Mercedes-Benz will launch their Driving Academy for teens, that will open in the U.S. late 2011. Joining the ranks of other car manufacturers that have their own specialized driving academies such as, Jaguar “R” Academy, Land Rover Driver Experience, BMW Teen Driving School, and the Audi Sportscar Experience to name a few, Mercedes-Benz also feels that the U.S. standard of 30 hours of in-class education and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training does not effectively give teenagers the skills and competencies for safe and enjoyable driving.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. In fact, teens aged 16-19 are four times more likely to crash than adults”. The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy approach to this will prepare students by going beyond basic car control skills and traffic rules by using a unique combination of interactive classroom sessions, online learning and behind-the-wheel training in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) framework, that will be specifically tailored to the U.S.
Mercedes-Benz launched their Driving Academy in the U.K. in 2009 and results have been very positive with 4,500 attendees and a 79% first time pass rate, which is about double the U.K. national average of 43%. Mercedes-Benz will integrate curriculum and methods of the U.K. school with U.S. DMV standards and requirements to make them the first auto manufacturer to offer a complete, state-certified driving school in the U.S.
More information about the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy such as the location and cost will be announced in April.