The classroom phase of Driver Education is the foundation of our program. This phase of the program runs concurrently throughout the semester with behind-the wheel (BTW) activities. Classroom instruction, and BTW activities paint the picture that the responsibilities of drivers on today's roads and highways. This part of the program requires your child to attend 24 hours of in the classroom instruction. Only one class can be missed, all missed time has to be made up to fulfill state requirements.
The Classroom phase is designed to give students basic information on a variety of topics related to the safe operation of a motor vehicle and more importantly how to interact with people on the road based on accepted driving practices and knowledge.
Driving is more than just maneuvering a car through traffic. A driver has to learn to interact with other users on the road and make intelligent decisions. This process takes training over an extended period of time under the supervision of both instructors and parents.
We cover a variety of topics through our readings and then apply what we know to the real traffic environment.
CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION - UNITS
Units include:
Signs, Signals & Roadway Markings
Driving Mobility & Laws
Driving in Rural Areas
Basic Car Control Driving on Expressways
Managing Risk with the SIPDE Process [ S—(Sweep, Search & Scan), I—Identify, P—Predict, D—Decide, E—Execute]
Driving in Adverse Conditions
Natural Laws & Car Control
Handling Emergencies
Performing Basic Vehicle Maneuvers
Driving in Challenging Weather Conditions
Effects of Driver Condition
Drowsy Driving
Distracted Driving
Negotiating Intersections
Environmental Challenges
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Driving
Sharing the Road with Others
Insuring a Vehicle
Driving In Urban Traffic
Maintaining Your Vehicle
Chapters to be covered in Classroom Instruction
Chapter 1: Assessing and Managing Risk
SIPDE Process
Smith Process
Chapter 2: Knowing Yourself
Chapter 3: Handling Social Pressures
Chapter 4: Signs, Signals & Roadway Markings
Chapter 5: Rules of the Road
Chapter 6: Getting to Know your Car
Chapter 7: Starting, Steering, Stopping
Chapter 8: Basic Driving Skills
Chapter 10: Driving Environments
Chapter 12: Sharing the Roadway
Chapter 13: Natural Laws and Driving
Chapter 14: Responding to an Emergency
Chapter 15: Buying a Car
Chapter 16: Car Systems and Maintenance
Chapter 17: Planning a Trip
Chapter 18: Getting Ready for your State Driving Test
Chapter 1: Assessing and Managing Risk
SIPDE Process
Smith Process
Chapter 2: Knowing Yourself
Chapter 3: Handling Social Pressures
Chapter 4: Signs, Signals & Roadway Markings
Chapter 5: Rules of the Road
Chapter 6: Getting to Know your Car
Chapter 7: Starting, Steering, Stopping
Chapter 8: Basic Driving Skills
- Moving from a curb into traffic and out of traffic to a curb
- Managing power and speed on hills and mountains
- Managing visibility, time, and space when changing lanes
- Passing another vehicle and being passed
Chapter 10: Driving Environments
- Managing visibility, time and space
- Visibility, time and space on urban streets
- Visibility, time and space on rural roads
- Visibility, time and space on multiple lane highways
Chapter 12: Sharing the Roadway
Chapter 13: Natural Laws and Driving
Chapter 14: Responding to an Emergency
Chapter 15: Buying a Car
Chapter 16: Car Systems and Maintenance
Chapter 17: Planning a Trip
Chapter 18: Getting Ready for your State Driving Test