Wisconsin's Premier Driver Education — Built on the Smith System
For more than 50 years, Arcade Drivers School has centered its driver education curriculum on the Smith System, a proven defensive driving method built around five core rules. By focusing on space, visibility, and time, the Smith System helps drivers see hazards sooner, think more clearly, and react more safely in real-world traffic.
As Wisconsin's first state-licensed driving school, Arcade has helped countless new drivers — both teens and adults — build habits that last a lifetime. On this page, you will learn what each of the 5 keys means and how they fit into the way we teach every Arcade student. You can also explore our full driver education curriculum to see how the Smith System fits into every program we offer.
The 5 Keys at a Glance
- 1. Aim High in Steering
- 2. Get the Big Picture
- 3. Keep Your Eyes Moving
- 4. Leave Yourself an Out
- 5. Make Sure They See You
Grant Funding for Teen Driver Education
In addition to applying the Smith System in every lesson, some Wisconsin teens may be able to complete their state‑approved driver education at no tuition cost through the Wisconsin Driver Education Grant Program. This statewide grant helps eligible 14½–19 year olds access the same safety‑focused curriculum and behind‑the‑wheel coaching used in all Arcade teen programs.
When funding is available and families meet income guidelines, the grant can cover 30 hours of classroom, 6 hours of behind‑the‑wheel, and 6 hours of observation at Arcade Drivers School. Teens must apply through the Wisconsin DOT and receive approval before enrolling in any driver education program. For current opening dates, eligibility details, and a step‑by‑step walkthrough, visit our Wisconsin Driver Education Grant page .
Understanding the 5 Rules of the Smith Driving System
The Smith System's 5 rules equip drivers to handle a wide range of conditions, challenges, and changes — no matter where they drive or what vehicle they operate. These rules help every driver build three essential elements on every trip.
Space
Maintaining enough room to steer away from potential conflicts before they become emergencies. Space is your most valuable resource on the road and the foundation of safe driving for both teen and adult drivers. Learn how to maintain a safe following distance at all times.
Visibility
Seeing hazards and possible conflicts with other vehicles or objects as early as possible. The earlier you see a problem, the more options you have to avoid it — and the less likely you are to panic or react incorrectly. Read our proactive driving safety guidelines for more on this topic.
Time
Having enough time to respond to unpredictable and complex driving situations. Time is created by looking ahead, maintaining space, and staying aware — the three habits that separate confident drivers from reactive ones. Our 7 safe driving tips reinforce these concepts.
The 5 Keys of the Smith System
These five rules are woven into every lesson at Arcade Drivers School, from the first time a teen driver sits behind the wheel to the refresher lessons we provide for experienced adult drivers.
Our eyes are naturally suited to walking speeds rather than highway speeds. Many drivers have not visually or mentally adjusted to higher vehicle speeds — which means they are often reacting rather than planning. Aiming high in steering corrects this by training drivers to look well ahead rather than at what is directly in front of the hood. This principle is a core part of our driver education curriculum from the very first lesson.
- Look at least 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle to anticipate your position and upcoming changes
- A 15-second eye lead time gives early warning and a greater safety margin
- Using longer eye lead time supports smoother, more economical driving with fewer surprises
While you look 15 seconds ahead, also scan the sides and rear of your vehicle. Update your information continuously as traffic and road conditions change. Our dedicated Get the Big Picture page explores this concept in more detail, including how it connects to maintaining a safe following distance.
- Check at least one of your mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds to maintain awareness
- Avoid fixating on scenery or objects that do not affect your driving decisions
- Maintain a safe following distance to remove visual obstructions in front of you
- Keep enough space so you can see clearly and make independent decisions instead of just following the crowd
Staring at one object too long narrows your field of vision and reduces awareness. Active scanning keeps your mind engaged and reduces the risk of drowsiness and fatigue on longer drives. Learn more about managing distractions while driving and keeping focus on the road.
- Scan intersections from side to side before entering them — even on a green light
- Move your eyes at least every 2 seconds to stay alert and engaged
- Avoid in-vehicle and mental distractions that pull your focus away from the driving environment
- Identify distracted drivers around you and give them more space, since they are more likely to make sudden mistakes
The safest position in traffic is where there are few or no vehicles directly around you. Creating and maintaining a space cushion gives you options when other drivers make unexpected moves. Our maintain an exit strategy page covers this in detail, and our tips on dealing with tailgaters address one of the most common space-cushion threats drivers face.
- Select the best lane and adjust your speed to preserve your space cushion
- If you lose some of your space, try to keep at least the front and one side of your vehicle open
- Watch for tailgaters, since they increase your risk of being rear-ended if you need to slow or stop
Identify potential hazards and conflicts as early as you can. Use your signals, brake lights, and horn at the right time — not too early or too late — so other drivers can anticipate your intentions. Our defensive driving strategies page explores communication between drivers in more detail, and our common driving mistakes page covers the errors that make drivers invisible or unpredictable to others.
- Try to establish eye contact with pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers when possible
- Do not assume others have seen you — make your presence and intentions clear through your signals and positioning
- Even with eye contact, be ready for unexpected actions and keep your space cushion intact
The Smith System of Driving with Harold Smith — 1968
This classic video, released in 1968, introduces drivers to the principles of the Smith System — a set of driving guidelines designed to help motorists operate more safely. The scenery and vehicles may look dated, but the core concepts still apply on today's roads and remain the foundation of every teen and adult driving lesson we teach at Arcade. These same principles are covered in depth in our driver education curriculum.
Watch the full original Harold Smith training video below and see how these five principles were first presented to drivers more than 50 years ago.
Begin Your Driving Journey with Experienced Instructors
Starting your driving journey can feel intimidating, but the right instruction and strong safety habits make a big difference.
Teen Driver Education
Our teen driver education programs weave the Smith System into every classroom session and behind-the-wheel lesson, helping new drivers build confident, safe habits from day one. Read our complete guide to teen driver education in Milwaukee to learn about all program options, pricing, and next steps. Hybrid and online classroom options are available across Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Ozaukee Counties at our classroom locations.
Adult Driving Lessons
Whether you are a first-time adult driver or returning after a long break, our adult driving lessons apply the same Smith System principles in a private, judgment-free environment. Free pickup and drop-off is included for all adult students. No contracts — take as many lessons as you need. Read our adult driving lessons guide for full details on pricing and programs.
Safety Tips and Resources
Our Safety Tips page offers additional guidance on defensive driving, following distances, managing distractions, and dealing with tailgaters — a practical companion to the Smith System principles covered in every lesson.
Explore Our Programs and Driving Resources
Explore these pages for a deeper understanding of driver education, our programs, and everyday safe driving habits.
- Home — Comprehensive driver education programs.
- Teen Programs — Driver education for teens.
- Adult Programs — Driver training for adults.
- About Us — Commitment to excellence in driver training.
- FAQs — Answers to common questions.
- Classroom Locations — Find a convenient location.
- Service Areas — Check our coverage.
- Failure to Yield Course — Get your license reinstated.
- DOT Resources — Information on becoming a licensed driver.
- Parent Care Program — Empower your teen's driving success.
- Get the Big Picture — Learn safe driving habits.
- Defensive Driving Strategies — Become a secure driver.
- Proactive Driving Safety Guidelines — Master proactive driving strategies.
- Maintaining a Safe Distance — Reduce the risk of collisions.
- Safety Guidelines for Drivers — Essential safety tips.
- Maintain an Exit Strategy — Handle driving emergencies.
- Managing Driving Distractions — Control distractions for safer journeys.
- Car's Emergency Kit Essentials — Be prepared for any situation.
- Avoid Common Driving Mistakes — Safer driving experience.
- Seat Belts: A Lifesaver — Understand the importance of seat belts.
- Boost Your Fuel Efficiency — Enhance your vehicle's gas mileage.
- Dealing With Tailgaters — Handle tailgaters safely.
Reach out to us today at (414) 328-1212 to kickstart your driving lessons with Arcade Drivers School.
