The Driver Education Program consists of two parts – the classroom (Safety Education) and the Behind-the-Wheel instruction. In order to receive the special benefits of lower car insurance and receive a senior license at the age of 17½,
a student must complete both parts of the program satisfactorily. One without the other does not enable a student to get those benefits.
A. Safety Education –According to state requirements, students must complete a minimum of 30 hours to receive credit for this course. If students miss more than 5 periods per marking periods, they will fail that marking period because of the Pennsylvania State requirements. Excused absence time may be made up by arrangement with the teacher. Academically a minimum grade of 60% is required to pass this course.
The classroom instruction attempts to familiarize the student with the following things:1. Responsibilities of a driver
2. Variables that effect a person’s driving performance
3. Knowledge of safe driving practices
4. Alcohol and drugs – affects on the body and driving ability
5. Recognition of potential hazards
6. Methods to handle special situations
7. Laws controlling traffic
8. Good car maintenance proceduresB. Behind the Wheel – This part of the program is optional. Students who want this instruction must pick up an application in the high school office or from the driver education teacher. Students must have obtained the learner’s permit and paid the driving fee before they will be scheduled for the instruction in the car. This
driving fee is subject to revision each year. The amount will be listed on the parent permission form each year.
The instruction in the car is designed to expose students to a variety of driving experiences. It includes driving on rural roads, on highways, and in town. Driving on limited access roads is also included. Depending on the student’s progress, instruction will include parallel parking and other advanced driving maneuvers. Each student receives 6 hours of driving instruction – this does not include the time a student is in the car observing another student drive.
Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, the District will no longer fund Behind-the-Wheel training. Parents/guardians may contact Wilson Driving School at (877) 856-7786 to schedule training for their teen driver at their own expense. This training is offered at a significantly discounted price for all of Ephrata students. Please note that if parents/students decide to schedule and pay for the individual training, students may still be picked up at the high school during school hours for training.