Mercedes-Benz to launch teen driving school in Los Angeles

Mercedes-Benz is set to launch its first U.S.-based teen driving school in Los Angeles this October.

The school will be modeled after one Mercedes launched in the United Kingdom in 2009.

A full driver's-education program will incorporate training online, in the classroom and behind the wheel. Teaching approaches will include digital animation to visualize road hazards, problem-solving exercises in the classroom and hands-on experience with in-car coaching.

When first announcing the school in May, Mercedes cited research that the standard U.S. formula for driver education--30 hours of in-class instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel training--does not effectively turn nondrivers into safe drivers. Mercedes aims to prepare students for the road by teaching skills beyond basic car control.

While existing driving programs primarily focus on crash avoidance and defensive driving strategies, Mercedes aims to be the only manufacturer to offer a California DMV-approved program.

The California-focused curriculum will take a student from her instruction permit-license stage through the provisional license. An on-road-only curriculum is also available for those who have completed their driver-education requirement, and a program tailored to help individual drivers further develop driving skills will also be offered.

Mercedes is recruiting instructors in preparation for the fall. To raise awareness of the importance of teaching teens to drive properly, the company is also starting a public-service outreach program with two-hour parent-teen workshops in local Los Angeles-area high schools.

Visit www.mbdrivingacademy.com for updates and employment opportunities.

By Michelle Koueiter