Mandatory Driver’s Education Coming to Mississippi Schools

Mississippi is taking a significant step towards improving teen driver safety with the passage of Senate Bill 2695, authored by Republican Dennis DeBar. This landmark bill, which passed unanimously in both chambers, mandates driver’s education courses in public high schools across the state and is now awaiting approval from Governor Tate Reeves.

The move comes in response to alarming statistics that place Mississippi among the highest in the nation for teen-driving fatalities. Public officials, including Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell, have emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue. “One of the things that we’ve spent a lot of time focusing on over the last couple of years is school safety when it comes to firearms in schools and active shooter situations, but the reality is that we lose far more teenagers every year to fatal accidents than we do school shooters,” Tindell stated.

The new driver’s education program aims to provide students with both classroom and behind-the-wheel training. These courses will cover a variety of driving scenarios, designed to enhance students' road awareness and safety skills. Notably, the program does not require students to have a state-issued learner’s permit, allowing even 14-year-olds to participate, although having a permit is recommended.

Implementing such a comprehensive program statewide requires careful financial planning. The state superintendent of education, in collaboration with Commissioner Tindell, will be responsible for preparing a budget and fiscal report. This report will outline the costs associated with the new driver’s education courses, ensuring that they are not financially burdensome for smaller school districts.

If Governor Reeves signs the bill into law, the mandatory driver’s education courses will be implemented starting from the 2026-27 school year. This gives schools ample time to prepare and integrate the new curriculum, providing a safer future for young drivers in Mississippi.

The passage of Senate Bill 2695 represents a proactive approach to reducing teen-driving fatalities in Mississippi. By equipping young drivers with essential skills and knowledge, the state aims to foster a culture of road safety and significantly lower the number of tragic accidents involving teenagers.