Haven’s guide to finding the perfect practice spot

Trying to get a license, but don’t have a good place to start? Find out where students practice driving skills.

Kay Liberi ’27, Reporter • Dec 22, 2025

From sharp braking to impossible merging, getting your 60 hours of driving practice doesn’t come without its challenges. Sometimes, even finding a good place to drive for beginners seems impossible.

Luckily, these Haven students share their favorite areas to drive around that help them improve their road competence and technique.

Elsie Staley-Bischoff ’27

“I like to drive locally to whatever school activity I have; so near the school and around Aston. Sometimes, I can even drive to my brother's college because he's in state.”

Cali Fries ’27

“Usually, I'll practice driving around my house by the Swarthmore College campus. But, it's kind of difficult because I live right off Swarthmore Avenue, which is currently closed off, so there's a lot more traffic on my block than there usually is or should be. But usually I'll just drive around my house and drive around the campus a little.”

Adeline Barton ’28

“I like to practice at the cemetery by the Springfield Mall. Nobody is ever there.”

Mateo Laurent '27

"When I first started out, I practiced with my dad, just in parking lots. Then I kind of transitioned into driving slowly throughout my neighborhood in Swarthmore. Over time, you just kind of get used to driving like everyone else, on the big roads, and then you go to highways, and then you drive for longer on trips around the state.”

About the Contributor

Kay Liberi ’27, Reporter

Kay Liberi is a junior at Haven and a reporter for the Panther Press. At school, Kay is involved in helping to lead the club Unite 4 Her, managing stage and props in the theater department, and participating in music ensembles like the Haven Marching and Jazz Band. Outside of school she enjoys reading, playing the guitar, babysitting, and spending time with her family and friends.

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Haven’s guide to finding the perfect practice spot

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