Driver Education

Thank you for your interest in our Driver Education Program.  Please carefully read this letter as it explains information and policies of our program.  I believe it will answer most of your questions. 

What is Driver Education? 

• New York State Driver Education is a course implemented via a joint partnership between the New York State Education Department (NYSED), and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  This course is intended to educate High School students at least 16 years of age on appropriate driving skills and habits as well as playing a responsible role in the highway transportation/safety system.
• The program consists of 16 classes, each three-hours long, consisting of 1 ½ hours of driving and 1 ½ hours of lecture.  Course total breaks down to 24 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of behind the wheel driving, and 18 hours of in car observation.   
•  Students successfully completing all elements of driver education are eligible to receive a MV-285 certificate which grants them a “Senior License” at age 17 instead of 18 and allows them an insurance discount up to 25%. 

Classroom Expectations

• All classes take place at Our Savior New American School located at: 140 Mark Tree Road, Centereach, NY 11720.  Students are to be dropped off and picked up from our school as no transportation is provided. 
• All students are expected to behave in a respectful manner to all instructors and classmates during both lecture and car instruction. 
• Students may not possess or use drugs, alcohol, drug paraphernalia, e-cigarettes, vaping material, or any other dangerous or illegal items.  
• We reserve the right to remove any student who is disruptive or violates instructional policies in anyway.  Failure to adhere to all rules of conduct may lead to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the program without refund.

• For safety, students must wear shoes with backs or a supportive strap during driving sessions.  Flip flop, slides, or any other non-backed shoe are not permitted.  Any student wearing these types of shoes will not be permitted to drive and will have to make up the class.
• Cell phone usage during driving is strictly forbidden for students both driving and observing as it violates driving safety laws and may lead to disastrous consequences.  Parents should refrain from calling students during class time.  Lecture teachers may allow students use of their phone when they deem appropriate and, when necessary, students may excuse themselves from lecture to make a short phone call.  
• Students are to bring their permit, a notebook, a pen/pencil, and any other materials given by the lecture teacher. 
• Students must adhere to driver vision safety rules and wear prescription contacts/glasses while driving.

Attendance Policy

No more than 2 absences are allowed. New York State
regulations require students to make up all missed class / driving time before the end of
the session. Students who fail to make up missed time or exceed 2 absences will not
be eligible to receive a completion certificate (MV-285) and will not receive a refund.

Refund Policy

We do not offer refunds. In the event of extenuating circumstances
please contact the administrator. Any refund requests must be received before the start
of classes to be considered.

Questions 

• Please email driver.education@osnas.org for quickest response.