Homedale School District offers a single session of Driver Education class each summer. Typically, the class begins right after school is out and runs for six weeks. Exact dates and times are determined each year and will be available in March.

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.

Homedale School District students who are at least 14 1/2 years of age by May 1 are eligible to apply for the Summer Driver Education session. Applications will be available beginning in April.
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

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.

Both classes are based on the state-approved curriculum, so students will learn the same content in both classes. The only difference is in the delivery method; and each has its advantages and disadvantages. You and your parents should decide which 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
  • 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
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• 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
  • 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

Cost for Driver Education is $230 per student. This fee covers both the classroom and in-car driver training. No payment is required (or accepted) during registration. When registration closes and the class lists are finalized, payment will be accepted at the middle school or high school offices.

Students accepted into the class 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.