House Bill aims to reintroduce driver’s education in Missouri schools

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) – A new Missouri House bill could bring driver’s education back into public high schools.

Sponsored by Rep. Rodger Reedy (R-District 57), House Bill 2195 aims to educate students on permit requirements, safe driving skills, distracted driving, traffic stops and driver safety risks. The bill would not require students to operate a vehicle though.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, car crashes are the #1 cause of death for teens in Missouri.  In 2023, 133 people were killed in teen driver-involved traffic crashes.

Reedy said the goal of the bill is to save lives.

“The reality is not only do we have people that are killed in car accidents but people are also injured and critically injured sometimes for life. Maybe if they had a little more training before they started driving that would help them deal in those situations," Reedy said.

Reedy said educating teens on driving could help reduce teen traffic deaths.

“What traffic signs, reading traffic signs and basic things like that," he said. Any additional knowledge should eliminate or reduce the number of fatalities of traffic accidents."

Frank Till, executive director of the St. Joseph Safety Council said he applauds the effort, but believes the bill falls short because it does not require behind-the-wheel instruction.

"Hands-on instruction is really needed and really necessary, so young people get to practice out with someone that is in the car with them," Till said said. "That has the extra brake on their pedal or on their side that can prevent an accident. Talk to them and correct them and help them understand exactly what they're learning."

Till said a well-rounded approach would make the program more effective in schools.

“Different instructors coming in, maybe from law enforcement, maybe paramedics or emergency room staff to talk to kids about the dangers of the aftermath of what happens. And then again in car, in-person hands-on training is so valuable to get kids comfortable when driving a car," Till said said.

Till said he believes the program is beneficial to teens.

"It would educate young people about the risk and hopefully make them better drivers," Till said. Hopefully make them more cautious and conscious of their actions when their driving and hopefully get them, to slow down."

If the bill passes, it would take effect starting in the 2027–2028 school year.