Driver's Ed availability will have to wait for school to reopen

In 2008, 6,428 teens were killed in car accidents. In 2017, 3,255 teens were involved in fatal crashes. In 2018, a total of 2,476 teens died in car crashes. An AAA Foundation study revealed key differences between teens who receive driver’s education and those who do not. Driver ed reduced crashes by 4.3% and convictions by nearly 40%. Teens who complete driver’s education programs not only scored higher on the driving exam, they also demonstrated greater long-term knowledge over their peers who did not take driver’s ed.

Before the campus shutdown, the DDHS driver’s ed course included a morning and an afternoon class. The district owns six cars for six different instructors. Students can choose the desired instructor. One of those instructors includes John Green-Hite.

¨I try to make it enjoyable or they will never remember it,¨ said Green-Hite.

When school reopens, and if classes don't fill, students not enrolled at DDHS can still gain a spot in the class. Classes are available to all grades. Students will meet after school all year long. Students must have a driver's permit or license and spend 33-34 hours in the classroom, six hours observing, and six hours driving. Required fees include $200 for students ages 15-17, either in or out of the district, with an instructional permit. Fees for licensed and/or 18 years old before the end of session cost $400 , and $125 for free and reduced lunch students age 15-17, proof required. One of the benefits of David Douglas drivers ed is that students can choose a partner, another student, they would like to drive with.

¨I tell them try to find somebody you know,¨ Green-Hite said.

There are behind the wheel assignments to be completed after drives with their partner and at home with their parent/guardian.

¨Practicing driving makes better drivers,¨ said head drivers’ ed instructor Joe Gardner.

Seventy-four-year-old retired driver's ed examiner Greg Lundquist was trained and certified by the DMV to offer tests for drivers to earn their licenses. He’s been providing free lessons for approximately six years after his retirement.

¨I would take it because if it's free, it's free,¨ said freshman Montse Torres.

Lundquist’s reason for providing free lessons is simple.

“As a follower of Jesus, I need to do what Jesus did,¨ Lundquist said. ¨It’s that simple.¨

COVID-19 has kept Lundquist from providing lessons. When he's allowed to continue, students can sign up for one of his lessons if they have an insured car and a permit. Lundquist will then set up a date and time for the lessons and meet them where they live. He’s clear on the best part of his job.

“When I get a phone call and they say, ‘Hey, I passed’,” he said.

Another driver’s ed option is through local community colleges. Before COVID, PCC offered classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction for teens and adults. The behind-the-wheel instruction and in-car examination were anticipated outside of the classroom times and have extended beyond the last day of the class. The Oregon DMV will waive the Drive Test for all 15-17-year-old teen students who successfully complete this ODOT approved Driver Education course. It costs $330 for lessons. Pacific Driver Education Private School is another option for driver’s ed courses. Students must be under 18 and must acquire a driving permit. It is a three-part course that includes 30 hours of classroom instruction, 12 hours of behind-the-wheel instructions, and parental involvement. ODOT requires that all students drive with a licensed adult driver for a minimum of five hours of the driver’s education course. Required fees include $485 with an additional $75 discount if the student qualifies for free and reduced lunch.