The Penn Stater Magazine

(Approximately) 75 Years of Driver’s Ed.

March 17, 2009 at 8:22 am Ryan Jones Leave a comment

Just noticed this story marking the 75th anniversary of the first driver’s education courses in the United States — taught right here in State College by the late Amos Neyhart ’21 Eng, ’34 MS Edu. At least, we think it’s been 75 years; there seems to be some question as to when, exactly, the late Prof. Neyhart first began teaching State High students how to drive. From the AP story:

Varying accounts offer different dates of that first wheel-gripping class taught by Amos Neyhart, who was also an industrial engineering professor at nearby Penn State University. One university historical guide lists 1933 as the first year, while AAA goes with 1934. A State High reference book has 1935.

Regardless, Happy Valley — as locals call this rural area — is the birthplace of driver’s ed.

Pretty cool. There’s actually a blue signpost on campus, not far from our office in the Hintz Family Alumni Center, marking Neyhart’s historic first. And here’s a bit more of Neyhart, from an obituary the New York Times ran on his passing in 1990.

Ryan Jones, senior editor

Entry filed under: Penn State alumni. Tags: Amos Neyhart, Driver's Education, Hintz Family Alumni Center, New York Times, State College High School.