DRIVER EDUCATION PROGRAM

Teen drivers are involved in vehicle crashes not only because they are 
uninformed about the basic rules of the road or safe driving
practices, but rather, studies show teens are involved in crashes as a 
result of inexperience and risk-taking. Teen drivers, particularly
16- and 17-year-olds, have high fatal crash rates because of their
immaturity and limited driving experience, which often result in
high-risk behavior behind the wheel. Peer pressure is an especially
potent factor. In a recent NHTSA study, teens were two-and-a-half
times more likely to engage in potentially risky behavior when
driving with a teenage peer versus driving alone. The likelihood
increased to three times when traveling with multiple passengers.

ECPS's Driver Education program is designed to teach teen drivers
the rules of the road and to help them become better decision makers, and safe drivers.  Our program is also designed so they 
can acquire the necessary driving skills to prepare for and pass the
road driving skills test and, ultimately, obtain a driver's license.

Our program is part of the Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles
Driver Education License Assistance Program (DELAP), which
assure that novice drivers are being taught information relevant to 
State requirements. Our course gives novice drivers experience
under certified DELAP instructors, with adult supervision and protection by 
gradually introducing the novice driver to more complex driving
situations. Our instructors will use their discretion to determine whether a student has met the criteria, has mastered the skills, has the maturity, and has earned the opportunity to take the Class E Driving Skills test.  With more knowledgeable and skilled teenagers, our roads may be safer for all of us. In fact, multiple studies report that Driver Education 
programs reduce the number of teen crashes.

Talk with your Guidance Counselor or contact our office for more information.

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• How much is the fee for a permit?
  The permit costs $48.00 (verify with your DMV). If your student did not pass the test in school, the first re-test at the DMV office will cost $6.25.  Every re-test after that is $26.25.
• Do I need an appointment?
  Yes, The Tax Collector's Office requires an appointment. 
• Does my parent have to go with me to the DMV?  Yes
• Can exchange students apply for a learner's permit?
  Exchange students should bring all papers (passport, green card, etc.)
• What tests are required to obtain a Florida's learner's
  permit?
  Students must pass vision tests, written road signs and rules test, have a signed consent form from parent/guardian if under 18, complete traffic law and substance abuse education course, be in compliance with school attendance if under 18, have a parent present to provide 2 proofs of residency.
• I am 18 years old and applying for my first driver's license. 
  What do I need to bring?
  First time drivers must have completed a state approved drug and alcohol traffic education course, and pass both road rules, road signs, and vision exams in a driver's license office. If the applicant also passes the road skills exam, he/she  can be issued a regular operator's license without delay.
• I have my learner's permit.  When can I take
  my driving test for an operator's license?
  Teen drivers must hold a learner's permit for one year or until their 18th birthday.  They must have no moving traffic violation convictions 12 months from issuance date of learner's permit.  A parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult over 21 years old must certify that the driver has 50 hours of driving experience, 10 of which must be at night.  You may request a driver's skills test at your local DMV office.
• Can I make an appointment for my driving skills test?
  Yes. Road skills tests are conducted at the following offices: Escambia Tax Collector, 6451 North W Street, Pensacola, FL/Santa Rosa Tax Office,
  6495 Caroline Street, Milton, FL.
• Can I take the written test and driving test at school?
  Yes. If you have not passed the written test or taken it and are involved in a driver's education class at school.  Your teacher is a trained 3rd party tester and can give not only the permit test but also the driving test to any student he feels is prepared.  He/she is not required to test all students.
• Will taking a Driver Education class help with insurance costs?
  Yes and No.  You want to inquire first with your insurance company.  Some companies offer a discount for the behind the wheel portion only, some offer discounts only if the classroom and behind the wheel are taken, and then there are some companies that do not offer any discount if the course is taken.  Additionally, we have found that students who take Driver Education online (virtual) are not eligible for the insurance discount.  Again, check with your insurance company before making a decision as to which class you enroll in.

Skills testing is available on a walk-in basis from 8:30am - 4:30pm. Lines may close early if at capacity.