Driver Education
Elective Instruction
Adopted: 6-14-2023
Philosophy:
The South Sanpete Board of Education recognizes the value of the driver education program in the overall development of students. The Driver Education classes are to help prepare students to be aware of responsibilities and skills as a driver.
Policy:
The District hereby establishes driver education in the District, as outlined in this policy, to help develop the knowledge, attitudes, habits, and skills necessary for the safe operation of motor vehicles.
- Driver Education
District driver education shall follow the requirements set out in the statute and in Driver Education for Utah High Schools Organization, Administration, and Standards.
Utah Code § 53G-10-502(2) (2021) Utah Admin. Rules R277-746-2 (December 9, 2021) 2021 Driver Education Law & Policy
- Instructor Endorsement
Educators who act as driver education instructors must have and maintain a driver education endorsement from the State Board of Education.
Utah Admin. Rules R277-311-3 (January 8, 2021) 2021 Driver Education Law & Policy 13-14
- Age for Written Testing
A District school offering driver education shall allow each enrolled student to take the written test when the student is 15 years and 9 months of age. In addition, the school may permit a registered student to take the written test when the student is 15.
Utah Code § 53G-10-502(1) (2021) 2021 Driver Education Law & Policy 16
- Components of Driver Education
Driver education shall consist of a classroom portion of instruction and a behind-the-wheel and observation portion of instruction.
Utah Code § 53G-10-501 (2019)
- Classroom Training
The classroom training portion of driver education will consist of the instruction following the rules established by the State Office of Education, which will take place in [in a regular class during school hours] [in-class instruction held at the school outside of regular school hours], [through home study] [through community education classes]. [One or more options may be selected. These options are permissible under Utah Code § 53G-10-508 (2021).]
Utah Code § 53G-10-508 (2021)
Utah Admin. Rules R277-746-2 (December 9, 2021)
2021 Driver Education Law & Policy 17-22
- Behind-the-Wheel Training
The District will provide the behind-the-wheel and observation portion of driver education following the rules established by the State Office of Education.
Utah Code § 53G-10-502 (2021)
- Funding
Driver education in the District shall be funded through student fees and funds from the Automobile Driver Education Tax Account. However, for these purposes, the cost of driver education does not include the full-time equivalent cost of a teacher for each driver education class taught during regular school hours or the cost of classroom space and maintenance.
Utah Code § 53G-10-503(1)(a) (2021)
The Board of Education will set the student fee required to participate in District driver education. The fee is determined by considering the costs associated with providing driver education that is not covered by reimbursements from the Automobile Driver Education Tax Account. In addition, student fees shall also take into account costs, which are not covered because of students obtaining a waiver of driver education fees.
Utah Code § 53G-10-503(7) (2021)
2021 Driver Education Law & Policy 9
The District shall submit the student reporting form required by the State Board of Education for reimbursement of driver education costs from the Automobile Driver Education Tax Account to the State Board of Education driver education specialist. This form shall be submitted each year on January 15 and July 15.
Utah Code § 53G-10-505 (2019)
2021 Driver Education Law & Policy 9