DRIVER EDUCATION PROGRAM

Escambia County Public School's (ECPS) 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 students can acquire the necessary driving skills to prepare for and pass the road driving skills test and, ultimately, obtain a driver's license.  Our Fall and Spring semester Driver Education courses count for a .5 elective credit, and are offered during the school day, for the entire semester.

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 behind the wheel, 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 approx. $48.00 (verify with your DMV). If a student did not pass the test in school, the DMV office will charge for the test.
• Do I need an appointment?
  Yes, The Tax Collector's Office, DMV, 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.) and follow all DMV rules.
• 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.
• 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?
  Contact the DMV office for details; be sure you verify the location and information from the unique office of your choosing. 
• Can I take the written test and driving test at school?
  Yes. If students are enrolled in an ECPS's Driver Education course they are eligible to take the Class E Knowledge test (written, permit test).  Each Driver Education teacher is a trained 3rd party tester and can give not only the permit test but also the Class E Skills driving test to any student he/she feels is prepared.  He/she is not required to test all students; the decision is based upon the teacher's discretion, and the student's maturity, ability, readiness.
• Will taking a Driver Education class help with insurance costs?
  This is dependent upon your insurance company.  You want to inquire 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.