FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(click for answers)
When does Homedale School District offer Driver Education classes?
Homedale School District offers Driver Education classes each summer. The Summer 2013 session will begin May 28 and run through July 11.
Who should take Driver Education?
As part of Idaho's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) Program, you can be licensed to drive when you are 15. However, Driver Education is required for anyone under 17 years of age.
Even if you are 17 or older, you can benefit from Driver Education. Statistics show that drivers completing an approved Driver Education program are safer drivers than those who don't. Insurance companies often will offer a discount for teens who have completed Driver Education.
Who can take Driver Education at Homedale School District?
Homedale School District students who are at least 14 1/2 years of age by May 15 are eligible to register for the Summer Driver Education session.
We anticipate that we will be able to accommodate all interested students but final enrollment selection will be based on:
~ class standing (upper classmen have first priority)
~ age (older students within the class have first priority)
~ if there are openings after all HSD students are enrolled, out-of-district students will be considered
How is the Driver Education class structured?
The State of Idaho requires a minimum of 30 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving with a driving instructor, and 6 hours of observation in a driver training car.
HSD offers the classroom instruction in two ways: in a traditional classroom setting and as an online course. Students can choose the option that best fits their learning styles and time commitments. See below for details.
In-car instruction - both driving and observing - is scheduled each week and will vary from week to week. In the beginning of the class, students will usually drive for 30 minutes and observe for 60 minutes twice during the week. Later, students will be scheduled only once a week and will drive for up to 60 minutes and observe for up to 120 minutes. Consideration will be given to individual day and time preferences when scheduling in-car instruction times.
Should I take the
traditional class or the online class?
Both classes are based on the state-approved curriculum, so students will learn the same content in both classes. The main difference is in the delivery method and each has its advantages and disadvantages. For the summer of 2013, the two classes are offered at different times, as well. You and your parents should decide which class will be the most successful for you.
- Traditional Classroom
- content is presented in a traditional classroom setting with the instructor and up to 30 students
- the session begins May 28 and continues through July 11
- class meets Monday thru Friday mornings from 7:30 - 9:00 at Homedale High School
- attendance is required at all class sessions; a student who misses one or two classes can make up the class(es) at an additional cost of $20 per class; a student who misses more than two classes will be dropped from enrollment with no refund or credit of the registration fee
- this option is ideal for students who prefer the structure of the traditional classroom and are available to attend regularly scheduled class times and for students who do not have internet access
-
- Online Classroom
- content is presented online through Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) and is available 24/7 wherever internet access is available; instructor support is available by phone and email; 'class time' is flexible to work around other summer plans but several hours of dedicated time is required each week
- the session begins May 28 and continues through July 11
- weekly assignments are required
- students who fail to complete assignments on time will not be allowed to drive until the classwork is caught up; driving times will be rescheduled at an additional cost of $20 per session
- a required orientation to IDLA will need to be completed before the start of the online class and will be arranged by Homedale School District after registration for Driver Ed closes
- this option is ideal for students who have reliable internet access, busy schedules and the motivation to meet weekly deadlines; no lab time or internet access will be provided by HSD
What are the costs for Driver Education?
Cost for Driver Education is $230 per student in the traditional classroom. Cost for the online class will be determined soon but may be slightly higher. This fee covers both the classroom and in-car driver training. Payment is required at the time of registration and will be accepted at the middle school or high school offices.
Students will also need to purchase a Supervised Instruction Permit from the Idaho Transportation Department. Cost is $21.50. Permits can be purchased at the Driver's License Office in Marsing or Caldwell.
Students who need to schedule make-up classes or drive times will be charged an additional $20 per session.
How do I register for Driver Education?
Click the link at the top of this page to go to the Online Registration Form. Complete the registration form and submit. It's that easy! After completing registration, payment of the registration fee can be made at the Middle School or High School office.
How do I get the Supervised Instruction Permit?
Supervised Instruction Permits can be purchased at the Driver's License Office in Marsing or Caldwell. Cost is $21.50. Click here for office locations, hours, and contact info.
Both the student and the parent/guardian will need to go to the Driver's License Office to purchase the Permit. You will need to take the following documents with you:
~
signed Verification of Compliance (VOC) from your school's attendance clerk
~
parent/guardian photo ID
~ student Social Security card
~
student birth certificate
NOTE: if the parent's name is different on ID than on birth certificate, parent must show proof of name-change (marriage license, divorce decree, etc.)
NOTE: legal guardian other than parent must show proof of guardianship