1. Driver Ed Course Requirements  Driver Ed is an elective course taken primarily by 10 th grade students who are 15 years of age or older.  All students taking Driver Ed must have a valid learner’s license.  A copy of the learner’s license is required for each student and will be kept on file with the Driver Ed teacher.

2. Overview of Driver Ed  Statistics show that over half of all drivers in Alabama will be killed or injured in an automobile crash at some point in their driving career.  More than 1100 persons die in motor vehicle crashes each year in Alabama.  Of all drivers involved in fatal crashes, over one-third are between the ages of 15 and 25.  Because of these statistics the ALSDE recommends that beginning drivers complete the “Driver and Traffic Safety Education” course.

3. Goals of Driver Ed  The goal of the Driver and Traffic Safety Education program is to learn safe and responsible driving within a variety of environments.  This goal is attained through classroom instruction, and actual hands-on or performance based driving experience in a vehicle under the supervision of a certified driver education teacher.

4. Driver Ed Course  This course emphasizes the development and improvement of driving skills.  This course enables drivers to become more capable of handling situations that arise in today’s complex driving environment.  This course will help students develop the appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for survival in the highway transportation system.

5. Class Room Phase The goal of the Classroom Instructional phase is for students to learn the fundamentals of safety and responsibility within the driving environment.  Highway License Requirements  Traffic Laws  Responsible Ownership  Driving Procedures & Maneuvers  Factors Related To Youthful Driving  Physical & Mental Impairments  Other Highway Users  Driving Environment  Boating Safety

6. Behind The Wheel  A performance based approach gives beginning drivers actual driving experience under the supervision of a Driver Ed teacher.  Students will learn to be proficient in basic vehicle control in a variety of environments.  Students will learn to demonstrate driving skills using the S.I.P.D.E. and Smith System.

7. Behind The Wheel Skills  Pre-Start Checks  Starting The Vehicle  Putting The Car In Motion  Driving Forward  Driving Backward  Stopping  Turning  Parking  Meeting Traffic  Passing  Rural Driving  Urban Driving  Express Way Driving