Amos E. Neyhart teaches a student to drive in his 1929 Graham-Paige, outfitted with a rudimentary dual control system. Photo: Centre County Historical Society

The first organized high school driver’s ed course in the United States started in State College! 

After his car was hit by a drunk driver, Penn State Industrial Engineering professor Amos E. Neyhart decided he wanted to help improve road safety. In 1935, he started a driver’s education class at State High, teaching both in the classroom and giving students hands-on driving experience that emphasized safe driving practices. 

In the course’s early days, Neyhart paid all of his own expenses to get the program off the ground and famously taught students using his own 1929 Graham-Paige. And in a feel-good local tag team effort, when the program was about to be discontinued due to lack of financial support, the State College Rotary Club provided funds for it to continue. (State College Area School District still offers driver’s ed to this day.)

The course that began at State High laid the foundation for driver’s education nationwide, and Amos went on to become a traffic safety expert, ultimately helping millions learn to drive safely. He served under presidents Truman, Kennedy, and Johnson as a member of the President’s Committee on Traffic Safety; received Pennsylvania’s highest civilian award, the Meritorious Medal; was inducted into the Safety and Health Hall of Fame; and was recognized by the Penn State Alumni Association as a Distinguished Alumnus.

If you find yourself on the corner of Burrowes and West College, keep an eye out for the historical marker that commemorates his many contributions!