Task 2 model answer 16: Driving should be taught at school

There are many important life skills such as the ability to operate a vehicle that are developed both through childhood and early adulthood, but teaching these should not necessarily be left to education departments, as will now be argued.

The principal provider of knowledge to a child should be the parent, and although more academic subjects such as science and languages should be left to professionals, abilities like driving and swimming are best taught by parents, at least initially. If the parent feels they are not suited to the task, or the law in that country does not allow parents to teach their children to drive, then a driving instructor should be sought, not a school.

In addition, it could be argued that although operating a car is a useful skill, it is not essential and should be something that each individual decides rather than being a compulsory part of their education. Other subjects which provide a more rounded education should be emphasised, as this will allow the student to be able to find a position of employment more easily once they graduate from school or further studies.

However, an argument could be made that the ability to drive could be required in an emergency situation, and therefore should be taught. Yet situations where this would actually be required would be rare, and less valuable than other skills such as first aid.

To conclude, it would be better for schools to focus on academic topics, leaving the parents or the student to decide when and how to learn other skills like driving.