Nintendo Teaches You to Drive

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

02 May 2008 11:11 AM

Yesterday, I finally changed my driver's license over from Connecticut to Pennsylvania. While I didn't have to take a knowledge test, I did have to stand in line for nearly an hour. During that time, I glanced through the drivers manual. While I already new all of the information that was presented in the thick book, it struck me that the book was very thick. There is certainly a lot of information to know, from what a buggy crossing sign looks like (we are in a state with a large population of Amish) to how to safely enter and exit a traffic circle. And of course, there is the real life experience of being able to handle a car.

Soon, potential drivers may be able to skip the thick book in favor of a video game. DreamCatcher Games and JoWooD Productions will be releasing a new video game title for the Nintendo DS called Drivers Ed Portable. With Drivers Ed Portable, gamers will get a complete training system that is based on the knowledge or written portion of their state's driving exam. Three gaming elements will also allow the gamers to put those skills to the test in a virtual environment. And I thought that having the tests taken on a computer screen at the DMV was high tech.

Plans are in the works for driving games that are geared for Canada and Europe, incorporating local laws in their respective games. But what happens if the rules ever change? Will updates ever be available? DS already appeals to older teens and adults with its brain age games. Now perhaps it can teach them to drive as well. I wonder what else might be in store for this portable gaming device. Will virtual homework be just as much fun?

What do you think? Is Drivers Ed Portable a great gift for a beginning driver?

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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jonesx6 (1606) 03 May 2008 04:53 AM

My oldest son and I were just talking about when he would get his license. I was thinking that he would have to take a drivers ed course. In my opinion, I think this would be good for him. He is definitely a video game head and he would be learning how to drive at the same time. lol Of course there is nothing like getting behind the wheel to get real experience. I wonder if this Nintendo game would actually help cut your insurance a bit. Laura

Mary Ann Romans (26876) 03 May 2008 05:18 AM

That would be an interesting consideration! Our kids will not be getting their licenses until they are 18!

jonesx6 (1606) 03 May 2008 11:05 AM

Mary Ann, I am actually hoping that the state changes the law regarding the driving age. There has been a lot of talk about it in recent years. Laura

Mary Ann Romans (26876) 04 May 2008 05:40 AM

In NY, where I grew up, it is 18, and I think that makes perfect sense. The number one fatality rate in car-related accidents occurs with male drivers from 16-18. My kids will have to wait.