About Driver's Education

Program Description

Class sessions and behind-the-wheel labs are available during fall, winter and spring terms. Classes meet once a week (after school or evening) for 10 weeks. Behind-the-wheel labs take place once a week (weekends or after school) in 1 ½ hour sessions for eight weeks during fall, winter, and spring (Sisters and La Pine lab times will vary in length from 1 - 3 hours). All labs support two students per car. (Bend and Redmond will also have two 5 week summer sessions.) The dates and times are listed on the registration site  and on the class calendars.

Eligibility/Cost

Students must be 15-17 years of age with a valid Oregon instructional permit and must register and pay the program fee of $295.

Students who meet the following criteria must pay the program fee of $295 plus an additional fee of $210 for a total of $505*:

• If student is age 18;
• If student has a driver's license; or
• If student obtains a driver's license during the class session

 *ODOT does not reimburse the $210 for students meeting these criteria.

Registration

Registration is available on-line. Payment may be made using Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. On-line registration must be received  prior to parent night.

If paying by check, register online and send check to:

Certificate of Completion

To earn an official ODOT certificate of completion (qualifies for insurance discounts with some companies and counts for 50 hours of practice driving when students get their license at the DMV), students must attend and pass 30 hours of classroom and 12 hours of behind-the-wheel training/observation.

Absenses/Refunds/Make-up Fees

All absences must be made up. Make-up sessions will not require an additional fee if they are fulfilled during regularly scheduled class times. (Additional classes for make-ups will be scheduled during the summer terms.) A $25 per session fee will be required per session if an instructor must be hired to meet with students outside of the regularly scheduled class time.

Refunds must be requested in writing with the following information: #1 reason why the refund; #2 to whom the check should be made to and where it should be sent; and #3 a phone number to verify the request. Refunds must be requested at least 7 days before the start of the class to receive a full refund. Any refund after the start of the program will be prorated. All refunds have a $10 refund fee. If a student becomes ill during the class and is not going to be able to finish the class at a later date, the program will refund the full amount if requested by the parents.

Failure in the Classroom or Behind-the-Wheel

Students must attend all of the classes and any missed time, must be made up. They must turn in all assignments; turn in the driving log; and  pass all class work, tests, and drive tests with an 80% or better. Disruptive students may be dropped from the program with no refund. If a student has a learning disability, we will help in any way, but they must be able to demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the curriculm. Behind the wheel students must be able to meet or pass the check list.

Funding

Funding for the Drivers Education program comes from two sources: students' tuition and reimbursement from the Oregon Department of Transportation. The local school districts do not fund the program, but classroom space is provided free of charge.

Mission Statement

To provide quality drivers education and training that meets or exceeds the requirements set by the Oregon Department of Transportation. With the completion of the course, the students will be equipped with information, habits, and skills to successfully begin their driving career. The program will be offered year-round to provide more flexibility for students, families, and busy schedules.