Background Info

Safety Education is the classroom version of Driver Education and is offered as a required class at Apple Valley High School; this course also covers CPR as part of the curriculum.  To earn a permit before age 18 the state requirement is that each student must have 30 hours of face-to-face classroom time, or at least 15 hours completed and be on the way to completing 30 before taking the permit test.  After earning a permit the state requirement is that each student must drive 6 hours with a Licensed Driver Education Instructor after school, on weekends, or during the summer.  Students are also required to drive and log 50 additional hours (15 at night) with a responsible supervising driver, most likely a parent or guardian, before getting a license. 

Students who wish to earn their Learner's Driving Permit should enroll in Safety Education during the trimester they turn 15 years old; most students in class are 9th or 10th graders with an occasional 11th or 12th grader.  Students with summer birthdays can be enrolled in the spring before they turn 15 or in the fall after, it depends on preference and academic ability although it is best to take the permit test during or just after they complete the classroom portion as the material will be fresh. 

BEFORE ENROLLING; Driving is a massive responsibility and it's important to have a serious family conversation about driving before enrolling in this class and working towards earning a permit. Statistically speaking, if you die before the age of 35, it will likely be in a car crash. A key factor in driver safety is responsibly, not necessarily driving ability.  Responsible people are generally responsible drivers, resulting in fewer driving incidents, and fewer insurance claims. Insurance companies know this and it is why they offer better rates to people with higher FICO scores, and students with higher GPAs. A potential driver should demonstrate responsible qualities, for the safety of everyone on the road.