Driver-Zed DVD Review
Driver-ZED is a fantastic driver awareness tool
AAA really scored big with this product. They created a virtual driving experience that tests a teen’s ability to keep track of everything going on around them. This product is not a driving simulator. In fact, it’s a lot better than that! In our opinion, unless a driving simulator is 99.9% accurate to real life, all you’re really training your teen to do is conquer another video game. The skills learned in the game won’t really translate to real life.
Driver-ZED follows a simple premise. You are situated in the driver’s seat and a video is played. You can see your side view mirror (but not the passenger side one) as well as the rear view mirror. A scenario unfolds in front of you. However, since you don’t know what question is going to be asked, you find yourself quickly scanning the screen so that you’re prepared when the quiz question is asked.
Driver-ZED saves your progress so that your teen can complete the over 100 scenarios at whatever pace suits them.
Only works on a PC
The only downside to Driver-ZED is that it only works on a computer. We actually had a little trouble getting it to work. While our system met the system requirements, it simply wouldn’t play. We had to take it to several other machines before we could get it to work. We’re still not sure what the issue was.
Mac fans, you’re out of luck. Driver-ZED is only designed to work on Windows 2000 or XP. We didn’t try it on Vista, so we don’t know if it would work.
Driver-ZED’s concept is almost identical to the Virtual Driver feature on the Rules of the Road DVD. Basically, Driver-ZED is an extension of this feature (although they’re made by two different manufacturers). Also, Driver-ZED includes over one hundred scenarios whereas Rules of the Road features about 15. However, this makes us wonder why Driver-ZED requires a computer. The Rules of the Road was able to do the exact same thing and the product will work in any DVD player.
Requirements:
Minimum system specs
- Intel Pentium III 400mhz processor
- Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system
- 128 MB RAM
- 120 MB free hard disk space
- 1024 x 768 monitor resolution at 24 bit
- 1x DVD-ROM Drive
Recommended systems specs
- Intel Pentium III 1ghz processor
- Windows XP Home or Professional operating system
- 256 MB RAM
- 120 MB hard disk space
- 1280 x 1024 monitor resolution
- 4x DVD-ROM Drive
Not a complete driver’s ed curriculum
Driver-ZED is a driver awareness tool that would be a fantastic addition to any teen’s learning process. However, this product is not designed to teach your teen everything they need to know in order to become a safe driver.
Price: $24.95
Pros:
- Fantastic driver awareness tool
- Affordable price
- Tons of scenarios
Cons:
- Only works on a PC
Bottom line: Driver-ZED is a great learning tool and is highly recommended for any teen learning to drive. We also suggest pairing it with one of the other DVDs in this round-up.
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