A recent incident in New Jersey has sparked debate about the viability of driver’s training in the face of advanced vehicle features. A high school junior, Lochlan Keefer, failed his driver’s test, not due to his driving skills, but allegedly because of the car he was driving - a Tesla Model Y.
What Happened
Lochlan used his family’s Tesla Model Y for his May 16 driver’s training road test in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. However, the state examiner failed him, claiming that the car’s advanced features, including regenerative braking and driver-assistance systems, gave him an unfair edge. The examiner noted that Lochlan never stepped on the brake to stop, instead letting the vehicle stop itself.
The Controversy
Lochlan’s father, James Keefer, explained to the instructor that the Model Y features weren’t being used. The examiner accused Lochlan of using paid parking-assist and driving features, which the family does not subscribe to. The vehicle has “regenerative braking,” a feature Lochlan offered to disable multiple times but was told it wasn’t necessary by the instructor. After the test, the examiner claimed that driver assistance was active and retroactively said it should have been off.
The Aftermath
The student driver was told to wait 14 days to retake the test without the braking system. A supervisor supported the instructor’s failure decision. However, James Keefer claims that he wasn’t shown any policy they had violated and that the supervisor became “belligerent and unprofessional.” The family also claims that an Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) employee made a discriminatory comment, calling James a “Republican” due to driving a Tesla vehicle associated with Elon Musk.
The Resolution
The family filed a discrimination complaint against the MVC. Lochlan took his road test again on May 30 in Delanco and passed without disabling the regenerative braking. The examiner at Delanco was fully aware of the regenerative braking feature and had no issues conducting the test under these conditions.
Why It’s Important
This incident highlights the need for driver’s training programs to update their rules or make it known that teenagers can’t pass their tests while using a vehicle with advanced features. As vehicles become more advanced and have self-driving or driver-assistance features, it’s essential to ensure that driver’s training programs are equipped to handle these changes.
Implications
Families looking to get their kids driving on their own may want to avoid bringing a Tesla vehicle to the road test. The report said student drivers in California and Arizona have also failed tests due to regenerative braking features. The Model Y is one of the top-selling vehicles globally each year and the top-selling electric vehicle of all time.
Conclusion
The incident involving Lochlan Keefer and his Tesla Model Y has raised important questions about the viability of driver’s training in the face of advanced vehicle features. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to ensure that driver’s training programs are equipped to handle these changes and provide a fair and safe experience for all drivers.