Before we get started, take a few minutes to read this letter from Driver’s Edge Founder & CEO Jeff Payne. It explains why Driver’s Edge exists, what makes this program different from traditional driver education, and what we hope you’ll take away from your experience.

Driving is one of the greatest responsibilities anyone will ever have. This chapter explains why young drivers face unique risks, the importance of developing the right mindset behind the wheel, and how Driver’s Edge goes beyond basic driver education to prepare you for real-world emergencies. Today is the first step toward becoming a safer, more confident driver.

A safe drive begins before you put the vehicle in motion. This chapter covers the essential pre-drive habits that improve comfort, control, and safety—from checking your tires and adjusting your seat and mirrors to proper hand position, steering technique, and seat belt use. A few simple steps before every drive can make a critical difference when you need to react quickly.

The best drivers don’t just react—they anticipate. This chapter teaches how to develop situational awareness by looking farther ahead, maintaining an escape route, and recognizing potential hazards before they become emergencies. You’ll also learn the D.R.I.V.E. process, a simple system for making smarter, safer decisions behind the wheel.

Understanding how your vehicle responds is the key to staying in control. This chapter explains how acceleration, braking, and steering affect traction, why understeer and oversteer occur, and how to respond when a vehicle begins to skid. You’ll also learn the fundamentals of cornering and how smooth, deliberate inputs can help you avoid losing control in the first place.

Knowing how to brake correctly can help you avoid a collision. This chapter explains how ABS works, why it allows you to maintain steering during emergency braking, and the proper techniques for vehicles with and without anti-lock brakes. You’ll also learn threshold braking—a skill that helps maximize stopping power while maintaining traction.

Driving a manual transmission is easier than it looks once you understand the fundamentals. This chapter walks you through starting, accelerating, shifting, downshifting, and stopping smoothly while explaining the techniques that build confidence and control. With practice and the right habits, driving a manual transmission quickly becomes second nature.

Changing road conditions require changing your driving habits. This chapter explains how rain, snow, ice, and other low-traction conditions affect your vehicle, and how smooth steering, braking, and acceleration can help you stay in control. You’ll also learn what causes hydroplaning and the simple techniques that can help you respond safely.

Safe driving isn’t just about controlling your vehicle—it’s also about controlling your emotions. This chapter explores how awareness, patience, and planning can help you avoid road rage, respond calmly to other drivers’ mistakes, and stay focused under stress. A clear mind is one of the most important safety features you have behind the wheel.

One poor decision can change lives forever. This chapter explains how alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time, and awareness, why young drivers face even greater risks, and the serious legal and personal consequences of driving under the influence. The safest choice is also the simplest: if you’ve been drinking, don’t drive.

Being prepared is part of being a responsible driver. This chapter covers the practical knowledge every driver should have before hitting the road—from understanding your vehicle and handling basic emergencies to knowing what to do after a collision. A little preparation today can make a big difference when the unexpected happens.

Learning doesn’t stop when you earn your driver’s license. This chapter explores ways to continue building your driving skills through practice, behind-the-wheel training, and professional driving schools. The more you understand your vehicle, the better prepared you’ll be when the unexpected happens.

A well-maintained vehicle is a safer and more reliable vehicle. This chapter covers the basics of car care, including routine maintenance, checking essential fluids, tire care, and recognizing early warning signs before they become expensive or dangerous problems. A few simple maintenance habits can help keep your vehicle running safely for years to come.

Driver’s Edge would like to express its special thanks to the Nevada Department of Traffic Safety.

A majority of the funding to operate our Nevada programs comes from a Grant made possible by the Office of Traffic Safety.