Log N Learn

Obtaining a free, unrestricted driver’s license is an integral part of the American teenagers dream. It is an exciting time for young drivers but it can also be a time full of trepidation and uncertainly since the process to obtain that unrestricted freedom is arduous and complex.

This mobile app called Log ‘N Learn offers an innovative solution to the issue of unsafe driving among young drivers. Research shows that young drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 make up a disproportionate number of the traffic and accident problems on the road. So, several states have adopted the Graduated Licensing Program, or GLP, to ensure that drivers have adequate driver’s education as well as sufficient driving practice before obtaining a full, unrestricted license. However the GLP is a very confusing process that has lots of different complex requirements. This app seeks to simplify this process and offer some additional features to make young drivers into more educated and safety conscious drivers.

The Key Features of Log ‘N Learn are:

I. “Get My License” Personalized Process Guide

The driver education program in Kentucky is called the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP). In order to obtain a full license, young drivers must meet different requirements for the permit and restricted licensing stages. Students and parents told us that these regulations were complicated and that they often didn’t know what to study, where to go for exams, what kinds of identification to bring, and what the specific driving rules were for each stage. To fix this, we developed a personal GLP Process Checklist and Guide that tracks a student’s progress over time and reminds them, at each stage, of important deadlines, study requirements, and driving rules.

II. Digital Practice Driving Log & Skill Checklist

In the permit phase of the GLP, students must complete 60 hours of supervised practice driving, ten of which needs to be after dark. The practice hours must be recorded on a log sheet and submitted to an examiner before the road test. Sadly, we discovered that many applicants lose their paper sheets and end up fabricating the hours and signatures required on the log. To overcome these issues, this app will log times, conditions and practice miles during each session. A parental/guardian code will be required to authenticate that that driver actually drove those hours. Additionally the app will turn off calls and texts to the phone when the app is on.

III. Education & The Science of Safe Driving

The Log ‘N Learn app will improve driver education in several ways. We will link to the official Drivers Manual and create study guides. We will also include tests and quizzes. Finally, we will use pictures of road signs and hazards like “Bridge Ices Before Road,” or “No High Beams in Fog” to provide education in the app about the science behind safe driving. If students learn the science behind a rule or warning, they will be more likely to understand it and remember what to do when the time comes.