Grab Your Permits and Get Ready to Hit the Road

Starting April 28, the Allegany Driving School will offer a Maryland Licensed Driver Education Program, Monday to Thursday from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The class provides students with 30 hours of in-class learning and six hours of on-the-road training.  This class will take place at Frostburg State University (FSU) in Old Main, room 105.

To some, having a license while in college is crucial because this allows easy transportation whenever or wherever desired. Especially when shopping for groceries, taking the shuttle service can be difficult. Unless a friend comes along, trying to hold five bags or more in a cramped bus can be impossible.

Senior Ashley St. Claire agreed that having a license is beneficial for students. She said, “[Having a license] is mainly important so that you have the freedom to drive when you please, it is a good form of identification, and in general, you do not have to rely on public transportation.” She added, “It is also important at [FSU] because everything is so spaced out that you need to have a car and license to get to where you need to go.”

With students having to go to Walmart, Country Club Mall, or other stores in Lavale to shop, having a license is convenient. Junior Taylor Casey said, “Public transportation does not get you everywhere, especially not in the suburban areas, and you also get to go where you want, when you want, which saves you some time.”

Sometimes it can be inconvenient or a hassle to rely on others for a quick run to Walmart. Javeau Robinson, a senior, said, “[When you have your own transportation] you do not have to rely on public transportation or other people to take you places.”

Having a license is beneficial for other situations like carpooling to an event, going to class, going to work off campus, being a designated driver, and so on. Junior Ashley Claiborne said, “It is important because driving is an essential part to getting around. You could be in a situation where a friend is intoxicated and needs someone to drive home, without a license, you both are stuck. However, with a license you could get both you and your friend home safe if you are sober of course.”

On the other hand, some feel that having a driver’s license while they are in college is not important. Freshman Sam Lohff said, “I think it is a great thing to have a driver’s education course offered at FSU, but I do not think it is essential if you have your parents and the shuttles.” He added, “I do think it will be important once you graduate from college and start looking for jobs.”

According to a 2012 study by the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute, 87.3 percent of American 19-year-olds obtained driver’s licenses in 1983, but this number dropped to 69.6 percent in 2010.

At FSU, although many students commute, on campus students without cars or licenses have two choices in long-distance transportation: the shuttle or a ride from a friend. Taking a trip on the shuttle may take longer and be a hassle with too many groceries, but the service is free and allows those without licenses another option.

Those interested in the driving course are encouraged to register. The course is $310 which includes the class, behind the wheel instruction, and registration. Cash, check, or credit card payments are accepted, and they can be made in full on the first day of class. Payment plans can also be arranged, allowing students to pay half on the first day and the other half before the behind the wheel sessions take place.

FSU students without licenses now have a convenient opportunity, and they could possibly end up getting their licenses before they go home for the summer.

For more information, contact Allegany Driving School at 301-724-2224 or online at www.alleganydriving.com.

Featured image: (George/Flickr)