DRIVE SMART DRIVING SCHOOL C2830

Author: Rodney Crawford

  • Why Your Brain Can’t Drive and Text at the Same Time: The Science of Distracted Driving

    Introduction

    Hey everyone!
    Today, we’re going to talk about something super important for all future drivers—distracted driving. Even though most of you aren’t driving yet, the habits you form now will shape how safe you’ll be behind the wheel. Plus, we all know people who drive—parents, older siblings, friends—so you can help keep them safe, too.

    What is Distracted Driving?

    Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from driving. This includes:

    • Texting or talking on the phone
    • Eating or drinking
    • Talking to passengers
    • Fiddling with the radio or GPS

    But why is it so dangerous?

    Divided Attention: How Your Brain Works

    Your brain is powerful, but it has limits!
    There’s something called divided attention—the ability to focus on more than one thing at a time.
    Here’s the truth: our brains aren’t great at multitasking, especially when it comes to things that require a lot of focus—like driving.

    Let’s do a quick activity:

    • Try counting to 10 out loud.
    • Now try reciting the alphabet (A to J) at the same time.

    Hard, right? Your brain flips back and forth between the two tasks, which slows you down and leads to mistakes. This is divided attention in action.

    University of Utah Research: The Science

    The University of Utah did some amazing studies on distracted driving. Here’s what they found:

    • People who talk on cell phones while driving (even hands-free) are as impaired as drunk drivers!
      (Source)
    • The researchers found that our brains can’t handle texting or talking and driving at the same time.
      When we try, our reaction time slows down, we miss important things (like stop signs or people crossing the street), and we’re much more likely to crash.
    • Even talking to someone in the car is safer than talking on the phone. Why? Because passengers can see the road and usually stop talking if things get dangerous.

    Shocking Facts

    • Texting while driving increases the risk of crashing by 23 times.
    • Every day, about 8 people in the US die in crashes involving distracted drivers (CDC).
    • Teen drivers are 4x more likely than adults to get into car crashes while using a phone.

    Real Life Stories

    [Share a brief story or news clip about a teen whose life changed due to distracted driving—optional, but powerful.]

    What Can You Do?

    1. Set the example. Don’t use your phone in the car.
    2. Speak up. If you’re riding with someone who’s distracted, ask them to stop.
    3. Plan ahead. Set up your music or GPS before you drive.
    4. Spread the word. Educate friends and family.

    Takeaway

    Remember: No text or call is worth your life or someone else’s.
    Your brain can do amazing things, but it can’t drive safely when it’s distracted!

    Questions & Discussion

    • Why do you think people keep texting or talking on the phone while driving, even if they know it’s dangerous?
    • How could you convince your friends or family to put the phone down in the car?

    Sources:

  • What Is Inattentional Blindness?

    Inattentional blindness is a psychological phenomenon where a person fails to notice something fully visible and unexpected, simply because their attention is focused elsewhere.
    It doesn’t mean your eyes are closed or broken—it means your brain is busy focusing on something else, so it filters out other information, even if it’s right in front of you.

    Key Points:

    • It’s not about how good your eyesight is; it’s about what your brain is paying attention to.
    • It can happen to anyone—young, old, experienced, or not.
    • It’s often called “looking without seeing.”

    Classic Example: The Invisible Gorilla

    The most famous demonstration of inattentional blindness is the “Invisible Gorilla” experiment.

    How it worked:

    • People watched a video of students passing basketballs and were asked to count how many passes were made.
    • In the middle of the video, a person in a gorilla suit walked through the scene, stopped, pounded their chest, and walked off.
    • Result: About half the viewers never noticed the gorilla at all—because they were so focused on counting the passes.

    Here’s the original Invisible Gorilla video on YouTube if you want to see it in action.

    Why Does Inattentional Blindness Happen?

    Your brain has a limited amount of attention.
    When you concentrate on one thing (like texting, talking, or even having a deep conversation), your brain automatically filters out other things—even obvious ones.

    Think of your attention like a flashlight in a dark room. Wherever you shine it, you see clearly, but everything else gets ignored, even if it’s right next to you.

    Inattentional Blindness and Driving

    When you’re driving, there’s a lot to pay attention to:

    • Other cars
    • Pedestrians
    • Traffic signs
    • Bicycles
    • Changes in the road (construction, potholes, etc.)

    If you’re distracted—like using your phone, eating, or even daydreaming—your brain can miss something crucial. That’s why drivers often say “I never saw them!” after an accident. They looked, but their attention was somewhere else.

    The University of Utah’s gorilla driving simulator study showed this in a memorable way: people talking on the phone while driving missed seeing a gorilla on the road!

    Everyday Examples (Not Just Driving)

    • Walking: People texting while walking sometimes bump into things or other people.
    • Sports: A player so focused on the ball may not see another player running at them.
    • School: If you’re daydreaming, you might not notice when your teacher calls your name.

    Takeaway

    • Inattentional blindness is a normal brain function, not a flaw.
    • The more distracted you are, the more likely you’ll miss something important—even if it’s big and right in front of you.
    • Staying focused, especially when doing important things like driving, can literally save lives.

    Want to Learn More?

    Check out:

  • Get Your Texas Driver’s License with Drive Smart – Full Course + Free Road Test

    If you’re a teen (or a parent of one) in Texas searching for the smartest way to get a driver’s license, you’re in the right place. At Drive Smart Driving School, we offer everything a new driver needs—from classroom lessons to road testing—all in one place.

    And here’s the best part:
    Students who complete our full driver education course get to take the official Texas road test for FREE! That’s right—no extra fee, and no waiting at the DPS.

    ✅ The Complete Teen Driver Ed Experience in Texas

    At Drive Smart, we provide a TDLR-approved teen driver education program that meets all Texas state requirements. This includes:

    • 24 hours of classroom instruction (in-person or online)

    • 14 hours of behind-the-wheel training

    • Permit guidance, practice driving logs, and instructor support

    • A DPS-authorized road test offered right here at our school

    • And when you complete the full program? The $75 road test is FREE

    This all-in-one package is available at our local campuses in Carrollton and The Colony, or statewide online through DriveSmartDrivingSchoolTX.com.

    🛑 Skip the DPS. Take Your Road Test with Us.

    Drive Smart is an official DPS-authorized third-party road test provider, which means you don’t need to schedule your driving test through the DMV. Just complete your training with us and we’ll handle the rest—no waiting months for an appointment.

    You can learn more about our local road test locations by visiting:
    👉 DrivingSchoolCarrollton.com

    🎉 Why We Offer a Free Road Test

    We believe that when you go all-in with us, we should go all-in for you. That’s why any teen who completes both their classroom hours and driving hours with Drive Smart Driving School qualifies for a free Texas road test. It’s our way of making driver education easier, more affordable, and fully supported from start to finish.

    📍 Where You Can Train

    • Local Classes: Carrollton, The Colony, and nearby cities

    • Online Training: Available to all teens across Texas

    • DPS-Authorized Testing: Done on-site—familiar instructors, familiar location, no stress

    Whether you’re looking for an in-person experience or a flexible online course with parent instruction, we’ve got an option that fits your needs.

    🏁 Start Your Journey Today

    Here’s how to earn your license (and that free test):

    1. Visit DriveSmartDrivingSchoolTX.com

    2. Choose the Teen Driver Education Program

    3. Complete the 24 hours of classroom instruction and 14 driving hours

    4. Schedule your free road test through one of our convenient testing locations

    5. Walk away with your Texas driver’s license

    Why Drive Smart?

    • ✅ TDLR-approved programs

    • ✅ Local + statewide access

    • ✅ DPS-authorized road test provider

    • ✅ No hidden fees

    • ✅ FREE road test with full course completion

    • ✅ Friendly, experienced instructors

    Don’t Overpay. Don’t Wait. Don’t Worry.

    With DriveSmartDrivingSchoolTX.com, you’ll get everything you need to go from learner’s permit to driver’s license the smart way. And thanks to our Carrollton Testing Center, you can even skip the DPS line and take your test in a comfortable, stress-free environment.

    👉 Ready to get started?
    Visit DriveSmartDrivingSchoolTX.com today to enroll and claim your free road test!

  • How to Get Your Driver’s License in Texas (Explained Like You’re 15!)

    Hi there, future driver! 🚗
    So you’re dreaming of freedom, music blasting, windows down, and cruising with your friends (or maybe just to Whataburger)? Great! But first—you need a driver’s license. Don’t worry! At Drive Smart Driving School, we’ll walk you through the whole thing, step by step. It’s easier than you think!

    Step 1: Take the Class (Yep, Like School—but About Driving)

    Before you can even touch a steering wheel, Texas says you need to take 24 hours of driver education.
    You can do this:

    • In person at our local classroom in The Colony or Carrollton, OR

    • Online with our state-approved parent-taught course from anywhere in Texas

    It’s full of fun videos, real driving tips, and stories that help you stay safe on the road.

    Step 2: Get Your Learner’s Permit 🪪

    Once you finish the first 6 hours of the course, we’ll give you a special certificate called a DE-964.
    You take that certificate to the Texas DPS (the driver’s license office) with:

    • Your parent

    • Your original birth certificate or passport

    • Social security card

    • Proof you’re enrolled in school (just a VOE form from your school office)

    • Some other ID forms (don’t worry—we’ll give you a checklist)

    Then, you take a short written test (or you can take it with us online if you choose our course!). If you pass, BOOM—you get your Learner License.

    Step 3: Practice, Practice, Practice (Like a Video Game Level-Up)

    Once you have your permit, you get to practice driving with an adult. You need:

    • 14 hours with a certified driving instructor (We can schedule these for you!)

    • 30 hours with your parent or guardian (10 of those hours need to be at night)

    It’s like real-life XP. The more you drive, the better you get!

    Step 4: Take the Road Test (We Can Do It Here—No DPS Lines!)

    When you’ve finished all your practice hours and you’ve held your permit for at least 6 months, you’re ready for your driving test.

    And guess what?
    You don’t have to wait at the DPS—we’re a DPS-authorized testing site, so you can take the test right here at Drive Smart Driving School!

    Step 5: Get Your License! 🎉

    Once you pass your road test, you’ll get a temporary license right away, and your actual photo license will come in the mail. You’ll officially be a licensed driver in Texas!

    Let’s Get You Rolling 🚘

    Getting your license might seem like a lot, but at Drive Smart Driving School, we make it simple, fun, and easy. Whether you’re in The Colony, Carrollton, or anywhere in Texas, we’ve got your back with online classes, driving lessons, and even the road test.

    👋 So what are you waiting for?
    Visit DriveSmartDrivingSchoolTX.com to start your journey to freedom today!

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  • 🚗 Texas DPS “Legacy” Online Renewal Ends May 31, 2025 — Meet the New TxT Assistant!

    What’s changing:
    Texas is officially retiring the old DPS driver license renewal portal. Starting May 31, 2025, all renewals, replacements, or address changes for driver licenses and IDs must go through Texas by Texas (TxT), the state’s new digital assistant hosted at Texas.gov

    What TxT Can Do

    • Renew or replace your Driver License / ID / CDL, update your address, and even handle REAL ID upgrades.

    • Manage other services: vehicle and boat registration, massage licenses, and more—all in one account.

    • Set up email/text reminders and store payment methods for a seamless experience.

    How to Get Started

    1. Create your TxT account at txt.texas.gov
      You’ll need:

      • Personal email

      • Mobile phone number

      • Current Texas DL/ID

      • Social Security number
        – Teens (16–18) with those details are also eligible. 

    2. Link your credentials
      Add your license/ID, vehicle or boat info to your profile.

    3. Personalize your settings
      Choose notification methods and add a payment option so TxT can prompt you when renewals or updates are due.

    Why This Matters

    • More convenience — One-stop access for all driver services.

    • Timely reminders — Avoid late renewals or lapses with proactive alerts.

    • Comprehensive eligibility — Most DL/ID holders can renew up to 2 years before or after expiration online.

    • Secure and unified — A modern system backed by Texas.gov infrastructure.

    Handy Tips for Smooth Use

    • Log in early on weekdays (around 7–8 AM) to catch newly available appointment slots.

    • Try rural DPS offices—they often have easier booking options.

    • Still prefer in-person? That option remains available if needed—just schedule through DPS.

    Drive Smart Assistance: How We Can Help

    At Drive Smart, we help you:

    • Set up and navigate your TxT account step-by-step

    • Link your DL/IDs, vehicles, and payment details

    • Book appointments (online or in-person) and prep for REAL ID transitions

    • Get reminders and backups to keep your license active

    🧭 Bottom Line

    Texas is fully moving government services online. As of May 31, 2025, TxT is the only way to renew or replace your DL/ID—no more old DPS portal. It’s secure, convenient, and reminder-enabled—but we’re here if you want a backup plan or hands-on help.

    Have questions or need help? Just drive our way!

  • Complete Driver Education in Texas: Traditional Classroom and Online Driving Courses from Drive Smart Driving School

    Are you ready to earn your driver’s license in Texas? Whether you’re a teen just starting out or an adult looking to gain driving skills, Drive Smart Driving School has you covered. Offering both a Traditional Classroom Full Course and flexible Online Driver’s Ed Programs, Drive Smart provides a complete driver education package designed for every type of learner.

    With Drive Smart Driving School, you get a state-approved, comprehensive driver education experience that combines expert instruction, convenience, and real-world training — all while meeting Texas DPS requirements.

    Traditional Classroom Driver Education in Texas

    The Traditional Classroom (Full Course) is ideal for students who learn best in a face-to-face setting. This Texas DPS-approved driver’s education course includes:

    • ✔️ In-person classroom instruction covering Texas traffic laws, safe driving practices, and defensive driving techniques

    • ✔️ Live interaction with certified driving instructors and fellow students

    • ✔️ 14 hours of in-car instruction (7 hours driving, 7 hours observation) with licensed professionals

    • ✔️ Guidance through the learner permit and license process

    This format ensures students benefit from personal attention, immediate feedback, and a structured learning environment that builds confidence and responsibility on the road.

    Online Driver’s Ed in Texas – Learn Anytime, Anywhere

    Don’t have time to attend in-person classes? No problem! Drive Smart’s Online Driver Education Programs allow students to complete the classroom portion of their course 100% online, making it perfect for busy schedules or remote learning preferences.

    With the online driver’s ed course, students enjoy:

    • 📱 24/7 access to interactive lessons on desktop, tablet, or mobile

    • 📊 Progress tracking to monitor completion

    • 📚 Engaging content that meets all Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requirements

    • 🚗 Seamless transition to behind-the-wheel driving lessons with Drive Smart’s experienced instructors

    This flexible option is especially popular among teens with after-school commitments and families looking for a self-paced alternative to traditional classes.

    Why Choose Drive Smart Driving School in Texas?

    Drive Smart Driving School is a trusted provider of Texas driver education programs, committed to helping students become safe, smart, and confident drivers. Whether you’re looking for teen driver education, adult driving courses, or online driving school options, Drive Smart offers:

    • ✅ Texas DPS-approved curriculum

    • ✅ Experienced, certified instructors

    • ✅ Affordable driver’s ed packages with flexible payment options

    • ✅ Convenient locations and scheduling options

    • ✅ Supportive, parent-friendly communication throughout the process

    Drive Smart combines modern technology with traditional values, delivering a well-rounded, high-quality education that meets both state requirements and real-life driving needs.

    Enroll Today in Texas’ Best Driver Education Program

    Whether you choose the Traditional Classroom Full Course or the Online Driver’s Ed Program, Drive Smart Driving School provides everything you need to succeed. With expert guidance, hands-on training, and flexible learning paths, Drive Smart helps you get your Texas driver’s license with confidence.

    🔗 Visit Drive Smart Driving School to learn more, compare course options, and register today!

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  • Master Your Driving Permit with Drive Smart Driving School in Texas

    Are you a teenager in the Lone Star State eager to secure your driving permit and hit the open Texan roads? Drive Smart Driving School has you covered! Our Online Teen Driver Education course is the ultimate gateway to equipping yourself with essential driving skills and a comprehensive understanding of Texas traffic laws. Here’s why our course is your best choice:

    Why Choose Drive Smart Driving School?

    1. Texas-Centric Curriculum: Our program is tailored specifically for Texas learners, focusing on local traffic laws in Texas, road signs, speed limits, and right-of-way rules. We prepare you to confidently navigate every Texan road.
    2. Convenience at Its Best: Forget the stress of commuting to a classroom. Access our online driving course Texas anytime, anywhere, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
    3. Interactive and Engaging Learning: Dive into fun and interactive modules, quizzes, and videos that make mastering road safety education easy and enjoyable.
    4. Expert Instructors: Learn from certified professionals passionate about defensive driving tips and road safety, committed to guiding you toward becoming a skilled and responsible driver.

    What You’ll Learn

    • Texas Traffic Laws: A thorough understanding of Texan rules of the road, including speed limits and right-of-way regulations.
    • Safe Driving Techniques: Defensive driving tips to confidently handle even the trickiest traffic situations.
    • Driving in Challenging Conditions: Learn to manage Texas’ unpredictable weather like a pro.
    • Distraction-Free Driving: Practical advice on avoiding distractions and staying focused behind the wheel.
    • Sharing the Road: Insights into safely navigating alongside commercial trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles.

    Why a Driving Permit Matters

    Obtaining your Texas driving permit is the first step toward independence on the road. More than just a requirement, it represents a commitment to safety and responsibility. By understanding traffic laws in Texas and practicing safe driving techniques, you ensure the safety of yourself and others around you. Additionally, mastering interactive driving lessons prepares you for real-world challenges on Texan roads.

    Take the First Step Today

    Don’t wait to kickstart your driving journey. Enroll in Drive Smart Driving School’s Online Teen Driver Education course today and gain the knowledge and confidence to ace your driver’s license preparation. With our expert guidance, you’ll be ready to earn your driving permit and cruise through Texan roads safely and responsibly.

    Ready to begin? Sign up for our course and take the wheel toward independence! 🚗✨

  • Why Choose Online Driver Education with Drive Smart Driving School?

    Welcome to Drive Smart Driving School in Texas! Our teen driver education program offers 24 classroom hours designed to prepare young drivers for the road ahead. At Drive Smart Driving School, we provide comprehensive instruction tailored to Texas driving laws and road safety practices. Join us to learn from experienced instructors who are dedicated to equipping teens in Carrollton and The Colony with the skills they need to drive confidently. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for your driving test, Drive Smart Driving School is here to guide you every step of the way.

    Experience Convenience and Flexibility: Online driver education with Drive Smart Driving School offers unmatched convenience and flexibility. Sign-up takes minutes, allowing you to start learning immediately on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Study whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you.

    Up-to-Date Curriculum: Our online course features the latest information on Texas driving laws, regulations, and teen driving statistics, ensuring you’re always informed and prepared.

    Interactive Learning Tools: Enjoy a variety of media options including graphics, interactive quizzes, and videos that make learning engaging and effective.

    Easy Scheduling: With no fixed class schedules, you can choose study times that fit your routine, whether it’s after school or on weekends.

    Accessible Learning: Access the entire course on any device, making it easy to learn on the go.

    Affordable Pricing: Save with our $100 course fee and frequent discounts, compared to traditional driver education costs.

    Official State of Texas Driving Knowledge Test: Our course includes the Official State of Texas Driving Knowledge Test, approved by Texas DPS and TDLR. Take the test online as part of your course, avoiding the need to visit a DPS office.

    What Does Online Driver Education Cover?

    Drive Smart Driving School provides the state-required 24 hours of interactive online driver education. Our course is divided into manageable units covering topics like driving safety, traffic laws, defensive driving, and more. Each unit concludes with a multiple-choice quiz to reinforce learning.

    Prepare for Success: Students take the Official State of Texas Driving Knowledge Test during the course, supported by free practice tests for confidence and readiness.

    Comprehensive Support: Our Customer Support Team is available seven days a week to assist with questions and guidance, ensuring a smooth path to obtaining your Texas Learner License.

    Ready to Start?

    Sign up today for Drive Smart Driving School’s online Texas Teen Driver Education course and embark on your journey to safe and confident driving!

  • Classroom Only Online Driver Education in Texas

    Get Your Texas Driver’s License with Drive Smart Driving School’s Online Course

    Drive Smart Driving School offers a comprehensive online course that meets the state-required 24 hours of driver education in a fun and interactive way. Our course includes the latest Texas traffic laws and regulations, study guides, free practice tests, and engaging instructional videos to enhance learning.

    The 24-hour course is divided into twelve (12) manageable units covering essential topics such as driving safety, traffic laws, defensive driving, and road rules. Each unit concludes with a multiple-choice quiz to reinforce learning.

    Take the Texas Driving Knowledge Test Online

    After completing Unit 1 in our 46-hour course, students can take the Official State of Texas Driving Knowledge Test online. Once they pass, they receive their Driver Education Completion Certificate (DE-964), allowing them to apply for their Texas Learner License.

    Parent-Taught Behind-the-Wheel Lessons

    Once students obtain their Texas Learner License, they begin the state-required 14 hours of parent-taught behind-the-wheel lessons. Parents receive detailed lesson guides and instructions and must register as an authorized parent-instructor through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The online registration is quick, costs only $20, and provides parents with the TDLR Parent-Taught Program Guide via email.

    Earn Your Texas Provisional Driver License

    Students receive their final DE-964 Completion Certificate upon successfully completing all driver education units and behind-the-wheel lessons. At this point, they can apply for their Texas Provisional Driver License, provided they meet these requirements:

    1. Be at least 16 years old
    2. Have held a Texas Learner License for a minimum of six (6) months
    3. Completed at least 30 additional hours of adult-supervised driving
    4. Completed at least 10 additional hours of night driving

    We’re With You Every Step of the Way

    Drive Smart Driving School’s Online Course is designed to guide students and parents through the entire licensing process. Our Customer Support Team is available 7 days a week to answer questions and ensure students get their Texas Learner License as quickly as possible.

  • Parent’s Guide to Teen Driver Education: Choosing the Best Path

    As a parent, ensuring your teen gets the right driver education is a big decision. With multiple learning options available, understanding the differences can help you choose the best program for your child at Drive Smart Driving School (drivesmartdrivingschooltx.com).

    Option 1: Classroom Only Driver Education

    • Best for students who only need the 24-hour classroom portion to obtain a learner’s permit.

    • Behind-the-wheel lessons must be scheduled separately.

    Option 2: Traditional or Online Accessibility Programs (Classroom + Driving)

    • Includes 24 hours of classroom instruction and in-car training.

    • Covers 7 hours of driving instruction, 7 hours of observation, and the road test.

    • A complete package for students who want a hassle-free path to a driver’s license.

    How Parents Can Support Teen Drivers

    • Practice Regularly: Encourage teens to complete their 30 required hours of supervised driving.

    • Choose the Right Program: Consider your teen’s learning style—do they prefer in-person instruction, or would they benefit from the flexibility of an online course?

    • Reinforce Safe Driving Habits: Teach defensive driving skills and ensure they follow all road safety laws.

    • Lead by Example: Demonstrate responsible driving behaviors and explain traffic rules as they arise in real-world scenarios.

    Common Concerns for Parents

    • Is my teen ready for driving? If they exhibit responsibility in daily tasks, they are likely ready for driver education.

    • How can I help them prepare for the driving test? Practicing in various conditions, ensuring they know parking techniques, and encouraging defensive driving will help.

    • What if my teen is nervous? Boost their confidence by practicing frequently and reminding them that making small mistakes is part of learning.

    By selecting the right driver education path and staying involved in your teen’s learning, you help set them up for success on the road. Drive Smart Driving School (drivesmartdrivingschooltx.com) provides the tools and expertise to ensure new drivers are safe and confident behind the wheel.