All About Japan Autos

Well this beats driving lessons in the family minivan. Mercedes-Benz has announced the launch of a teen driving school in late 2011. “The research-based approach is being designed to improve the effectiveness of time spent in the classroom, online, and behind-the-wheel,” says Mercedes-Benz in a press release.

While the driving school may sound more glamorous than what’s offered at your local high school, teens won’t be whipping around the track in an SLS Gullwing. “The program is aimed at turning new drivers into safer drivers through an advanced curriculum that goes over and above what’s mandated by the state in order to fulfill the basic requirements for a driver’s license,” writes Autoblog. “Going even further, the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is negotiating with local DMVs across the country over integrating its program with the existing mandatory process to create an all-encompassing program.”

Mercedes isn’t the first to come up with the idea, however. Automakers Audi and BMW have also developed driving programs that exceed U.S. standards. No mention has been made of how much the new driving school will cost, but some speculate that it will be competitive with the programs offered by other German manufacturers. “Pricing is expected to be competitive with other high-profile teen driving schools,” writes Edmunds. “The BMW Teen Driving Program ranges in price from $495 for a one-day session to $895 for two days.”

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