To ensure everyone has access to affordable and accessible in-state driver education programs, the NH DMV, NHADA, NH Driver Ed. Teachers Association and the NH Commission for Human Rights teamed up to create the NH Driver Ed. Fund. To kickstart this initiative, a goal of raising $100,000 was established to help families afford this valuable service. This is a public-private partnership in alliance with driver education programs throughout the state of New Hampshire.
“We know that well-trained and educated drivers are safer drivers,” explained Dan Bennett, president of the NHADA. “We also are seeing a rise in the number of accidents and incidents involving poor decisions, distraction, high emotions and other factors. Now more than ever, we need to ensure drivers, especially our newest drivers, have the right training and the right mindset for getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.”
The NH Driver Ed. Fund is available statewide and is designed mainly for families with teenage, driving-aged children. These funds will be accessible through an online application process. Based on need, recipients can receive partial or full scholarships to pay the one-time cost of a local driver education course. These courses typically cost several hundred dollars but have shown to be an excellent foundational training for new drivers to create and reinforce the best driving habits.
“We deeply appreciate the collaboration with our members in working to make sure we prepare our young drivers the best way we know how,” said Bennett. “Furthermore, we know a driver’s license is often a barrier to students who are interested but cannot pursue education and/or a career in the automotive industry.”
On behalf of the NH Driver Ed. Fund, NHADA would like to thank The Exeter Area New Car Dealers Association for giving the fundraising effort an incredible start, pledging $25,000. If you would like to support this fund or learn more about this initiative, please contact Dan Bennett, NHADA president, at (603) 224-2369 or visit www.nhdrivered.com.
