Frequently Asked Questions About Driver Education
Who is eligible to take Driver Education within the Stanly County School system?
Full time students enrolled in public and non-public schools in the Stanly County Schools attendance area. This includes home school students.
What age and when should students register to take Driver Education?
As soon as you become fourteen and a half (14 ½) years old you should register for the Drivers Education. There are two parts to the Driver’s Education program. (1) Class room portion; (2) Behind the wheel portion. Students must successfully complete both portions of the program in order to obtain a learner’s permit in North Carolina.
Can I wait until I’m fifteen years old then take Driver Education?
Completing the class room part and the behind the wheel part can take two to three months. If you want to be able to get your learner’s permit when you turn fifteen years old, you should register for a class prior to your fifteenth birthday.
Where and when are the Driver Education classes held?
Classes are held at each of the High Schools. The sessions are held Monday through Friday from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm for two consecutive weeks. Times will vary for summer schedules.
Registration is done at each of the schools. It is the students’ responsibility to check the class schedules and register for class. Classes will be posted on the bulletin boards and announcements will be made in the mornings and afternoons.
It is the student’s responsibility to register for the appropriate class closest to their turning 14 ½ years old.
Students should contact the following individuals at the appropriate school to register or inquire about the Driver’s Education program:
Albemarle High
Karen Nixon
704-982-3711
North Stanly High
Teresa Davis
704-463-7358
South Stanly High
Loretta Swaringen
704-474-3155
West Stanly High
Sylvia Hinson or Renae Crayton
704-485-3012
Stanly County Early College High School
Donna Carrothers or Curtis Parker
704-991-0128
Gray Stone
Sherry Sherrill
704-850-4206
Can I schedule the behind the wheel portion at my convenience?
No, you will be contacted by a Driver Education Instructor a day or two before they have you scheduled to drive.
If you can not drive at that time or refuse to drive when they have you scheduled; you will be rescheduled when time is available. Failure to drive when scheduled MAY cause you not to get your permit at age fifteen.
What happens if I drop out of Driver Education, fail the class room portion or miss days in class?
If a student fails the class room portion of the program because of poor academic performance, lack of attendance or is dismissed because of unacceptable behavior, that student may be allowed to enroll in a future class if seating is available. This will only be allowed one time per student.
Do I have to take Driver Education?
Yes, it is required by the State of North Carolina if you want to get a learner’s permit or license before you are eighteen years old.
Does it cost anything to take Driver Education in the Stanly County School System?
No, this program is mandated by the State of North Carolina and funding is provided by the General Assembly to each school system for Driver’s Education.
Which comes first, the class room portion or the driving portion of Driver Education?
You must successfully complete the class room portion of the program before you can be scheduled to drive.
When can I get a learner’s permit?
When you have completed both parts of the Driver Education program and are fifteen years old.
Can a person get a learner’s permit without taking Driver Education?
Absolutely not, unless you are over eighteen years of age.
Do I have to get a learner’s permit before I get a license?
Yes, unless you are over eighteen years of age.
How long do I have to drive on a learner’s permit?
One full year from the date the permit is issued.
Who can a student drive with when he/she has a learner’s permit?
Any person who currently has a driver’s license for five years or longer and are approved by their parents.
After twelve months with a learner’s permit can a person get a license?
Yes, however; the last six months must be ticket free. This license will only allow students to drive between the hours of 5:00 am and 9:00 pm. This is called Level 2.
Defensive Driving "Driving to prevent accidents in spite of the incorrect actions of others and adverse conditions.
We ask parents to understand that with only six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, a beginner driver cannot become a polished driver. That is the mission of the parent. All we will have time to teach is basic car control. We do provide the student with the education and problem solving skills necessary for driving.
Graduated Driver’s License Law
Graduated licenses include (3) levels. (Valid until 18th birthday).
Limited Learner’s Permit
Level I -- Limited Learner’s Permit
Duration 12 months, can only drive while supervised by a parent, guardian or person approved by the DMV.
- Must be at least 15 and have completed Driver Education.
- Drive only from 5:00 AM and 9:00 PM for the first 6 months.
- After 6 months can drive any time.
- Everyone in the car must wear seatbelts.
Level II -- Duration 6 Months. Limited driver’s license
- Must have had Level I at least 12 months (with no moving violation convictions for the last 6 months.).
- Must pass an on the road driving test.
- May drive unsupervised from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- May drive after 9:00 PM only while supervised, unless driving directly to or from work, or to duties with a volunteer fire or rescue department.
- Everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt.
- Must maintain a clean driving record for 6 continuous months to receive a full provisional license.
- Only one passenger under the age of 21 unless accompanied by a supervising driver or the passengers under 21 are siblings or reside in the same household.
Level III -- Regular Provisional Drive’s License
- Can drive anytime unsupervised.
- Must have had Level II at least 6 months without a moving violation.
- Everyone must wear seatbelts. No Passenger age restrictions.
Items needed at the DMV to apply for a learner's permit or driver's license
Items required by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to Apply for a Learner's Permit
1. Birth Certificate - Certified copy from the Register of Deeds office. Photocopies will not be accepted.
2. Driver Education Certificate.
3. Mom or Dad, Legal Guardian or Step Parent to sign for students under 18.
4. $15.00 cash or check. No credit cards.
5. Arrive no later than 4:00 PM to take the written test. If they are extremely busy, the DMV may refuse to test you and ask you to return the next day.
6. Social SecurityCard.
7. Accompanying parent’s driver license number.
8. Driving Eligibility Certificate (DEC) issued by the principal or the principal’s designee at YOUR HIGH SCHOOL certifying that you are passing 70% of your courses. This is obtained after completing Driver Education.
- What Is A Driving Eligibility Certificate (DEC)?
A Driving Eligibility Certificate (DEC) is a printed document that is issued by the school principal and/or the principal's designee. The Driving Eligibility Certificate certifies the student has demonstrated adequate progress in school. This is a part of the drop out prevention law.
- Proof of insurance is NOT required to obtain a learner's permit.
Items required by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to Apply for a Driver's License
Same as above with the following exceptions.
1. Learner's permit can be substituted for the birth certificate and Driver Education certificate.
2. Go to the DMV in the AM or call to make an appointment for the driving skills test (road test).
3. Proof of insurance is required to obtain a driver's license.
DRIVER EDUCATION SIGN UP FORM
Take this form to the school office
Print neatly; unreadable forms will be discarded
Full Name: ______________________________________________________________
(As it appears on you birth certificate.)
Street Address: _______________________________City __________ Zip __________
Birthday: Month ___ Day ___ Year ______ Home Phone # ______________________
Your email ______________________________________________________________
Parents:Mother’s Name: __________________ Phone # ____________________
Mother’s Cell #: __________________ email ______________________
Father’s Name: ____________________ Phone # ___________________
Father’s Cell # ____________________ email _____________________