AAA Driver Training: 20 years of shaping safe drivers

Helping keep the roads safe for two decades

Kip Doyle

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

As AAA Driver Training from AAA Western and Central New York celebrates its 20th anniversary this October, we look back on two decades of innovation, growth, and unwavering commitment to road safety. From its humble beginnings in 2004 to its current status as a leader in driver education, AAA Driver Training has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of new drivers and the automotive landscape.

The beginning

In October 2004, AAA Western and Central New York launched the AAA Driving Academy (now known as AAA Driver Training), operating out of its Amherst headquarters. Starting with just nine vehicles and 10 instructors, the program introduced the groundbreaking "License to Learn" curriculum. This innovative approach was designed to elevate novice driver skills through:

Highly-trained driving instructors
Increased behind-the-wheel training hours
Advanced technology to simulate diverse driving situations

The program distinguished itself by offering 30 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of behind-the-wheel training—surpassing the driver education standard of six hours. Additionally, the AAA Driving Academy provided New York State's five-hour pre-licensing course and a six-hour defensive driving course for point and insurance reduction.

Rapid growth and expansion

From 2009 to 2012, AAA Driver Training experienced rapid growth:

The vehicle fleet expanded from 9 cars in 2004 to 50 cars during peak seasons by 2015.
The 5-hour course saw tremendous growth, with student numbers almost tripling between 2008 and 2012.
Learn to Learn (LTL) and driving lesson revenue doubled from 2009 to 2012.

Evolving with the times

As technology and driver education needs have changed, so has AAA Driver Training. The program has continually updated its curriculum and methods to ensure new drivers are prepared for the modern road. Key developments include:

Introduction of online defensive driving courses in 2009
Offering driving evaluations for individuals with disabilities (2009-2019)
Launch of a virtual 5-hour course in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Today's program includes:

Comprehensive classroom and online instruction
Hands-on driving experience in various conditions
Preparation for the multi-step New York State licensing process
Integration of the latest safety technologies and driving techniques
Driver evaluations: Addressing concerns for elderly drivers and assessing corporate fleet driver skills

Success stories

The effectiveness of AAA Driver Training is best illustrated through the experiences of its students. Sara, a recent graduate, shared her journey:

"AAA Driver Training provided a calm, professional environment that prepared me thoroughly for my road test. The weekly lessons were perfectly paced, and the focus on safety has stayed with me long after I received my license. Thanks to my instructor, Mr. Paul, I even achieved a perfect score on my road test!"

Embracing the future of driving

In 2023, AAA Driver Training took a significant step towards the future by adding the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV to its training fleet. This move ensures that new drivers are familiarized with electric vehicle technology, preparing them for the evolving automotive landscape. The program now offers specialized EV lessons, covering:

EV handling and performance characteristics
Understanding EV-specific features and displays
Navigating charging infrastructure

A continued commitment to safety

As we celebrate 20 years of AAA Driver Training, our mission remains unchanged: to create safe, confident, and responsible drivers. Whether you're a teen getting behind the wheel for the first time or an experienced driver looking to refresh your skills, AAA Driver Training offers a program tailored to your needs.