages 

Optional Topics

  • the Virginia donor system
  • head, neck, and back injuries
  • light and weather conditions