FALL 2024
FALL 2024 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Click here to apply for the scholarship.
**Only students currently enrolled in a Fall 2024 Driver Ed course at Astronaut, Space Coast, Edgewood, or Viera should apply**
Brevard Public Schools Driver Education
BPS Fall 2024 Driver Education is a course designed to help new drivers learn the rules of the road, understand how to operate a motor vehicle, and become responsible drivers. The course will be offered at the following locations only; Astronaut, Edgewood, Space Coast, and Viera. The semester long course covers topics such as traffic signs and rules of the road, collision avoidance, safe driving practices, vehicle controls, risk awareness, driver wellness, vehicle safety technologies, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and adverse conditions and emergencies. They will receive classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel instruction, and driving practice on our driving ranges. Students will be expected to practice their driving skills outside of class as well. Refunds will NOT be issued for students who fail to meet course requirements.
Registration Information:
Students are expected to have their Learner's License (permit) by the first-class session. Students will not be permitted to remain in the class if they do not have their permit.
All students registering for Fall 2024 Driver Ed must:
be currently enrolled as a Brevard Public Schools student.
be age 15-18 years old at time of Application Submission
currently hold a Learner License Permit (or have one by the first day of class)
Course Fee- The fee for the course is $150.00. Scholarships are available. The link for the online scholarship application can be found above on this site.
Payments will be made via Cash, Money Order, or Certified Check made out to the school in which the student is taking Driver Ed.
Requirements for All Students
Must be a Brevard Public School student at time of enrollment (rising 9th through 12th graders)
Pay all fees or have Scholarship approval letter.
Have a Florida Learner License (Permit) on the first day of class.
Attend class each day.
Complete all homework assignments including driving logs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the minimum age?
A student must be 15 to take Driver Education.
What is the cost?
There is a $150.00 charge for the class which covers gas, equipment, supplies and maintenance of vehicles.
Does it meet state D.A.T.E. (Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco Education) requirements?
The class meets the state requirements for drug and alcohol education: D.A.T.E./T.L.S.A.E. (Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education). The D.A.T.E. class is waived for those with a waiver from Drivers Education. However, this only applies to students who take Driver Ed during the school year, not the summer since for summer they are required to already have their permit.
When is licensing?
A restricted license can be obtained after taking the high school course in which the student takes and passes the Driving Skills Exam (Road test). At the Driver's License Bureau, students who take and pass the Driving Skills Exam during their Driver Ed course will take an eye exam; pay the license fee; and be issued their license. Please be advised that the DHSMV does have the right to re-test any of our students.
What are the under the age of 18 requirements, known as the Justin Marksz Teen Safety Act?
Hold a learner's license for twelve months without any traffic convictions.
Have a parent/guardian certify that the teen has driven a minimum of 50 hours, including 10 hours at night to receive an operator's license.
All vehicle occupants under the age of 18 must wear a seat belt.
To obtain a learner’s license applicants must:
Be at least 15 years old.
Take an approved course in traffic laws and substance-abuse education, take a Driver Education class offered at one of our participating high schools, or take an online course offered by a private company.
Pass written/online, driving and vision tests.
Have the approval of a parent or guardian.
Bring two forms of identification to the tax collector office, including one of the following: an original or certified copy of a U. S. birth certificate, a U. S. passport (can be expired) that is not expired, an alien registration receipt card ("Green Card’’ Form I551), an employment authorization card issued by the U. S. Department of Justice (Form I688b), or proof of nonimmigrant classification provided by the U. S. Department of Justice (Form I94). Second form can be Social Security card.
Drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and sits in the front passenger seat.
Observe designated driving times. (Daylight driving only; three months after license issuance teen can drive until 10 p.m.)
Avoid accumulating 4 points or more on his driving record within a 12-month period. Violators will have their license restricted for one year. This period is extended for 90 days for each additional point accumulated during the restriction.
To obtain an operator’s license applicants must:
Be at least 16 years old.
Have the approval of a parent or guardian.
Pass a driving-skills test or present a waiver from a driver-education class. (Might be required to take driving skills test at driver's license office)
If 16 years old, refrain from driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless there is a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat or they are going to or coming home from work.
If 17 years old, refrain from driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless there is a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat or they are going to or coming home from work.
Avoid accumulating 4 points on their driving record within a 12-month period. Violators will have their license restricted for one year. This period will be extended for 90 days for each additional point accumulated during the restriction.
Zero tolerance for substance abuse or alcohol use:
Any person under 21 who drives with a blood- or breath-alcohol level of .02 will have his license suspended immediately – six months for the first offense and one year thereafter. A refusal to submit to a breath or blood-alcohol test will result in an automatic suspension for one year for the first refusal and 18 months for subsequent refusals.
What about insurance discounts?
A reduction in insurance rates of between 5 to 10% may be available.
You Can Lose Your Driving Privilege
At 15, 16 or 17 years old ...
•If you receive 4 points on your driving record within a 12-month period, your driving privilege will be automatically restricted to business purposes only for 12 months or until you are 18, whichever happens first
•If you receive additional points during this restricted period, the restriction will be extended 90 days for each additional point.
Some driving violations and the points:
Speeding
1. Less than 15 mph over the speed limit-3 points
2. More than 15 mph over the speed limit-3 points
3. Speeding resulting in a crash-3 points
Moving Violation
1. Moving violation (includes driving during restricted hours)-3 points
2. Moving violation resulting in a crash-3 points
3. Reckless driving-3 points
4. Improper Lane change-3 points
Driving Is a Privilege - Don't Lose It
Most teenagers dream about getting their driver’s license. Having a driver's license opens up a whole new world to teens including new choices, responsibilities, and an increased sense of freedom. However, car accidents are the leading cause of death for 15–20-year-olds, accounting for forty percent of all teen deaths in the US. Teaching your teen to be a safe, careful driver can make all the difference.
Here are a few tips:
Provide lots of supervision.
Start off with small trips to build up their confidence.
Provide a safe, easy to maneuver, vehicle with good tires.
Give your teen gentle, constructive feedback of their driving as they are just learning.
Set realistic goals, expectations, and consequences for your teen driver. If you make rules, stick to them.
Make sure your teen knows exactly what to do in the event of an accident.
Know the rules of the road for Florida. Study the Florida Driver Handbook with your teen. Discuss proper and safe driving as often as possible.
Set a good example. Reflect on your own driving habits and make sure you are providing a safe, lawful model of a good driver. Your teens are watching you and will mimic your behavior.
Being involved will make a difference. Driving is a privilege — make sure that your teen driver knows it. Before you hand over the keys, clearly spell out your expectations for good driving behavior.
Check out AAA's Keys2Drive Guide to Teen Driver Safety Linked Below
Mollie Vega, Director-Secondary Programs
Vega.Mollie@brevardschools.org
321-633-1000 ext. 11310
Danielle O'Reilly, Content Specialist
K-12 Health/PE, Driver Education, and JROTC
oreilly.danielle@brevardschools.org
321-633-1000 ext. 11387