The Milbank School District recently completed their 2026 driver’s education program. Jackson Graf, Jena Schulte, and Janelle Korstjens served as the instructors for 51 students in two sessions.
The groups welcomed speakers from the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Grant County Sheriff’s Department, and the Milbank Police Department. “All the officers gave up time to fit both of our class sessions into their schedule,” said Jackson Graf, coordinator of the program. “Each group focused on aspects that pertained to their own department, so our students were able to learn about issues that are unique at all three levels of law enforcement.”
He also thanked Milbank Ford. “Darin Mertens and his crew at Milbank Ford are very important for our program. They go above and beyond to provide us with high-quality vehicles that help make learning to drive safer and easier.” The students practiced driving in a Ford Ranger and a Buick Enclave.
“Milbank Ford also installs the instructor brakes to help us maintain the safest possible driving for the behind-the-wheel portion of class. Providing these vehicles offers no financial benefit to their business. It is out of generosity and willingness to help our students on their way to becoming safe drivers,” Graf said. “Food and Fuel provides car washes so we can keep the cars in a good, clean condition.”
Graf said, “The most important part of the program is the students. They put in a great effort and learned a lot. It is a very difficult and demanding course as they spend 30 hours over four days in the classroom and cover twelve chapters.”
After passing the classroom portion, students spend six hours behind the wheel. Many students drive in groups of two, so a majority of them also spend an additional six hours observing.
Why do students choose driver’s ed? Without drivers ed, students obtain an instruction permit and drive 275 days with a parent. After completing the drivers ed course, the student’s drive time is reduced to 180 days with a parent.
Graf said, “About half of the students come into driver’s ed with their instruction permit, and after completing the program, they can get their restricted permit once they reach the 180 day mark.”
Graf also explained, ‘All students, with or without drivers ed – are required to log 50 hours of driving with their parents before moving on to the restricted permit. Ten of the hours must be night driving and ten need to include inclement weather.”
Another reason for the popularity of driver’s ed is the possibility of a lower insurance rate. “A few insurance companies still offer a driver’s ed discount,” Graf said. “Most have replaced it with good student discounts, but it is something worthwhile for parents to talk about with their insurance agent.
Staff
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