Drivers Ed Parent Information

INTRODUCTION

With the introduction of the new Driver's Licensing Laws in the State of Hawai'i, students who are 15.5 to 18 years old, now must meet much more stringent requirements to obtain a driver's license.  The major portion being a State Certified Driver's Education Course and Road Time with a Certified Driving Instructor and parents before getting a license.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Parent & Student Orientation attendance.
  • 30 hours class time.
  • 6 hours "behind the wheel" drive time, per student.
  • 50 hours driving with parents (includes 10 hours of night driving), a "Drive Log" must be completed. A notarized form must also be completed, verifying the "Drive Log".
  • The student must be at least 15.5 years old before taking the course.
  • Parent Permission form must be signed before student starts classes.
  • Student must have a Social Security Number.
  • Student must have a driver's permit.

 

CLASS TIME

* Parent/Student Orientation (mandatory)
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 5:30 – 6:15 p.m., Castle Lecture Hall
 Class time November 9, 2009 – December 2, 2009
Mondays to Fridays (3:30 – 5:30 p.m.)
(There will be no classes on Wednesday,November 25 through Friday, November 27.)
Behind the wheel time 
 Arrange days/times with instructor
 Course tuition  $500
 These sessions will include the required 30-hour class time and 6 hours behind the wheel drive time with a certified instructor.  Registration is limited to 20 students.

* Important - A student who fails to attend the orientation with his/her parent(s)/legal guardian will not be allowed to take the course.  The Dean of Student Life or a Boarding Representative will attend the orientation with boarders.

INSTRUCTOR

The instructor of this program is Mr. Takeshi Hiruma who has had special training for this important work and is certified by the State Department of Transportation.  He will provide instruction in the correct driving methods and make sure that each student demonstrates good driving skills.  The in-car instruction is given in a special vehicle, which has a brake pedal on the right side for the instructor's use and is equipped with restraint systems, extra rear-view mirrors, and other special safety devices.  Adequate insurance coverage is carried for this vehicle and all those who use or ride in it.

It is essential for a student driver to get as much practice time behind the wheel as possible.  Some of this time will be provided by the instructor, however, as a parent you will be required to accompany and supervise your child for at least 50 hours.  A Hawai’i New Driver Skills Log has been prepared to assist you in documenting your child's at-home driving practice sessions.  We recommend two or three 20-30 minute practice sessions per week after your child has completed Lesson Two with the instructor (provided that your teenager has obtained his or her driver's permit).  However, perhaps more important is the example you set for your child as a licensed driver.  You can help your child benefit the most from this program by driving the way you want your child to drive.

The attached Permission form must be completed and signed before your child can be selected for the course.

We hope that our driver education course, along with your guidance and encouragement, will help produce a young person capable of driving in a safe, responsible, and courteous manner.