Only in California

Though today’s cars are infinitely safer, even the most advanced safety technology can’t always protect against carelessness behind the wheel — especially when it comes to teen drivers. Mainly as a result of inexperience, driver error, and other dangerous behaviors like texting while driving, car crashes are the number one cause of death in the 15- 20-year-old age group, and teens are four times more likely to be involved in a crash than older, more experienced drivers.

It’s sobering statistics like these that led to the creation of the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy. “We could build the safest cars in the world, but if we turn the keys over to someone who hasn’t been properly trained, all bets are off,” said Carolyn Duchene, the academy’s director.

The academy is a state-certified teen driver education and training center in Los Angeles, and, although locations in Europe exist, the automaker claims it’s the first of its kind in the U.S. The Integrated Program, ideal for students starting driver’s education from scratch, costs $1390. This includes 30 hours of interactive online courses, workshops, and classroom sessions, plus 16 hours of behind-the-wheel time, more than double California’s requirements.