For teens learning to drive, gas prices are part of the lesson. In Sylvania, Ohio, one driving school says the cost of filling up has climbed so high that instructors are shortening student routes while keeping the same amount of time behind the wheel.
Here's what to know
As fuel prices remain high, instructors at All Star Driver Education are changing how they run road lessons, WTVG reported.
According to instructor Laura Johnson, the school has maintained regular student drive time and class prices, but each lesson now covers a smaller area.
"We don't really go as far as we normally would. They still get their two hours per drive time, but the routes aren't as spread as they used to be," Johnson told WTVG. "We still make sure that they drive in all traffic areas, different types of roads, different driving situations."
Johnson added that the school no longer defaults to the nearest gas station. At two stations near the school, regular gasoline was $3.85 and $4.39.
"We will always want to purchase quality gas, but we shop around for the better prices," Johnson said.
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More background
When the cost of operations spikes, companies are left to look for ways to stretch their budgets without sacrificing the quality of their products or increasing their prices as well.
For teens learning how to drive, that means fuel prices are part of driver's ed.
Johnson said she often asks students whether they pay attention to gas prices, and many of them do. "And I usually respond with, 'Depressing, huh?'" she told WTVG.
For student drivers, it becomes an early lesson in how volatile fuel costs can affect a household budget.
"Most of them are conscious to the gas prices and the different prices on different sides of town, the different grades," she said.
What can be done?
Johnson said one of the most practical ways to reduce fuel costs is to build good driving and maintenance habits early.
In class, students are taught that fuel use is tied to routine upkeep.
"We do teach in class keeping your oil changes, keeping the maintenance up, the inflation of the tires, making sure that the cars are well maintenanced because that all plays a part in fuel usage," Johnson said.
She also tells drivers to check prices before buying gas and combine errands to burn less fuel.
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