Information Concerning Drivers' Education

 

TO THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN :

Thank you for your interest in the summer Learn-to-Drive Program at The University of Southern Mississippi in the School of Human Performance and Recreation. We believe the program is an excellent step toward preparing teenagers to become safe and responsible drivers. We hope this brochure will answer any questions you may have.

If you need any additional information or have any questions, please call 601.266.5386 between the hours of 8 a.m. to noon or 1 to 5 p.m.

Does the Southern Miss Summer Learn-to-Drive Program meet state require­ments for driver education?

Southern Miss' program exceeds the require­ments set for driver education courses in the state of Mississippi . To meet state and insurance requirements, students must receive 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. The Southern Miss program provides students with addi­tional hours of classroom instruction and experience. All instructors in the program hold state of Mississippi teacher certifications in driver education.

What are the students taught?

Topics covered in the classroom include Mississippi traffic laws and regulations, drugs and driving, first aid in case of accident, vehicle maintenance, decision-making and seat belt education. The behind-the-wheel phase begins with the elementary driving tasks of left and right turns on a driving range before moving to streets in residential areas. Eventually, more complex driving experiences take place on suburban roads, interstate highways, and inner-city streets.

The role of the parent or guardian is a very important one. This course is an excellent step toward becoming a good driver, and we encourage all parents and guardians to reinforce our instruction at home; otherwise, the knowledge and skills learned in this course will be quickly lost. You can see that your teenager comes to class with completed assignments and with paper and pencil. Please stress to your teenager the serious­ness of this course.

Due to the potential for accidents or even death, inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Misbehavior will result in expulsion from the program and loss of the registration fee .

Does the student need to have a driving permit before the course begins?

If the student will be 15 years of age before June 2, a driving permit will be required at the beginning of class.

If the student is 14 years of age on June 2, testing for the driving permit will take place the first week of class.

What are the requirements for obtaining a permit?

Each student must be at least 14 years of age and entering the ninth grade. In addition, each student must pass a written test in order to obtain a permit. Further, both parents must sign the permit application before a notary . In single-parent households, the parent with legal custody or guardianship must sign. The form must be signed and notarized . This same form will be retained by the student and will be used to apply for his or her license.

Students 14 years of age are required to provide the following items the first day of class:

•  Certified copy of their birth certificate; photocopies are not acceptable.

•  Original Social Security card; photocopies are not acceptable.

•  Verification of attendance form from the school which they are attending; this form is only available from the school the student attends and should not be requested prior to May 9, 2008.

•  Completed application for learner's permit/driver's license; this form will be mailed once the registration fee has been received.

•  Three dollars in cash to cover the cost of the permit on the day that the student tests for his or her learner' s permit.

* The birth certificate and Social Security card will be returned to the student the day he or she is tested for the permit.

2008 Session Dates

Session 1: June 2 - June 20

8-11 a.m.

Session 2: June 2 - June 20

noon - 3 p.m.

The Learn-To-Drive Program registration fee

is $225, payable in advance.

Attendance to all classes is

mandatory by state law!

AA/EOE/ADAI

Click here to Download Registration Form