About Us
The Smith System Story
In 1952, Harold Smith established the first professional driver training company in the United States after realizing that most drivers consistently made dangerous fundamental mistakes behind the wheel. Since then, millions of drivers have benefited from our proven Smith System philosophy: The Smith5Keys®.
Today, Smith System is the trusted global leader in crash-avoidance driver safety training. Smith System trains tens of thousands of drivers annually, including drivers from more than half of Fortune 500 fleets. We offer instruction in more than 22 languages and 100 countries worldwide. And with a vast eLearning library, telematics devices, fleet management tools, and North America’s largest decal-based response center, we support companies with all of their driver and workplace safety needs.
While many things have changed over the years, one thing remains the same, and that’s our commitment to our mission: Drive Different. Save Lives.
Our History
1948
After serving in the Navy during World War II, Harold Smith opened Detroit’s first driving school, “The Safeway Driving School.” He began teaching what is now The Smith5Keys® to Space Cushion Driving.
1952
When Ford Motor Company collaborated with Smith on a nationwide promotion, he decided to change the name of his company, and in 1952 Smith System became the first advanced driving skills company in the country.
1960
Harold drove the 50 millionth Ford off the assembly line in Detroit. Soon, other high-profile organizations adopted the Smith System to train their fleet drivers.
1969
Harold Smith is featured on the cover of Car and Driver Magazine as “The Greatest Driver in the World.”
1990
Smith System headquarters relocates from San Diego, California to the company’s current home of Arlington, Texas.
2005
Smith System and ExxonMobil Aviation win the Energy Institute Safety Award for the best new training program after launching the Airside Driver Safety Training program.
2008
Smith System acquires K-Training (now SSEMEA), expanding its offerings to serve the UK with Transport Manager CPC, ADR Dangerous Goods, and Smith System behind the wheel training courses.
2012
Smith System partners with Sameer for Smith System training in the Middle East and Africa.
2018
Smith System acquires OQSG, expanding its offerings to serve the oil and gas industry with Operator Qualification solutions.
2020
Smith System acquires Driver’s Alert, expanding its eLearning course offerings to provide an even more comprehensive library of on-demand driver and workplace safety training. As a result of the acquisition, Smith System now offers the popular ‘How’s My Driving?’ decal program.
2021
Smith System launched the Global Road Safety podcast, exploring the issues, trends, and innovations in driver safety worldwide.
2022
Smith System celebrates 70 years.
2023
Smith System acquires Driving Dynamics
Today
Today, Smith System remains the trusted global leader in crash-avoidance driver safety training. Our proven methods prevent crashes, reduce fuel and maintenance costs and — most importantly — save lives.