Guidelines For The Course

Selection of Students

• Students must have reached their 15th birthday before the first day of class.
• Selection will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• The number of students selected will not be more than 14 per class.

Classroom Instruction

• Each student is to receive a minimum of 30 classroom hours.
• Orientation Class: Besides regular classes, there is an Orientation Class requiring at least one parent to attend with the student. This is scheduled during an evening (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM) prior to the first regular class. You will be notified of this time by phone or mail. Driving schedules and classroom hours will be reviewed during this session.
• The final test will be administered during the last class.

Absenteeism

• Simply put, students cannot miss a class.
• If an absence occurs, state regulations require that the student make up the missed class within two months of the original course.
• There will be an additional fee for making up missed class(es).
• Students missing classes will not receive their Course Completion Certificates until all requirements are met.

Driving Hours

• Once driving schedules are determined, students are responsible for being on time.
• Every effort will be made to provide written, updated schedules to prevent miscommunication.
• Students can drive during study halls provided their parents sign a release form and provide a note on the day the student is to drive.
• Driving partners may be assigned based on each student's available schedule.

Evaluation

• Students must maintain at least a 70% grade on classroom work.
• Students must score an 80% grade on the final exam.

Parents Ride Along

Parents have the option to ride in the Driver Ed car. This helps the parent see firsthand how the instructor teaches the concepts of safe driving. It also gives parents ideas on how to interact (i.e., understanding the "ground rules") with their student driver once the driving permit is issued, making for a smoother transition.

The Portland Trip

This trip is designed to give students an opportunity to experience driving in Maine's largest city. It is scheduled with another driver so they can share the experience. Emphasis is placed on city and expressway driving, as well as parallel parking. The trip includes eating lunch at a fast-food restaurant at the mid-way point. This trip is usually scheduled during driving hours 8 and 9 and lasts for 4½ hours.

Enrollment Cost & Refunds

• The cost for Driver Education is subject to change; please call for current rates.
• Full payment is due on Orientation Class night.
• There will be no refunds after attendance to the first class.

Additional Driving Instruction

This is designed for any community members who wish to "upgrade" their driving skills. The rate is $70.00 / hour.