Please read:  The Application Process  It's NEW 4/08!

An Application and Policy Statement is available here in WORD format: for 2008
...also available in Acrobat Reader (pdf) format
A calendar for 2008-2009 school year is available here in WORD format: Calendar
APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED FROM ALL OF CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Class cost  -  $735.00  -  Subject to Change.

"A Parent's Survival Guide to Driver Education"
written by Russell S Floyd

    Parent involvement in driver education is a must if there is to be complete training of a new driver.  The six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction a new driver receives in the State of Vermont falls far short of the amount of time needed to learn to drive on todays roads and highways.  Therefore, a minimum of 50 hours of adult supervised practice is required (more is suggested) with at least ten of these hours at night by every student enrolled in a course offered by Driver Education of Vermont. 

What I hear, I forget
What I see, I remember
What I do, I understand
                                     Kung Fu Tzu (Confusius) 451 BC

Today's (?) translation:
....ever tried just telling a teenager to do something.....?
....what they see "us" do, they'll do.... at yellow lights... at stop signs...!
....allow them to practice and have them explain what's going on, then LEARNING will just happen!

    To better inform the adult of this requirement there are optional ParentNites to introduce the "coaching adult" to the required practice sessions. This night will introduce you to "Parent Survival Guide to Driver Education" and assist you in developing a structured practice agenda.  Please follow the link (ParentNite) above to get the dates and times for the next meeting.  A request form is available to requisition additional information and to sign up for a guide, teacher's kit, or to one of the ParentNites.  Enrolled student's parents will receive a free guide at the ParentNite.

    On the dashboard above there are links to helpful "Tips". Please read these before you head out on a practice drive.  On the "Techniques" link you will find  assistance for parallel parking, hill starts, timing, cornering, turn-arounds, and beginning clutch control. I hope these will be of assistance to you and your new driver.  The "Contracts" link will give you a sample of a Parent/Teen contract.  This will assist you and your teen to "set the rules" in the unlikely event that a heated discussion takes you both by storm.  The link to "ParentNite" will give you dates, times, and a link to the "Request Form" where you can sign-up for additional materials.  

    A new addition to this site is Safety 16 Company's "Student Driver" Magnetic Safety Sign.  As owner and founder Roland A. Marinello tells us:

    "Learning how to drive should be a safe experience.  It's that simple. However, as a parent of two teen-aged boys, I quickly became aware of the risks associated with teaching our teens how to drive an automobile once a learner's permit is in hand.  And, although professional auto schools use many safty features (including sinage, passenger brake systems, and additional rearview mirrors) parents are encouraged to help train their new driver without the use of safety equipment specifically designed for that purpose.
    As a result of my concern for the safety of parents and students, I founded Safety 16 Company in 1991 to promote the use of the Student Driver Magnetis Safety Sign, which was developed by Safety 16."

    I welcome Roland and Safety 16 as a friend of Driver Education of Vermont.  I have used Roland's signs with all my classes and strongly recommend them in your program as well.  Parents (and teachers), in my opinion this is a MUST HAVE on a vehicle being driven by a new driver.  Please order one today.

    If you feel other tips, techniques, and accessories should be on this site please let me know.