Teen blogger Jett Roberts talks 1-on-1 with a DriversEd.com driving instructor

DriversEd.com teen blogger Jett Roberts, 16, is a student at Bishop O’ Dowd High School in Oakland, California. Jett is working toward obtaining his drivers license and currently drives under adult supervision with a California permit.

As you know, if you’ve finished the DriversEd.com online training, to qualify for your license you must have clocked in at least six hours of behind-the-wheel training with a qualified driving instructor. Mia Ha is one of the company’s many talented instructors, and we had the chance to meet and share some car time earlier this month. I thought she was a kind, helpful person, and as I got to talking to her, that thought did not falter! I enjoyed our lesson very much and I learned a lot from it! Here are some of her answers to questions I asked during our session:

How many students have you taught?

At this point Mia has lost count of how many students she has taught, since she’s been with DriversEd.com for roughly 7 years with hundreds of students each year!

How is driving different than when you learned?

The DMV had similar requirements of behind-the-wheel training for teenagers like they require now. The only difference that traffic was not as bad as it is now.

What defensive driving skills will make me a better driver?

Her biggest suggestion was to practice SIPDE which means: Scanning, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute. One of the key aspects of SIPDE is to leave a safe “Space Cushion” when I drive, which means leaving several car lengths of space between you and the car in front of you, depending on how fast you are going. She also recommended scanning your surroundings whenever you are driving to make sure you are aware of what is happening around you. Checking your mirrors frequently will help with scanning. Lastly, Mia recommended that a driver should try to predict what the other drivers around you will do, which helps you make the best decision in sharing the road with them.

How will those defensive driving skills help me in my driving test?

These skills help you become a safer and defensive driver for the rest of your life rather than simply being able to pass your test.

What is your favorite food?

Everything, but most recently, tacos from Cholita Linda (yum! Gonna try them myself!)

What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

Mia loves to bake sweets and cook vegetarian meals because good food = fuel.

What is your favorite TV show and or movie?

Her Favorite T.V show is “The Big Bang Theory” and “Stranger Things” on Netflix. Recently, Mia recommended the documentary, “What the Health” on Netflix. “I think everyone should see this documentary and decide for their own,” she said.

What is your favorite holiday or favorite season in the year?

Christmas because this is the happiest time of the year!

What kind of music do you like?

Everything! Coldplay, Sam Smith, Adele, Arcade Fire

I enjoyed my time learning from Mia, and we had lots of fun as I talked to her throughout the lesson! I am becoming a better (and safer) driver with this excellent instruction, and I would recommend Mia to any of my friends.

Learn more about DriversEd.com:

• Visit DriverEd.com’s Distracted Driving Center
• Read “ How Does DriversEd.com Develop the Best Online Drivers Ed Courses ?” on DriversEd.com
• Parents: Enroll your teenager in DriversEd.com’s Online Teen Drivers Education
• Parents: Refresh your driving skills and sign up for DriversEd.com’s In-Car Driving Lessons