Two cars with volunteer driving academy logos parked in front of a brick building.

Is Knoxville Full of Bad Driving?

According to Consumer Affairs, Knoxville ranked as the second worst driving city in the United States in 2024. Additionally, Knoxville had the second highest rate of fatal crashes attributed to “bad driving,” which we consider preventable. With crowded interstates, unpredictable weather, and high crash rates, learning to drive safely here requires more than just time behind the wheel. This is why Volunteer Driving Academy was founded, to help improve Tennessee drivers and make our roads safer.

How Do We Fix Bad Driving?

  • Instructors

    • At Volunteer Driving Academy, our instructors are uniquely equipped to help prepare your student face the challenges that they will meet out on the road through our driver education courses. Whether it be crowded interstates, unpredictable weather, parallel parking, or congested city streets, our courses are designed to help students tackle these challenges head on and provide them with the skillset that allows them to become safe, confident and responsible drivers in any environment.

  • Knowing the Details About Driving

    • According to Crash Data located on TN Department of Safety and Homeland Security the top four causes for crashes in Knox County in 2024 are;

      • No contributing actions (the passengers vehicle was struck by another vehicle)

      • Following Improperly

      • Unknown (undetermined at the scene of crash/hit and run)

      • Failure to Yield Right of Way

    • Our class covers various factors involved in a crash. We teach students the four AAA principles, how to apply them, and how to recognize when they are needed.

      • Right Speed for Right Now

      • Eyes Up, Brain On

      • Anticipate Their Next Move

      • Big Donut of Space Around You

    • Students will be expected to apply the principles they learn in the classroom to the Behind-The-Wheel portion of our course.

  • Vehicles

    • Our 2025 vehicles are equipped with the latest technology to enhance driver safety. In addition to these technological upgrades, we have installed a passenger-side brake and a Zubie camera in each vehicle. The Zubie camera is designed to record every lesson from the driver's perspective, providing a comprehensive view of the driving experience. As we progress to the Behind-The-Wheel lessons, students will apply their knowledge of the upgraded technology to practice how and when to utilize technology to their advantage.

  • Planned Driving Routes

    • We have researched, revised, and implemented a structured plan for our Behind-The-Wheel (BTW) driving lessons to maximize both student safety and driver education. These lessons are designed to progressively increase in difficulty as your student's abilities grow. Our goal is to build your students' confidence enough to safely navigate Knoxville's roadway system.

  • Digital Scheduling and Record Keeping

    • We're excited to announce our partnership with Driveato, which brings you an updated scheduling and training system.

      This new system offers several benefits, including the ability to:

      • Schedule all Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) lessons via the student portal.

      • Download the student app to track your students progress and ratings along with feedback for improvement left by the instructor.

      • Receive reminders for your scheduled lessons.

      • Provide feedback to instructors and/or Volunteer Driving Academy LLC.